Home Security Tips
We are fortunate to live in relatively safe city. That said, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Here are some tips for deterring would-be burglars.
Doors. Ensure all exterior doors are solid core or metal doors. Install high quality deadbolt locks with one-inch throw bolts. Use a heavy-duty, four-screw strike plate with 3-inch screws to penetrate into your wooden doorframe.
Sliding doors. To limit side-to-side movement, use something to block the track such as a piece of wood or commercially available device. To prevent doors being lifted out of their tracks, install through-the-door pins or upper track screws.
Windows. Keep windows locked and install security bars on basement windows. For sliders, install screws half way into the upper track of the movable glass panel to prevent it from being lifted out in the closed position.
Lighting. Make sure outdoor lighting is in working order. Use solar powered garden lights to illuminate dark spots in the yard. Install motion sensitive lighting around the perimeter of the house. Trim back foundation shrubs that could shield a burglar trying to pry open a window or door. When going away on vacation, use lights on timers inside the house to create the impression of occupancy.
Alarm systems. Of course installing an alarm system is a great idea. Sometimes even an alarm company sign is enough to deter a crook.
Part of our “alarm system” consists of our two dogs that bark like crazy at any strange sight or sound. While they might not stop someone intent on breaking in, most burglaries are crimes of opportunity. The barking dogs would be enough to make a burglar move on to a quieter house.
Doors. Ensure all exterior doors are solid core or metal doors. Install high quality deadbolt locks with one-inch throw bolts. Use a heavy-duty, four-screw strike plate with 3-inch screws to penetrate into your wooden doorframe.
Sliding doors. To limit side-to-side movement, use something to block the track such as a piece of wood or commercially available device. To prevent doors being lifted out of their tracks, install through-the-door pins or upper track screws.
Windows. Keep windows locked and install security bars on basement windows. For sliders, install screws half way into the upper track of the movable glass panel to prevent it from being lifted out in the closed position.
Lighting. Make sure outdoor lighting is in working order. Use solar powered garden lights to illuminate dark spots in the yard. Install motion sensitive lighting around the perimeter of the house. Trim back foundation shrubs that could shield a burglar trying to pry open a window or door. When going away on vacation, use lights on timers inside the house to create the impression of occupancy.
Alarm systems. Of course installing an alarm system is a great idea. Sometimes even an alarm company sign is enough to deter a crook.
Part of our “alarm system” consists of our two dogs that bark like crazy at any strange sight or sound. While they might not stop someone intent on breaking in, most burglaries are crimes of opportunity. The barking dogs would be enough to make a burglar move on to a quieter house.
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