Home Security

How to

    Make no mistake, burglary is a hazard to any home.  So what can you do to prevent burglary to your home?  Remember that burglars are looking for an easy target.  There are 12 steps that you can take to make your home less easy to enter for the would be burglar.  Here is what you can do to protect your home and valuables:

1.  Install high quality dead bolts on all exterior doors.  A knob lock alone provides privacy and convenience, not necessarily security from a potential burglary.  A dead bolt lock provides greater security by the use of a solid bolt.  The word "dead" means that there are no springs to operate the bolt.  Therefore the lock cannot be sprung open by a swift blow to the door or a slip of a credit card, as is the case with a knob lock alone.  The dead bolt must be manually locked and unlocked.

2.  A deadbolt should also be installed on doors leading into an attached garage.  Once inside the garage, a burglar can work uninterrupted at getting into a home.  A dead bolt would prevent this easy attempt.

3.  The door should equal the quality of the lock.  A good lock will stand up to a lot of force, but that won't prevent entry if the door can be kicked in.  Replace any entry door that is constructed with a hollow wood core.  Solid doors provide better strength, and metal doors are best.

4.  If the doors have glass panels, the dead bolt should be a double cylinder type.  A double cylinder type means the cylinder can only be operated with a key on the inside and the outside.  A single cylinder dead bolt is operated by a thumb turn that can be operated easily by breaking through the glass.  However, keep a key to the dead bolt at least one foot from the door in case of fire.

5.  Install a one-way peephole on your main entry door.  You should know who is there, and how many, before you open the door.

6.  Use high security door strikes and secure the strike into the framing stud.  The screws should extend into the framing stud, not just into the door jamb.  You should use at least four, three inch screws.

7.  Have the locks replaced or rekeyed when you move into a new home or apartment.  You never know how many relatives, friends, or employees have keys to your new residence.  Don't take chances that they will not try to use their old keys.

8.  Don't hide a key under a mat or in the mailbox.  These will be the first places a burglar will look.  If you must leave a key nearby, keep it with a trusted neighbor.

9.  Trim shrubs near doors and windows.  Tall shrubs provide a hiding place for a burglar and should be kept trimmed low and at least 2 feet from the home.

10.  All entrances should be illuminated.  Exterior lights and/or motion lights provide the necessary illumination.  Keep all lights located high enough to prevent tampering.

11.  Keep windows locked.  Windows should remain locked when not in use.  Always check that windows are locked after service personnel, sales people or house guests have left.

12.  Equip sliding glass doors with proper locks.  A sliding glass door is typically secluded from public view, making it a perfect place for burglars to enter.  Install a key operated slide bolt or "Charley Bar" in the inside track of the patio door.

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