As your place of comfort, it’s important your home is safe and secure. Because home security tends to have the stigma for being overdone and expensive, many people forego all home security, leaving their home vulnerable to burglaries. However, adding security to your home can be done through easy tasks that won’t have you shelling out the big bucks.

There are plenty of budget-conscience ways to protect your home, beginning with home alarms:

1. Alarm Systems

Home security systems often seem expensive because they’re outfitted with top of the line bells and whistles you may not want or need. Most security companies, like Monitronics Security, offer basic security systems that simply alert you when an intruder has entered the home. In fact, you can even install your own security system if you’re feeling up to the task. Either way, whether it’s installed by a company or it becomes a DIY project, a system can provide you with the peace of mind that you’re home is protected.

2. Dog

One of the simplest ways to protect your home is with a loyal companion like a dog. Because dogs are protective over their families, they become fantastic built-in home security. Most burglars are detered by a barking dog or a dog sign because they do not want to risk being attacked by an animal. Some of the best protective and family-friendly dogs are German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Saint Bernards.

3. Lock Up

Forgetting to lock your doors and windows can be an easy habit to fall into, especially if you feel like you’re in a secure neighborhood or complex. Regardless of how secure you feel in your area, locking your doors and windows should always be a priority. It’s a simple security measure that can protect you from an attack, as a significant number of home invasions occur because owners forget to lock up. Additionally, be sure to lock up immediately upon entering your home. Burglars tend to look for those who are distracted or vulnerable and prey upon unsuspecting people who just entered their home.

4. Keep Quiet

While social media posts offers everyone the opportunity to see what their friends and family members are up to, it also offers burglars the knowledge of your schedule. Try to be vague about your plans, saving your pictures and detailed posts for when you’re back in town. Likewise, skip tagging your location on your photos and status updates. This allows burglars to know when you’re not at home and gives predators a specific location to find you.

5. Security Signs

An inexpensive way to deter burglars is to place a security company sign in your front yard. Most burglars will by pass a house with security and look for one less threatening. Law enforcement officials confirm this theory time and again, for most burglars are not willing to call the bluff.

You can never be too careful with your own safety, thus take precautions around your home.