Residential SecurityThieves and vandals depend on people who don't take preventative measures. Look at your home through the eyes of a burglar, are there hiding places where they could break in and not be detected? Have you installed proper locks and security grills? Are you doing what you can to protect your family, your home and your property? DoorsIf the entry doors to your home are not secure, neither is your home. Construction: Ideally all exterior doors should be solid-core construction 1-3/4" thick or an insolated metal door and should have a good quality deadbolt property installed. Door frames should be of solid construction as well, and should have a proper security strike plate. Avoid hollow core and glass doors.
Glass Panels: If your home has a window within 40" or arms length of an exterior door lock, the glass in the door or window should be fitted for security grills. WindowsWindows pose a definite threat to home security. Locks usually can be pried open with ease, so your best bet is to install secondary locks on all your windows. There are several different commercial locks available to homeowners, ask your locksmith. Another reinforcement method is "pinning." Commercial pins are available but large nails can also be used in its place. Drill a 3/16" hole through the inside window frame and into but not through the outside frame. The window is secured by placing a large nail (or pin) through the hole.
One of the most common points of window entry for
burglars is the basement window. Windows hidden by
bushes or trees give intruders an ideal place to
work unseen. All basement windows should have
security grills installed on the inside. There
should be at least one opening type for emergency
egress and windows that are seldom used should be
permanently secured.
LocksA good lock is the key! Popular key in knob locks are not very effective. Use a good quality deadbolt with a 1" throw on all exterior doors including the door between the house and garage. It is a very good idea to have your locksmith install high security locks on your home. Patio doors are often targets for burglars and thieves. They are often the hardest points in the home to protect against entry because they incorporate all the weak points of both doors and windows. Most patio doors can be lifted out of their tracks and set aside. To prevent this, install metal screws in the upper track. They will fill the space above the door and make it impossible for the door to clear the lower track. Patio doors can also be pinned or locked like a window, but a better method is to use a security bar on the door. Ask your locksmith for a demonstration. Garage and Vehicle ProtectionGarages are a favorite target for burglars. Be sure windows are curtained so thieves can't window shop or check to see if your car is there. The door between your house and the attached garage should swing inward, be solid core or metal and equipped with a good deadbolt lock. Use a good padlock for the garage overhead door track and use it when away for extended periods of time. Always be sure to keep your garage locked, even when you are at home. Protect your vehicle and yourself! Most vehicle thefts are the result of owner's carelessness. It follows then, that most vehicle thefts can be avoided.
House Exteriors
Going Away?Use these tips to protect your home and belongings when you're not there.
Vacations
Additional Checks
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