It’s common for homeowners to use the garage as the main entry-way to the rest of the house. But have you considered that if the garage is a convenient way for you to get into the main house, it might also be a convenient entry-point for somebody who you don’t want to access your home? It’s surprisingly common for burglars to enter the home through the garage. Not only should you make sure that your garage is secure to prevent burglars from getting into your home, it’s also important to make sure that the expensive items stored in the garage itself – like tools, car parts, and sporting equipment – are safe. Take a look at some of the steps you should take to help ensure that your garage is secure.
Disable the Overhead Door
You probably have an automatic garage door opener that can only be opened with your garage door remote – or so you think. It’s actually shockingly easy for a home invader to get past your automatic door opener with a coat hanger or piece of wire. All they need to do is thread the wire through the top of the door and pull the emergency release lever, and they’ll be able to open the door and walk in.
You can prevent this from happening by disabling the release lever or removing the cord. You can also lock the release lever by using a zip-tie to tie the lever to the carriage assembly. That way, you can cut the zip-tie and use the release lever yourself if you need to, but it can’t be easily bypassed with a coat hanger from outside.
If you’re going away on vacation, you may also want to disable the door entirely by putting a padlock through one of the holes in the garage door track. While this may not be practical when people are coming and going several times a day, but it’s an easy way to lock the garage down when you’ll be away for awhile.
Remember the Basics
You would probably never leave your house key in plain sight outside of the house or leave a window open in the living room when you go to work. It’s important to keep these basic safety measures in mind when it comes to your garage as well.
If you park your car in the driveway, make sure that you don’t leave the garage door remote inside of your car. It’s too easy for someone to break into your car and snatch the remote, giving them unfettered access to your home. Make it a habit to bring the garage door remote inside every time, even when you pull your car into the garage. That way, you won’t forget when it counts.
If your garage has windows, make sure that they’re shut and locked at night and when you’re away from the house. You may even want to cover the windows with tint or put up shades or blinds. This can reduce the temptation to steal by making sure that your garage valuables aren’t visible.
Secure Your Garage Interior
Make sure that you’re protected even in the worst-case scenario. If somebody does make it into your garage, keep them out of the house and away from your most valuable items.
Make sure that the door connecting your garage to the house is sturdy and has a secure lock, and don’t forget to lock it at night or when you leave. Invest in a sturdy garage cabinet with a lock, and keep your most expensive tools or other valuables in there so that they’re more difficult to steal.
Keeping your garage secure is an important part of home safety and knowing that your garage is safe gives you the freedom to use it any way you like. For more great garage design ideas, contact us and schedule a free design consultation. 
