Home Security Information

Do you worry about how safe you are in your home? Burglaries, home invasions, fires and natural disasters are common concerns for homeowners, but you don’t have to live in fear. Advances in technology have taken home security to a whole new level, creating systems capable of monitoring every nook and cranny of your house and sending alerts to the proper authorities when something is amiss. With a range of options available from many different companies, you can build a comprehensive network to secure your entire home.

Statistics show how important it is to have a solid plan for keeping your home safe. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 3.7 million homes are broken into and 1.03 million homes are invaded each year. Most burglaries take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and at least one resident is in the present during 1 million of these incidents. About 58 percent of burglaries and unlawful intrusions involve some kind of forced entry, and burglars make off with an average of $2,251 worth of property each time. Click here for the Best-Selling Home Security Products.

Even if you live in an area prone to these types of crimes, it’s not necessary to turn your house into a fortress to avoid becoming a victim. These 10 security essentials can give you and your family peace of mind whether you’re at home, out for the day or away on vacation.

Home Security Systems

The growing popularity of smart home devices is making the burglar alarm a thing of the past. Basic alarms do provide some protection and can deter potential intruders, but true security comes from having your entire home covered by a system with multiple components working together to monitor everything going on inside and out.

Both wired and wireless security systems are available. One advantage of a wireless setup is it can’t be disabled by severing physical connections. These systems also require less work to install, and you can often set them up on your own.

Whether you choose a hardwired security system or go with the wireless option, look for the most comprehensive system possible. Basic home security includes a control panel with a keypad or touch screen and a few sensors to protect the most vulnerable places in your home. To ensure the highest level of safety, add sensors to detect when windows or doors are opened, glass is broken or valuable belongings have been tampered with. Make sure the company providing your system offers 24/7 professional monitoring services to guarantee the proper authorities are notified the moment a sensor goes off.

A smart home system with both security and environmental alerts is the best option if you want to know everything going on in your home when you’re not there. You can access devices in these systems using an app on your smartphone no matter where you are and set up customized alerts to inform you of suspicious activity. Environmental sensors warn you of fires, floods or carbon monoxide leaks. Other features may include the ability to control lighting, view live streams from security cameras or set special alerts to monitor the safety of family members.

Modern home security systems can be customized to cover homes of any size and protect a range of valuable items. Look into DIY options to get started on your own, or get quotes from highly rated professional security companies to have someone help you design and set up the right system.

Window Security

Almost 30 percent of burglars enter homes through unlocked windows or doors, so the most basic thing you can do to ensure the security of your windows is to keep them closed and locked. Upgrade your basic locks to something stronger and more visible, such as a deadbolt or pins, to show burglars you mean business.

The material you choose for your windows makes a big difference in security. Look for tempered glass to reinforce windows against breakage, or invest a bit more for safety glass. Also known as laminated glass, safety glass consists of two glass sheets with a vinyl layer between them. Since it can’t be broken with a single blow, your security system will alert you to the presence of a burglar long before the glass gives way. For those on a budget, easy to install security window film is another cost-effective option.

Plexiglass and polycarbonate are strong alternatives to regular glass. If you can afford the investment, polycarbonate is the most secure option. With 250 times the impact resistance of safety glass, polycarbonate windows are unlikely to be breached by the average burglar.

When setting up your home security system, be sure to include window sensors and alarms for additional protection. Alarms emit loud noises when windows are disturbed, startling burglars and letting you know someone is trying to break in. If someone attempts a home invasion when you’re out of the house, you’ll receive a signal on your mobile device. You’ll also be notified if you forget to close a window so that you never accidentally leave your home vulnerable.

In addition to these security measures, consider investing in heavy curtains or blinds to conceal the contents of your home from prying eyes.

Door Security

Although burglars are often portrayed as sneaking around, looking for a stealthy way to enter a home, 34 percent actually come in through the front door. If this seems hard to believe, consider how little thought most homeowners put into the security of the door they use most. Many front doors have decorative windows with glass an intruder can easily break and simple lock mechanisms with no extra reinforcement.

If your front door or any other door in your home has these vulnerabilities, it’s time for an upgrade. Doors should be made of solid materials so that they can’t easily be kicked in. Strong wood is a common choice because it’s both sturdy and aesthetically pleasing, but reinforced steel security doors are the most secure option. Choose a door without a window, but look for one with a peephole to allow you to identify visitors when they arrive.

Deadbolt locks with an ANSI grade of one are the highest quality deadbolts you can buy and provide much more security than basic locks. Biometric locks take home safety up a notch by requiring a fingerprint before letting anyone enter the house. You can create a backup system with a lock designed to operate only from the inside and lock it whenever you’re at home.

Decorative sliding glass doors should be made of the strongest glass possible and secured with a dowel or bar placed in the track. Special safety bars are also available. If your home is older and has a door a burglar could easily take off of the track, invest in a metal pin to hold it in place.

Home Security Cameras

Adding cameras to your security setup lets you monitor activity inside and outside of the house. Cameras can cover any area, so you’re not limited only to obvious places like the front door or back patio. If your budget allows, install cameras in as many areas as possible for complete coverage, and opt for smart models so that you can tap into the feed from your mobile device whenever you want.

Outdoor cameras must be weather-resistant and should have infrared or night vision features to capture clear images in the dark. Look for cameras capable of delivering high-resolution images so that you’ll have clear footage to show the authorities should an intruder enter your home. Cameras with wide-angle lenses and the ability to rotate on their mounts give you the most expansive views.

Adding indoor cameras lets you capture more than footage of burglars. Unfortunately, sometimes the people you trust to clean your home or perform repairs are less than honest, and without a camera, you may not know what they’re up to until long after they make off with your valuables. You can also use indoor cameras to check on your kids if they get home before you do or to monitor the house when you’re away on vacation. Choose multi-room or whole-house cameras for the best coverage.

Simply having cameras installed can make burglars think twice about targeting your home. If someone knows he or she could be caught on tape, your house immediately becomes a less attractive prospect.

Home Security Lighting

Shadows are every intruder’s friend. Homes with limited outdoor lighting provide a lot of places to hide and make it much easier to slip inside undetected. However, being surprised by a floodlight fitted with a motion sensor is more than a little shocking and is likely to cause a burglar to panic and leave.

