Few know the importance of home safety and security like Em Schulz and Christine Schiefer. Since 2017, the duo has been hosting the true crime and paranormal podcast “And That’s Why We Drink,” the 200th episode of which was recorded in December.
Over the past four years, Schulz and Schiefer have heard and researched thousands of stories about terrible things happening to people in their own homes, which has solidified the importance of taking all possible home security precautions.
They both pointed out that there are plenty of affordable, low-tech, and commonsense home security practices to follow that can prevent home invasions. Home security vulnerabilities are often created by just overlooking the basics.
“People will look for a window, an easy entry point; an unlocked door or a sliding door that isn’t locked. Really just the basic stuff you don’t necessarily think about, or you might just forget one night,” Schulz said. “Just lock the door, that’s the big thing.”
Schiefer says it’s important to trust your gut when it comes to making decisions about safety, whether at home or on the go. To friends and podcast listeners, she often recommends reading Gavin de Becker’s “The Gift of Fear,” which discusses the human body’s natural safety instincts.
“We’re taught to override those,” Schiefer said. “He tells you how to trust when your body is telling you, ‘Leave this situation, leave this room, this person can’t be trusted,’ even when your mind is telling you everything’s fine.”
Latest and greatest
There’s never been more options for tech and tools on the marketplace that can help you protect yourself, your family, and your home. Schulz recommends window glass sensors and window film for securing access points and improving privacy.
“The window glass sensors are for if the window opens or if glass breaks, there’ll be an alarm,” Schulz said. “The window film is kind of like a blackout privacy thing, so people can’t see through your window.”
Some other deterrents for home invaders are smart lights that can be activated remotely to make it look like you’re home, and smart doorbells that let you see who is at your door or around your property.
The key with all of these things is to remember to activate them, and to continue listening to your body’s safety instincts.“I have a home security system, and if I look in the doorbell and see somebody I don’t recognize, I’m probably not going to open the door, even though it might be rude when they see me in the living room,” Schiefer said. “Don’t be friendly just because society tells you to. Prioritize your safety above making other people feel comfortable.”