Creating a safe home environment
includes more than just installing good locks on your doors
or setting up security systems. This article will help you
keep your home as secure as possible.
 Reinforce doorframes. You may have a steel-clad
door and a dead bolt, but this doesn't necessarily mean an
intruder won't be able to find his way in, especially if the
front door is mounted in a fragile frame.
 To check for this problem, examine the gap between
the door and frame. If the space is more than 1/16 of an
inch – or if the door can be easily pushed or moved side to
side – some reinforcement may be required. Any type of gap
is a welcome opportunity for intruders to pry open the door.
 Remove the door's interior molding and nail wood
spacer block at a few spots between the wall stud and the
doorframe to reinforce the frame. Also do this in places
adjacent to the strike plate and where hinges attach.
 If you come across rotten wood in any frame
members, the framework will need to be replaced. This is
especially important around the lock.
 If you desire more peace of mind, install security
cameras at the front and back doors so you can keep an eye
on who comes knocking, especially at night or when a family
member is alone at home.
Windows
Windows are just as important as doors when it comes to home
security, but unfortunately, many people leave their windows
vulnerable to intrusion. Luckily, safeguarding your home's
windows is not a difficult task.
Begin by examining your windows in more detail.
This includes all the windows in your house – in the
basement, garage, and even on the second floor if they can
be reached from the ground. Make a list of all the windows
and note their type and lock.
Most homes require new locks after such an
inspection, so if you have decided that your current devices
are too weak, replace them with safer alternatives. But make
sure that you also keep fire safety in mind when installing
certain locks, so that family members can escape if need be.
Windows that are more susceptible to a break-in
than others may require more than just good locks. If this
is the case, install windows with impact-resistant acrylic
or polycarbonate glazing, or with high-security glass. If
you care more about safety than appearance, a metal grille
on the outside of the window or a scissors-type security
gate on the inside can provide a great amount of protection. |