There are many other ways security lighting can be used to eliminate shadowy areas, including:

• Installing photocells designed to switch on when outdoor light levels are low

• Using landscape lighting to brighten up trees and shrubs

• Lining paths with decorative lamps

• Placing lights in entryways, over the garage, in the backyard and near the patio, pool or deck

When choosing your lights, make sure you get enough to cover the entire perimeter of the house. This not only serves to keep burglars away but also ensures you’re safe on days you come home after dark. Make sure all outdoor lighting can stand up to the most extreme weather conditions in your area.

For indoor lighting, consider investing in smart timers you can control with a mobile app. Standard timers create a predictable cycle of light, and observant burglars will quickly realize you’re not at home when the pattern doesn’t change from day to day. With smart timers, you can control exactly when lights turn on or off to mimic the regular activities of your family. The more you can make it look like you’re at home when you’re not, the safer the house will be.

Home Safes

Most homeowners purchase safes to protect important documents and valuable belongings from fires rather than theft. Both are important to consider when purchasing a safe for your home. The material must be flame-resistant and strong enough to endure an assault from a determined thief, meaning you have to look for two types of ratings.

Fire ratings communicate how long a safe can withstand certain temperature levels without becoming too hot inside. For example, a safe with a rating of “UL Class 350 1-hour” won’t exceed 350 degrees inside after one hour of being exposed to temperatures of 1,700 degrees. The rating you choose must be appropriate for what you plan to store inside, especially if some of your belongings are made from materials with the potential to be damaged in high heat.

TL ratings tell you how long a safe can be battered using common tools before it gives way. If a safe is rated TL-15, this means it will take a burglar at least 15 minutes to bust it open using force. The highest classification is TL-30×6, indicating a burglar would have to attack the safe for half an hour using everything from hand tools to drills before a breach could be made.

To keep burglars from breaking into your safe, choose an advanced lock mechanism with an electronic keypad or a fingerprint reader. Consider installing your safe in a wall or bolting it to the floor so that burglars frustrated with trying to break the lock don’t simply walk off with the whole thing.

Fire Safety Tips

Every room in your home should have a smoke alarm. Place these in easily accessible areas, and test them on a regular basis. Change the batteries once a year or whenever alarms fail to respond during testing. Alarms should be replaced every eight to 10 years or as indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions. When making smoke alarms part of your smart home system, look for models designed to contact the local fire department when a fire is detected so that help will be on the way even if you can’t get to a phone to call 911.

Alarms can be ionization models to detect flaming fires or photoelectric to sense smoking or smoldering. Fires can be as hot as 100 degrees at floor level and 600 degrees at eye level, and smoke can be the deadliest factor in a blaze. Because of this, dual-sensor alarms are the best option for keeping you and your family safe.

Create an escape plan to get the family out of the house quickly if a fire ever occurs. Practice it often, making sure everyone knows at least two routes out of every room and understands where you should meet once outside. Never install locks you or your kids can’t open quickly in an emergency, and make sure your kids know how to escape through doors and windows on their own should it ever be necessary.

Home Invasions

According to U.S. Legal, a home invasion is “an unauthorized and forceful entry into a dwelling.” More than half of home invaders use force to get inside, and all such intrusions involve the intention to commit a crime. Whether or not you’re at home when it happens, any instance in which someone goes into your house without your permission counts as a home invasion.

Criminals often gain entry into homes by pretending to be from legitimate companies or working with organizations collecting information or raising money. This is why you should never open the door for any unexpected visitors, even if they seem genuine. When you are expecting a professional to perform a service, always ask for ID before letting them in.

The best way to prevent a home invasion is to make all your security measures as visible as possible. When potential burglars see a house outfitted with imposing doors, strong locks and multiple cameras, they consider it to be a “hard target” and will look for an easier mark. Having a dog also acts as a deterrent, since dogs make a lot of noise and may be trained to attack when their owners are threatened.

If your home is ever invaded, you must have a quick way to contact the police. Keep your cell phone on hand at all times so that you can make an emergency call, or use the panic button on your security system. Some home security devices will automatically alert the police when a break-in occurs, and having a professionally monitored system ensures the proper authorities will arrive on the scene when you need them.

Self Defense

Knowing how to take a defensive position in the event of a home invasion is critical. Having self-defense skills means you can protect your house, your belongings and your family as well as yourself, and you’ll also be able to fend off potential attackers in other situations. U.S. citizens are legally allowed to use force to defend themselves from attackers, so you should never hesitate to do what’s necessary to prevent someone from harming you or other members of your household.

Some of the best methods for self-defense include:

• Getting and staying in good physical shape

• Taking self-defense or martial arts classes

• Carrying pepper spray wherever you go

• Carrying a tactical flashlight

• Keeping a club or baseball bat close at hand in your home

• Learning how to use a weapon, such as a tactical knife, stun gun or firearm

If you’re not comfortable with potentially lethal weapons, other options are available. Bean bag guns, for example, shoot bean bags at high speed to surprise and knock the wind out of home invaders without inflicting serious damage. Always check local laws and ordinances regulating weapons and obtain the appropriate permits for any defensive items you purchase.

Emergency Preparedness

Disaster preparedness is just as much a part of home security as the measures you take to prevent burglaries. You never know when a fire or wildfire may flare up, and severe weather like tornados, hurricanes or winter storms can plunge you into an emergency situation you didn’t expect.

Instead of panicking in these situations, you can respond with a level head if you make plans in advance. Understand the types of disasters you’re at risk for in your area at different times of year, and look at resources such as Ready.gov for detailed help in putting together emergency kits and other essentials. Basic emergency kits should include:

• First aid items

• Food and water

• Reliable light sources

• Blankets

• Extra clothing

• Money

• Copies of important papers

• Essential medications

• A multi-tool

• Work gloves

• A fire escape ladder

• Duct tape

• Nylon rope

• Baby wipes

Add emergency numbers to your cell phone, and always have a way to charge your devices even when the power is out. Outfitting your home with an automatic generator gives you a backup source of power on which you can rely, but it’s also a good idea to have a solar-powered charger tucked into your emergency kit to ensure you’re never without a connection to the outside world.

When you have a comprehensive plan for home security, you don’t have to worry about burglaries, home invaders or disasters. A strong security system and a plan to prepare you for emergency situations allows you to rest in the assurance of knowing your home is protected and you’re ready for any situation.

