Don’t Let Security Get Spooky: 7 Security Mistakes to Avoid This Fall

Don’t Let Security Get Spooky: 7 Security Mistakes to Avoid This Fall

Fall brings cooler weather, shorter days, and the beginning of a busy holiday season. It’s also a great time to take a closer look at the security of your home or business.

Small security issues can easily go unnoticed during the year. A camera gets bumped out of position. An old employee still has an active access credential. A side entrance doesn’t lock quite as securely as it used to.

Before the holiday rush begins, take a few minutes to make sure these common security mistakes aren’t leaving your property more vulnerable than it needs to be.

1. Leaving Dark Areas Around Your Property

As the days get shorter, areas that were well-lit during the summer may now be dark during your normal evening routine or business hours.

Take a walk around your property after sunset and pay attention to entrances, walkways, parking areas, garages, loading areas, and side or rear doors.

Proper exterior lighting can improve visibility and help your security cameras capture clearer footage.

2. Forgetting to Check Your Security Cameras

Installing security cameras is only the beginning. Their position and condition should be checked periodically.

Make sure landscaping, decorations, signs, or other objects haven't blocked important views. Clean camera lenses and review recorded footage to make sure you're getting the image quality and coverage you expect.

Don't forget to check nighttime footage, too. A camera that looks great during the day may perform differently after dark.

3. Using Outdated Codes and Access Credentials

When was the last time you reviewed who can access your property?

Businesses should periodically review employee codes, key cards, fobs, and other credentials. Access for former employees, vendors, or contractors who no longer need entry should be removed.

Homeowners should also consider updating codes when circumstances change, particularly if temporary codes have been provided to contractors, service providers, or guests.

4. Overlooking Secondary Entrances

The front door usually gets plenty of attention, but what about the rest of the property?

Side doors, back entrances, garages, basement doors, storage areas, and other less frequently used access points can easily be overlooked.

Check that doors and windows close properly, locks are functioning, and applicable sensors are working as intended.

5. Letting Landscaping Block Visibility

Fall landscaping can create security issues you may not immediately notice.

Overgrown shrubs, tree branches, and other vegetation can obstruct security cameras, lighting, windows, and sightlines around a property.

As you're completing your fall yard maintenance, take a look at your property from a security perspective. Trimming vegetation around cameras, lights, and entry points can help maintain better visibility.

6. Not Preparing for Increased Deliveries

The holiday shopping season is right around the corner, which often means more packages and deliveries arriving at homes and businesses.

Consider how deliveries are handled at your property. Video doorbells and security cameras can provide additional visibility around entrances and delivery areas, while businesses may also benefit from reviewing access procedures for vendors and delivery personnel.

Planning now can help you establish better routines before deliveries increase.

7. Waiting for a Problem Before Reviewing Your Security

One of the easiest mistakes to make is assuming that because your security system worked when it was installed, it still meets all of your needs today.

Properties change. Businesses grow.

Have questions about your current security system or considering an upgrade? Contact Reliant Security to learn how we can help protect what matters most.