Your front door is one of the most important access points to your home. Fortunately, improving its security can begin with one simple step: use the deadbolt every time you close the door.
This month’s Pro Tip comes from Chad Dawald, Regional Vice President at Alert 360, who reminds homeowners that strong security starts with consistent everyday habits. These deadbolt home security tips can help make your entryways more difficult to force while supporting a more complete home protection plan.
Why Deadbolt Home Security Matters
A standard door latch is primarily designed to keep a door closed. A deadbolt creates an additional locking point that helps reinforce the door against forced entry. However, even a high-quality deadbolt cannot provide its full benefit if it is damaged, poorly aligned or left unlocked.
That is why homeowners should inspect exterior doors regularly. The deadbolt should extend completely and smoothly into the strike plate without requiring you to push, pull or lift the door. If the lock sticks or does not fully engage, the door or hardware may need adjustment.
7 Deadbolt Home Security Tips
1. Lock Every Exterior Deadbolt
Use your deadbolts whenever you leave home and before going to bed. Keep the routine consistent, even if you are only stepping away briefly or live in a quiet neighborhood.
2. Check the Fit
Turn each deadbolt and confirm that it extends fully into the doorframe. A bolt that only partially engages may not provide the level of reinforcement you expect.
3. Inspect the Hardware
Look for loose screws, damaged locks, misaligned strike plates and cracks around the doorframe. Repair or replace worn components before they become a larger security concern.
4. Rekey After Moving
Rekey or replace exterior locks when you move into a new home. Previous owners, contractors, neighbors or service providers may still have copies of old keys.
5. Stop Hiding Spare Keys Outside
Do not leave a spare key under a mat, inside a planter or above the doorframe. Instead, give a spare to someone you trust or consider an Alert 360 smart lock that supports personalized access codes.
6. Consider Nearby Glass
Glass near a lock can create additional security considerations. Ask a qualified locksmith or security professional which options are appropriate for your door while preserving a safe and code-compliant emergency exit.
7. Keep Emergency Exits Accessible
Everyone in the home should be able to unlock exterior doors quickly from the inside during an emergency. Review the process with children, older adults and overnight guests.
Add Smarter Access to Your Front Door
A strong deadbolt provides an important physical barrier. However, a connected lock can add greater control and awareness to your front-door security.
Alert 360 smart locks offer keyless entry, remote access and real-time alerts. Depending on the equipment and services selected, homeowners can:
- Lock or unlock a door remotely.
- Check whether the door is secured while away.
- Create personalized or temporary access codes.
- Receive notifications tied to door activity.
- Adjust or remove codes when access needs change.
These features can be helpful for families managing children, guests, housekeepers, pet sitters or service providers. Individual access codes also offer a more controlled alternative to distributing physical keys.
See More of What Happens at Your Door
A deadbolt helps secure the door, while a smart video doorbell helps you see and communicate with visitors. Alert 360 video doorbells offer HD video, two-way audio and mobile alerts. Custom activity zones and smart notifications can also help you focus on relevant front-door activity.
When compatible devices work together, homeowners can view a visitor, speak through the doorbell and manage connected locks or other security features from a mobile device. As a result, the front door becomes part of a broader connected-security experience.
Build Layers of Home Protection
No single lock, camera or sensor provides complete protection by itself. Effective home security uses several layers that work together.
Alert 360 can combine secure entry habits with professionally installed door and window sensors, motion detection, video doorbells, security cameras and 24/7 professional monitoring. The Alert 360 app can also bring compatible security and smart-home devices into one connected platform.
Explore Alert 360 home security systems to learn how sensors, mobile alerts, connected controls and professional monitoring can support a more complete approach to protection.
Make Your Front Door Part of a Complete Security Plan
Take a few minutes this week to inspect the deadbolts on every exterior door. Confirm that each lock works properly, repair damaged hardware and talk with your family about locking and arming routines.
Then, consider whether smart locks, door sensors, a video doorbell or security cameras could strengthen your current setup. Alert 360’s local security experts can help design a system around your property, routine and security needs.
Review available Alert 360 home security packages or request a free security consultation today. A safer home starts at the front door, but the right layers of protection can help secure the entire property.