Putting all ten elements together takes work, but if you approach your security planning one step at a time, you’ll have everything in place before you know it. Determine the equipment you need, research home security companies and get assessments for the type of system best suited for your home. Get your family on board with disaster planning, and look for self-defense courses in your area. Remember to check your system and review your plans regularly to stay sharp and ensure you’re always protected.

Home security is a worthy investment for your safety and peace of mind. Choose your setup wisely to create a secure haven where you and your family can live free from fear and worry. Click here for more Home Security Resources & Articles.

Home Security Systems

A good home security system can offer you peace of mind and an added layer of protection. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, an estimated 1,515,096 burglaries happened in the U.S. in 2016 for total property losses of $3.6 billion. The National Council for Home Safety and Security reports that homes that do not have security systems have a 300 times greater chance of being burglarized than homes that have systems installed. Installing an alarm system in your home can offer you multiple benefits, including a reduced risk of criminal victimization, added peace of mind, protection for your family and your belongings, and insurance discounts.

Despite the benefits, only about 17 percent of homes in the U.S. have alarm systems installed, according to a report in the New York Times. By choosing to install a home security system, you can reap the benefits that they have to offer. However, it is important that you understand both the benefits of alarm systems as well as the different types that are available so that you can choose the system that will best meet your needs and your budget. 

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• Guardline DA1000 Wireless Driveway Alarm

Insurance Discounts For Having an Alarm System

In addition to providing you with a feeling of greater safety and protection, a key benefit of installing an alarm system in your home is the insurance discounts that you can enjoy. Insurance company representatives encourage homeowners to install home security systems while touting the benefits that they offer. When a system is installed, burglars are less likely to attempt break-ins and may move along rather than risk being caught.

A survey that was conducted by the Electronic Security Association of the 10 biggest insurers in the U.S. found that they offered premium discounts on average of up to 20 percent for the installation of home security systems. The largest discounts were given to homeowners who had monitored systems installed in their homes. According to Zacks, homeowners insurance premiums can range from $300 to $1,000 per year. If you receive a premium discount on your insurance for installing a monitored alarm system and receive a 20 percent discount, you could potentially enjoy savings on your annual insurance premiums of $60 to $200 annually. While your insurance savings will likely not completely pay for the cost of monitoring, it can defray it, making your home security system more affordable. You should check with your insurance company to find out the discounts that it offers for home security systems so that you can find out how much you might save.

In addition to protecting your home for would-be burglars, modern alarm systems offer added monitoring and additional protection. Most home security systems also offer monitoring for such things as smoke, fire, water and carbon monoxide. These features may be available with more comprehensive monitoring packages from different home security systems. Since insurance companies may be forced to pay out substantial amounts of money in fire loss claims, they are incentivized to encourage you to install alarm systems that have these added features.

Home Security System Components

A basic home security system consists of several core components. These include the following items:

Control panel

Magnetic contact alarms for doors and windows

Motion sensors

Alarm siren

Keypad

There are other components that might also be useful, including indoor and outdoor security cameras, glass breakage sensors and yard signs and window stickers. All of these components work together to help to keep your home secure. The control panel is the central computer that works to arm and disarm your security system and to communicate with each individual component. If there is a breach, the control panel sounds the alarm and alerts the monitoring company. The keypad is used to program your security system and to key in passcodes to enter the home and to arm or disarm your system. Door and window sensors detect when the doors or windows are opened and communicate that information to the control panel when the system is armed.

Indoor and outdoor security cameras are add-on components that are not generally available with the most basic systems. They can be useful to record areas of your yard that might be used by intruders or to record areas of your home such as entryways. Finally, window stickers and signs in your yard can alert strangers that your home is secured, helping to deter people who are thinking about committing burglaries.

How Many Alarm Sensors Do You Need?

The number of alarm sensors that you need will depend on the size of your home. A basic system may only come with one or two door and window sensors. If you have a larger home, you will likely need to consider adding more sensors. According to The Spruce, you might save money by choosing fewer door and window sensors. However, leaving one door or window unguarded may provide an entry point into your home for burglars. It is best for you to install sensors on all of your doors and windows, including your garage door and windows that you have upstairs. Count your exterior doors and windows to determine how many sensors you should purchase with your home security system for the best protection. You can shop around and ask for discounts to make certain that your system will fit your budget, including with all of the sensors that you need to protect your home.

Wireless vs. Hardwired Security Systems

Home security systems are available as hardwired and wireless systems. While hardwired systems may initially cost less, the costs of installation may outweigh any savings you might have on the initial purchase of the components. There are benefits and advantages of each type of system, which we will cover here.

Hardwired Systems

Hardwired security systems use wires to connect all of the components to the control panel. Traditional hardwired systems also relied on landlines. These systems may cost less initially, but the cost savings can be quickly swallowed by the installation costs. If your home has not been prewired for a home security system, installing a hardwired system will require significant drilling and running wires throughout your home. If you live in a historic home, a home with a lot of interior brickwork or are a renter, a hardwired system may not be the best option for you.

Since these systems often rely on landline telephones, you might also want to opt for a wireless system if you do not have a landline telephone. Hardwired systems may be more reliable in some circumstances than wireless systems that depend on your WiFi or cellular connection. However, burglars may be able to disarm some hardwired systems by cutting your telephone line…The Advantages Of A Hard Wired Home Security System.

Some systems are a combination of wired and wireless features. For example, you might have a wireless control panel and sensors combined with a hardwired connection to your landline. Alternatively, your system might have hardwired sensors and a hardwired control panel that uses a cellular signal to communicate with the outside world. Finally, some hardwired systems rely on a landline connection but have a backup with your cellular signal in case the phone lines are down or are cut.

Wireless Systems

Wireless alarm systems may cost more for the components than hardwired systems. However, they are much simpler to install. If you choose a wireless system, you will not have to worry about drilling into your walls and running wires. Wireless home security systems are normally portable, allowing you to take them with you if you move and install them in your new home. Wireless systems use radio transmitters to communicate with the components and your home’s broadband internet connection to send signals when the alarm is activated. The systems may also use cellular signals to communicate information to the monitoring station. Some wireless systems also offer interactive monitoring via the internet so that you can monitor your home from wherever you might be on your smart device… Choosing and Installing a Wireless Home Security System.

Wireless systems may have batteries in each component. If you have a large home, replacing the batteries in all of the components can be expensive. When you replace the batteries, you will have to reset the system. The battery life for the transmitters of your wireless system should last from three to five years. In hardwired systems, there is generally just one battery in your control panel, which should also last from three to five years.

Remote Access and Home Automation

One handy feature of some modern home alarm systems is called remote access control. This feature allows you to monitor what is going on in your home from anywhere. Some of the higher-end models even offer full-blown home automation functionality, allowing you to do such things as lock or unlock your doors from afar and to control your lights if you have smart locks and lights installed in your home.

If you have smart appliances in your home such as a smart stove, having remote access control can also allow you to check your stove to make certain it is turned off without having to turn around and run home. You can view videos of your home from your mobile device or your laptop, arm or disarm your system and check to make certain that your children have arrived safely and have entered your house without worries.

Professional vs. DIY Alarm Installation

Deciding whether to choose a do-it-yourself alarm installation or a professional installation will depend largely on you. If you are a person who is handy, you may be comfortable installing an alarm system in your home by yourself. If you are technophobic, by contrast, you might want to instead rely on the work of professionals for your alarm installation. Beyond that, there are three main types of alarm systems that require varying levels of installation expertise.

If you are purchasing a complete wired home security system, it will take a professional installer up to three days to install it in your home. If you are handy and able to do it yourself, it will likely take you several weekends to complete the job. Whole-house wired security systems offer protections for your home’s perimeter and all entry points. They normally have central monitoring with your landline, cellular signal or internet connection and can dispatch emergency personnel such as the police and the fire department if there is an emergency… All About DIY Home Security Systems.

Basic alarm systems are often wireless and may have perimeter controls along with a couple of motion detectors. With these types of systems, there is often an all-in-one unit that has the control panel and the keypad along with transmitters, motion detectors and a couple of door or window sensors. These systems may take you a couple of days to install while a professional will likely be able to install them in a single day.

Finally, plug-and-play home security systems are available. These are normally available as single devices that detect the patterns of activity in your home. When the conditions in your home deviate from normal, they will sound an alarm. These types of systems only take a few minutes for you to install but only cover limited areas in your home. Whether you choose to install a system yourself or hire a professional, you will need to consider how extensive your system will be and how comfortable you are with technology.

Self Monitored Systems vs. Alarm Monitoring Companies

Home security systems are also available with self-monitoring or professional alarm monitoring. There are pros and cons of each type that you should consider.

Professionally Monitored Systems

Professionally monitored alarm systems may include multiple sensors and cameras. These systems send alerts to a professional monitoring company whenever the alarm is triggered. Professional monitoring companies have staff available 24 hours per day and seven days per week. When they receive an alert from your system, they will call your phone to make certain that the system wasn’t accidentally triggered. If it was not, the company will contact the authorities in your area so that they are promptly dispatched to your home.

There are several advantages of professionally monitored alarm systems. You won’t have to worry about calling the authorities or monitoring your system when you are away from your home. They normally will cover all areas of your home and have backup batteries so that they can continue to run in the event that the power in your home goes out… Tips for Choosing a Home Security Company.

Professionally monitored alarm systems also have some disadvantages. Most of these systems require you to sign a contract for a few years. The companies charge monthly fees for the monitoring that you will have to pay. If the alarm is accidentally set off when you are away from home, you won’t know if it was triggered by your children or by an intruder. If the police are sent to your home when there is no sign of forced entry, you might receive a charge for sending a false alarm.

Self-Monitored Diy Alarm Systems

Self-monitored systems may include numerous components. Instead of having them monitored by a professional company, you monitor these types of systems yourself. When the alarm is triggered, a notification will be sent to your phone. You can then handle it by asking your neighbor to check your home or by calling 911. Some of these systems have cameras with two-way communication, allowing you to tell burglars that you see that they are on camera and that the police are on the way.

Self-monitored systems have several advantages and disadvantages. They are generally less expensive than their professionally monitored counterparts. Since you will be monitoring the system yourself, you won’t have to worry about paying ongoing monthly monitoring fees. You can decide whether or not to call the police so that you can avoid being charged for false alarms. Finally, these systems have video cameras so that burglars can be caught on film, which can be helpful to the police to use to catch someone.

There are several disadvantages of self-monitored systems, however. If you are in an area in which you have poor reception, you might not receive an alert. Many of these systems depend on your WiFi connection. If it goes down, your home may be unprotected. Some of these systems do not have alarms, so they might not work to scare burglars away even though they might catch them on camera.

Alarm Systems For Renters

If you rent your home, getting a home security system is still important so that you are protected. However, unless your home is already hardwired for a system, you will need to choose one that will not require you to drill or to make alterations to your home. You will want to choose a wireless home security system that is portable. When you move, you should be able to take your system with you and install it in your new residence…Analyzing the Best Security Systems for Apartments.

Wireless systems that have few components might be the best option for renters. You will also want to choose a system that is low cost and that does not require professional monitoring. A good wireless system that is ideal for renters should cost somewhere between $200 to $400 and should allow you to monitor it from your phone.

Home security systems can help you to save money on your insurance while also protecting you and your family from burglaries. Some systems may also protect your home from fires and carbon monoxide leaks. Whether you want a professionally installed and monitored system or a do-it-yourself system that you monitor yourself, installing a home security system can increase your safety and give you added peace of mind. Read More https://homesafetydot.com/alarm-systems/

Window Security

A desire for absolute safety at home presents concerns to anyone whose windows provide vulnerabilities that intruders can exploit. An unlawful entry does far more than break the law; it destroys the sanctity of a home that lets everyone feel protected and safe. Once a breach occurs, only the most effective measures can restore confidence, and prevention can make doubt and fear unnecessary. With a practical approach that incorporates common sense with strategies and products, homeowners can burglarproof windows and improve the overall effectiveness of home security.

The threat of danger from a home break-in creates a definite reason to take preventive action. Based on data from a four-year period, the Department of Justice put the number of household burglaries at 3.7 million each year. The extreme level of fear that a member of a household may experience by witnessing a break-in gets confirmation from the statistics that it happens in about 28 percent of burglaries. In about a quarter of the cases, someone fell victim to violence by the intruder.

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The FBI developed statistics showing that about 2,200,000 burglaries occur each year, and basic math equates that to about 250 per hour. Of course, not all thefts involve breaking through a window, but many do. Some home security experts claim that as many as a third of all burglaries occur through an unlocked door or window. Residential burglaries account for about three-quarters of all such events. As the most vulnerable location in a home, windows have glass that breaks easily and usually attracts no attention from neighbors. An unlocked window that has protection from shrubs provides an invitation to a burglar who wants to get in and out of a house within minutes and without notice.

Some practical and inexpensive options offer homeowners the protection that may restrict access to the ground floor or basement windows. Burglars tend to use experience in choosing a house to burgle, and the ones that have the fewest challenges win their favor, Homeowners can make the approach to a window an unattractive option that may deter would-be burglars.

• Thorny Shrubs

Attractive shrubs can complement a home’s façade and make it appear inviting to friends and family. However, they can make a place for a burglar to hide while breaking a window. A home needs the curb appeal that ornamental shrubs provide, and the process of removing them may attract more attention than necessary. An alternative option that presents beautiful flowers, rose bushes have thorns that almost no one wants to experience. Cactus plants work well in dry climates but not as well in locations that get rain frequently. Windows that people can see when they walk by present less attractive targets than ones that have shrubs or bushes hiding them.

• Overgrowth

An annual trimming of shrubs can prevent them from becoming “leggy,” and it may improve basement window security along with the appearance of the façade as well. The significance of cutting shaggy overgrowth on trees or shrubs for homeowners goes to the matter of home security. Any greenery that blocks the view of a window gives an advantage to a burglar who can hide behind it.

• Obscured Views of the Interior

Burglars want to travel fast with stolen goods, and they tend to take items that weigh little that they can carry when they make a fast getaway. A window that lets a potential burglar see a small piece of electronic equipment, jewelry, a gun, cash, smartphone or drugs may provide an irresistible urge to enter and steal them. Some homeowners may use glass blocks to construct windows that efficiently distort views of the inside of a house.

• Exterior Lighting

Most burglaries occur during the day when jobs keep people away from home, but a well-lit landscape that illuminates windows can lessen the frequency of those that occur after dark.

• Interior Decorating

Windows with no drapes or curtains seem unusual in a society that favors accenting a home with a coordinated décor. Basement windows may not constitute part of a decorating scheme, but every window in a house requires a treatment that carries its color and style. The protection that shades, blinds or drapery provides makes them worth the investment that they require. Solar powered motion sensors offer one of the most convenient applications that homeowners may install to deter unwelcome visitors after dark. Without the need for an electrician to connect power to them, they can start working right out of the box. Manufacturers state the requirements for charging on instructions that come with the lights, and most require at least six hours of full sun every day.

Basement Window Security

Homes that offer sleeping quarters in the basement present concerns about the need to use a window as an escape in case of fire or some other emergency. While the prevention of entry by intruders provides the primary focus of security for basement windows, the ability of someone inside a home to escape requires attention. The placement of preventive measures that affect accessibility may require more consideration than those that do not use the basement as a sleeping area.

• Shatterproof Glass

A glass that breaks easily may prevent the heat or cold air from entering, but that is about all it can offer to safety-conscious homeowners. Shatterproof or shatter-resistant glass requires a puncture tool that can pierce it, and burglars may not have one or choose to take the time to work with it. Do-it-yourselfers can replace the panes in windows with impact-resistant polycarbonate, acrylic or high-security glass under high-profile brand names.

• Window Film

Homeowners can apply a layer of protective film on the inside of a pane to increase the resistance to a break-in. The adhesive on the security window film helps to hold the pieces of a broken window together, defeating a burglar’s efforts to obtain an easy entry. The polyester material can affix to the window glass to improve safety with minimal expense and effort.

• Decorative Impediments to Entry

Window sills offer a perfect place for breakable objects, and they can provide alerts to homeowners of a potential break-in when they fall. When burglars try to crawl through the window, they may brush against one or more, making them fall to the floor and create a noise. Unexpected objects on the floor in front of a window can make a burglar’s entry unsteady and the cause of a racket. Children’s toys or gym equipment may make it difficult for a burglar to obtain a sure footing, generating a sound that may alert people or pets in the home to take evasive action.

• Security Bars

Concerns for access to a window by residents or firefighters may limit the appeal of window security bars for basements, but most manufacturers provide a way to remove them from the inside.

Window Alarms

An alarm that rings out over the neighborhood depends on someone to do something to help or come to the rescue. Almost everyone has heard the piercing sound of an alarm from a neighbor’s house and probably did not do anything about it. A security company in England acknowledges that alerting the neighborhood to a break-in allowed about 76 percent of people to ignore an alarm. Some companies justify an outrageously loud siren as a deterrent that ushers burglars out of the house in their haste to get away from the deafening noise. Advanced technology offers homeowners sophisticated communication methods that make the annoying alerts a thing of the past.

• Magnetic Contact Window Alarms

A sensor and a magnet create a connection on a closed window that produces an alarm when someone interrupts it. Available with wired or wireless connectivity, the devices allow homeowners to install them with minimal effort or get a contractor to connect the wired ones. Instead of broadcasting the alarm to the neighbors, it can send a notification directly to the homeowner’s smartphone.

• Glass Break Detectors

An audio microphone detects the sound of broken glass and causes the detector to sound an alarm. Most units can work from several feet away, making a single device capable of serving multiple windows. The high-pitched sound of breaking glass creates a frequency that causes the detector to respond.

• Vibration Shock Sensors

A detector that responds to activities that may precede a break-in lets vibration shock sensors provide an alert before it happens. Burglars who try to remove parts of a window with tools or force can create enough vibration to make the sensor detect it. Settings can allow the units to tolerate normal conditions to avoid false alarms but still provide protection from outside intrusion.

Window Locks

A lock of almost any type can provide more protection than no lock at all, and many homeowners fail to secure windows with safety devices. Inmates serving time for burglary told an Idaho television station that most of them “broke in through an unlocked door or window.” A trip to a local home improvement store may give homeowners the best way to find a window lock. The most common types of windows include double hung, casement and sliding, and manufacturers design locks for each style. Casement windows use a crank or “operator” to open and close, and they present more difficulty in breaking in even without a lock.

Most models on the market have a low price, and homeowners may wisely wonder about their effectiveness before placing a lot of trust in them. A lightweight metal or plastic device may have an insignificant effect on the force that a burglar executes in a break-in. A pinhole lock may provide the most effective defense, and it can work on double hung windows as well as sliders. However, installation involves drilling a hole in the overlapping area of a window frame and placing a metal pin in the hole. Highly secure, effective and inexpensive, it assures homeowners of a window lock that works.

Burglar Bars

Manufacturers of burglar bars make models that let homeowners choose a design that serves a permanent security need or allows temporary removal for cleaning, emergency or aesthetic purposes. Window security bar kits that do-it-yourselfers can find at home improvement centers and install in an hour or two have three or four stout steel bars within a metal frame. The protective unit’s screws or bolts must pass through the framework of a window and affix to structural framing.

• Permanent

The protection that permanent security bars offer remains constant throughout its lifetime. Houselogic, a site that realtors provide, suggests that some insurance companies may offer discounts. However, the cost-reduction may require the permanent method of installation instead of a burglar bar that swings away or accommodates removal. Custom designs by fabricators may increase the price by as much as five times the do-it-yourself expense with an economical kit from a local store.

• Swing-away

Bars that have hinges can swing away from a fixed position to allow for cleaning or escape during an emergency. Most models have a mechanism that releases the bars quickly from the inside, but some use a padlock that requires a key. In case of a dire situation that requires immediate action, the confusion about how to release the bars may lead to unfortunate outcomes.

• Removable

Homeowners or businesses may prefer removable bars to avoid the appearance of risk that they may imply. The bars can provide safety at night and remain out of sight during the day.

Window Security Film

The International Window Film Association confirms that windows create one of the most vulnerable parts of a home. Security window film that prevents glass from breaking can deter crime, alleviate damage from storms and curtail accidental injury in the house. It meets the same “break safe standards” as those for tempered and heat-strengthened or laminated glass. The ability of security film to hold glass fragments together can serve a dual purpose by preventing cuts from broken windows.

• Crime Prevention

While alarms and security systems provide valuable defenses, they may not have the same level of deterrence against “experienced or determined intruders” that security film offers. The inability to break a window even with a heavy implement often discourages burglars who move along to find an easier target.

• Protection from the Elements

When violent weather sends debris flying with high winds and torrential downpours, the ordinary glass in windows needs protection. Home improvement centers experience a demand for plywood that often exceeds the ability to supply it as a protection for windows when demand increases. A simpler solution to apply that requires no disposal of waste when a storm passes, security film prevents objects from breaking the glass. By eliminating the occurrence of a broken window, it keeps the rain and debris out of a home as well.

Impact-Resistant Glass

Extreme weather events can put the safety of a home in doubt when its windows use ordinary glass. Friends and family members need the assurance that a house can provide the protection that everyone wants every day and night. A reliable way to ensure the strength of windows that can withstand nature’s most stringent tests and resist attempted break-ins requires the installation of impact-resistant glass. Some manufacturers place a tough layer of laminated glass within impact-rated windows that gives them extra strength. While homeowners’ most significant concern involves the sanctity of a home and its safe environment free from intrusion, it does provide many other benefits that may include discounts from insurance companies.

• Energy Usage

Impact resistant windows may help lower energy bills by retaining a home’s heat in the winter and resisting solar heat during the summer. Their seals help deter air leaks and drafts that can rob a house of its energy efficiency.

• Noise Level

The thickness of the impact-resistant windows can lessen the number of outdoor noises that enter a home. A quiet interior space allows friends and family to enjoy conversations, music and dining in comfort.

• Protection from Ultraviolet Light

The furnishings in a home react to ultraviolet light by fading, and the change in color intensity can affect the quality. The sun’s powerful rays can change the color of paint on the walls, furniture, upholstery and artwork.

Privacy Window Film

Property managers suggest that apartment dwellers can benefit from privacy window film that produces some of the same effects as security film. A home may lose as much as one-third of its total heat through doors and windows, causing the HVAC systems to work harder and use more energy. Tinting the windows can make them more energy efficient while providing an increase in privacy and a reduction in energy costs. The American Institute of Architects Journal notes a trend toward putting more glass into homes, and it creates a need for privacy film that can tint it and block as much as 80 percent of the sun’s heat. The Architect Magazine offers some pros and cons that homeowners may consider.

• Utility Costs

Some reductions in utility bills may amount to as much as 30 percent or more.

• Sun Block

The ultraviolet light that fades interior paint and upholstered furniture reduces 99 percent with solar films.

• Security

Even though they have a primary purpose of increasing privacy and preventing prying eyes from seeing inside a home, privacy films help slow down break-ins and avert shattering of window panes. Burglars who cannot see inside may have reluctance in breaking in. Some privacy films can transform an inexpensive window into one that has the efficiency of a “low-E, triple-pane” unit. However, some features on windows may make the application of film difficult and produce results that look “bubbly.”

Window Security Screens

Attractive enhancement to a home’s appearance, security screens provide an extraordinary level of protection. Made in the United States with 100 percent American parts, the quality of the finished product gives homeowners an alternative to window bars or plywood.

• Security

For protection against break-ins and theft, screens offer advantages that homeowners may prefer. A mesh material of heavy gauge stainless or galvanized steel presents an impenetrable barrier that kicking or gouging with sharp tools cannot penetrate. Manufacturers offer aluminum frames that resist corrosion and give a pleasant view of a home’s façade.

• Energy Conservation

Security screens can help lower the utility bill by blocking UV rays. While they allow uninterrupted visibility of the outdoors, they prevent the entry of thermal heat into a home as well. They create an extra layer of protection from heat, and the space between the screen and the glass pane retains the effects that may otherwise enter.

• Aesthetics

The subtle appearance of window security screens may seem to exist only for aesthetic purposes, but the strength that they gain from a steel mesh screen makes them impervious to blows by a baseball bat or tools. Aesthetically pleasing without making the impression that bars or grates on windows create, they prevent entry by bugs as well. Homeowners can leave windows open for fresh breezes without concern for safety.

Window Security Shutters

Traditional shutters may have to share homeowners’ favor with a motorized version of window covering that offers more benefits than they do. While traditional designs deliver a classic accent to a home’s façade with style and color, they cannot match the energy cost savings, privacy or home security of motorized solar shades. When they close, they shut out unwanted heat or cold, noise, dust and burglars with “automatic locking capabilities” that save energy and prevent break-ins.

Manufacturers take note of customer preferences and provide window security shutters that incorporate color stripes that can match the exterior of a house and create an updated version of the “old-fashioned” structure. Aesthetic materials for home security shutters give them an appeal that can encourage homeowners to use them as part of a complete home security program. Read More https://homesafetydot.com/window-security/

Door Security

A securely locked front door presents an image of safety and strength. As a bulwark against the perils that bring harm or a welcome beacon for family and friends, it offers entry into the heart of a home. A traditional symbol that protects togetherness and shared quietude, it deserves respect for the unique function that it serves. The warmth and companionship that lies within a home provide comfort to everyone who belongs there, but a breach of security can destroy the sense of tranquility forever. Practical and attractive door security products can ensure the safety of the entry to a home.

Familiarity with a home’s protection methods can generate a sense of confidence that also creates a false sense of security. A door is only as secure as its engaged lock, and it has no deterrent power at all when it opens without resistance. Burglars take advantage of the opportunities when forgetfulness or inattention prevents safety measures from receiving proper enforcement by homeowners. Forbes notes that almost 30 percent of burglars enter through an unlocked door or window. Effective door security measures can provide the protection that homes and families deserve.

Best-Selling Door Security Products

• Top 10 Best Peepholes and Door Viewers
• Top 10 Best Door Alarms
• Top 10 Best Door Locks & Deadbolts
• Top 10 Best Locking Security Mailboxes

The seriousness of the rate of break-ins can cause alarm by any homeowner. The Bureau of Justice Statistics presents facts that can startle even the most confident observer. Of the approximately 3.7 million burglaries that occurred annually in the United States from 2003 to 2007, about 65 percent involved people who knew each other. Only 28 percent were strangers. The grave concerns that homeowners need to have about home safety extends to the potential for household members to get hurt. While only 9 percent sustained a severe injury, 36 percent experienced violence during a burglary.

High Security Door Locks

Any deadbolt can make a door harder to open than an ordinary lock, according to Consumer Reports. However, they can have defects that render them ineffective. Short screws on the strike plate on the door frame may “catch only the jamb and not the framing of the house,” reducing kick-in resistance. Homeowners can improve front door security by replacing the short screws in a strike plate with 3-inch screws. Burglars can use an ordinary cordless drill to disable the cylinders as well. The conventional type of deadbolt provides less protection than connected smart locks, but each device has benefits as well as disadvantages.

• Conventional Deadbolts

The standard models range from high-end, drill-proof deadbolts to the inexpensive products at home improvement stores. They share a common single-cylinder construction that responds to a key from the outside or thumb pressure from the inside. Prices make them attractive to homeowners who want to harden the security of a front door without breaking the bank with a smart lock or a high-security lock by Medeco. Features such as “unique pin configurations and hardened cylinders” distinguish high-security locks from others, but the packaging may not indicate that a product contains them. A search of company websites may show a product rating from Consumer Reports.

• Smart Locks

Along with high-tech features in contemporary home construction, smart locks use smartphone apps and Wi-Fi to allow “optional remote locking and unlocking features.” They offer convenience and “peace of mind through remote control,” and homeowners who forget to lock a door can do so from any location. However, smart locks have the same susceptibility to “forced entry as nonconnected locks.” High prices for smart locks may discourage homeowners who choose an electronic lock instead. It can provide keypad access and programmability for guests and family members to use, but it does not communicate with smartphones.

Peepholes and Door Viewers

The advantage that homeowners have by using a door peephole to see who wants to come in the front door provides an opportunity to refuse entry. Most manufacturers install a peephole on each exterior door, and it may surprise no one that the sophistication of the device has changed over time. As the first line of defense against home intruders, an improved version of the traditional peephole may contribute significantly to home safety. The transition to door viewers lets homeowners see more than a peephole allows with its scope that limits the view to the direct field of vision.

The complex lens system in a viewer that replaces a “simple piece of window glass” improves a home’s safety and security. With the ability for anyone inside a house to check the identity of someone who wants to come in, the temptation to open the door can diminish. None of the security measures that a homeowner puts in place to protect the sanctity and safety of an abode can have any deterrent effect on an uninvited visitor who pushes through an open door.

The features of a door viewer provide conveniences and capabilities that offer vast improvements over the traditional peephole. Some modern adaptations may help homeowners make a buying decision for options that improve home safety. Many manufacturers offer models that smart homeowners can install as do-it-yourself projects.

• Digital Technology

Some models can act like a “real-time security camera” that does not require a resident to stand in front of the door to look through the viewer. They may incorporate a digital screen that hangs on a wall at some distance away and presents a view of the entire entry area and sidewalk.

• Night Vision

Advances in technology allow clear vision in a dark or shadowed entryway and porch.

• Recording Capacity

“Cutting-edge capabilities” allow door viewer cameras to record every access that anyone attempts to a front door. Read More https://homesafetydot.com/door-security/peephole/

Door Frame Reinforcement

One of the essential components of a front door’s ability to prevent unauthorized entry lies in an area that prevents anyone from seeing it when the door closes. The strike plate attaches to the door jamb and accepts the deadbolt that prevents the entry from opening without action by someone on the inside or a key from the outside. The models that come with deadbolts may not provide adequate safety and performance. Replacement of the strike plate can increase the strength of the deadbolt considerably, and many homeowners enjoy it as a do-it-yourself project.

1. Use a piece of scrap lumber to mark the center of an existing strike plate.

2. Remove the ¾-inch screws and the lip strike plate.

3. Chisel a slightly larger mortise if necessary to accommodate the upgrade to bigger screws.

4. Use a 1/8-inch bit to predrill holes for a heavy-duty plate and No. 8 x 3-inch screws.

5. Mount the plate to align with the pre-drilled holes.

6. Angle the screws slightly to make them contact the stud.

7. Make the heads of the screws flush with the strike plate’s face without overdriving that may cause the jamb to bow.

Manufacturers offer innovative products with varying degrees of functionality that homeowners can install to prevent burglars from opening or kicking in a door. A device that fits under a door and has the same efficiency as door barricades consists of one piece that fits the width at the bottom. Another part of the device acts like door braces and makes it impossible to open an entry. Door reinforcement kits that strengthen a door frame include metal that covers the softwood around locks and hinges. Door frame reinforcement increases the strength of the wood in door jambs and prevents it from giving way to a powerful kick by an intruder. A practical approach to enhancing home safety and preventing break-ins, door jamb Armour requires about 30 minutes to install and provides peace of mind about unlawful entry into a home.

Door Chains

Homeowners who may never speak to a stranger in a mall or shopping center can face potential harm when opening the front door at home. The best defense strategies lose every trace of effectiveness when the front door opens and allows uninvited visitors to come inside. A similar reversal of logic can occur when the person who answers a knock decides to “put the chain on” and go ahead and open the door. The limited space allows for conversation and the transfer of small packages, but it also gives an intruder leverage that a closed door prevents. A chain may provide some protection for homeowners who do not check the peephole or viewer to see who awaits.

• Chains

The strength of a door chain depends significantly on the length of the screws that attach it to a door frame. Most products come with screws that can pull out under pressure from an intruder, rendering the security device powerless. Experts recommend using the longest screws possible or even coach bolts to attach the brackets to increase the strength of the fitting. Screws that provide optimal effectiveness penetrate the door’s thickness and stop short about 1/8- or ¼-inch from piercing the exterior. The “mushroom head” on a coach bolt provides strong resistance to a kick-in from a potential intruder.

• Lockable Devices

Caregivers may need access to a home that uses door chains and prevents it. An alternative on the market provides a workaround. Lockable chains allow a caretaker to open a front door with a key and provide adequate space to unlock the chain’s lock as well. While an emergency that requires entry may not occur often, a lockable chain can offer options that standard models do not allow.

• Interactive Chain

A recent entry into the door chain market produces a high-decibel sound along with a spray that marks an intruder for days.

Upgrading to Steel Security Doors

Almost every homeowner probably knows that a steel security door offers more protection from break-ins than solid or hollow-core wood security doors, but the preference for aesthetic design creates a potential for tough decision-making. The manufacture of front doors that resemble standard entrances but include upgraded security features make the selection less complicated. An engineer in Italy undertook the development of a design that satisfied the need for security and artistic influence both. Capable of withstanding fire, hurricane force wind and debris, battering rams and intruders, the solid steel doors use welded sheets of 12 gauge steel for the center. Instead of a lock with one deadbolt, the design with upgraded security features has four as well as an anti-pick lock. A factory facility in Florida receives the blanks from Italy and covers the steel core from an inventory of as many as 750 designs for panels.

The advantages of steel doors, with their aesthetic requirements met, allow homeowners to focus on the superior safety and performance that the metal provides. A veneer panel of wood creates the impression of a natural material while the upgraded security features help ensure home safety.

• Designer Patterns

Exquisite wood grain veneer on steel doors imitates the natural material without bowing, twisting or warping as real wood must do when facing the elements.

• Resistance to Attack

Steel doors can resist impact from flying debris, high wind and attempts at intrusion with battering rams. The surface may reflect scars and abrasions, but the door remains solidly in place. Some models have fire ratings that allow a few minutes for residents to escape.

• Maintenance and Efficiency

The exposure to the elements exacts a toll on the appearance of wood doors, and they require regular and frequent maintenance that steel does not need. Wood doors lack energy efficiency, but steel has insulating properties that help control heating and cooling costs while providing superior safety features.

Security Screen Doors

Most homeowners prefer a façade that enhances the beauty and the value of a house, but the concerns about ensuring safety can influence decisions as well. A security door that disguises its functional purpose and presents an attractive appearance can serve both goals. Some considerations that may seem small to homeowners can make a difference in security as well as convenience and beauty.

• Materials

Angie’s List suggests choosing a security screen door frame of steel, a metal alloy or aluminum. The superior strength of steel allows doors to have narrower frames than either aluminum or metal alloy. At 2- to 3-inches wide, they allow about 40 percent more air flow as well as visibility than the 6-inch frames of the other two materials. Aluminum costs more, but it does not rust. Steel frames can resist rust with proper treatment and powder coating for up to 10 years before they need another coat.

• Mounting Method

Two types of mounting for screen doors provide the same amount of security. Flush mounting has the advantage of offering a better seal than tube frames can deliver, and it has no gap around the opening. The method creates a more finished appearance as well. A mounting of a security screen door with the tube frame method makes the door stand out as much as 1.25 inches from the opening. The positioning of the frame on the door trim inside the opening creates the condition.

• Insects

Most areas of the country have flying or crawling insects that can sting or bite, and homeowners need to understand how a new security screen door can “close and seal” them out. Some installation companies insert a self-sticking foam tape to create a seal, and others choose to prevent entry with felt strips. The foam tape can harden and crack, and homeowners need to replace it about it once every year to maintain a bug-free entry. The felt pieces that some quality door companies use may never require maintenance.

• Quality Indicators

A frame that has mitered corners can prevent rain from penetrating the structure and causing steel to rust. The water that seeps onto a patio or sidewalk can create an unattractive stain. Pneumatic closers help ensure security by pulling a door shut. Some installers may offer a re-keying service that lets homeowners use the same key to open the entry and screen doors. Wind chains can prevent gusts of wind from blowing the door open too far and damaging the hinges.

Door Security Bars and Braces

Some of the simplest techniques offer significant effectiveness in preventing a break-in, and they can deny attempts to kick in a door. A door brace fits vertically between a doorknob and the floor to prevent an entry from opening. A barricade fits horizontally within the frame to prevent a door from swinging inward. Door jammers use a portable design that fits under a door to prevent entry into a home, bedroom, hotel room, college dorm or apartment.

As effective as a door security bar that fits below a handle or knob, a jammer provides peace of mind for anyone who wants to prevent unauthorized entry into any room that it protects. Some have an audio deterrent as well. A security bar offers portability with more strength than a jammer with a “wider angle of resistance.” When it fits between the floor and a doorknob or handle, it provides an active block that prevents a door from opening. While it offers excellent resistance, it cannot fit in most travel bags. The effectiveness of the hundreds of pounds of resistance that it provides depends on setting it up correctly. Both devices work only on doors that swing inward.

Garage Door Security

An open garage door presents an invitation to a burglar to steal or break into a home. A Kansas City television station reported that police consider crimes of opportunity as preventable events. Forgetfulness can account for leaving a garage door open occasionally, and the inability to see it from the inside of a home may contribute as well. Some homeowners like to enter through an interior door from the garage, a practice that prevents the use of the front door.

Burglars often detect the neglect of entryways and realize that an unused front door may provide an easy way to break in. An entry that gives an advantage to an intruder may include the overgrowth of shrubs and trees, inadequate lighting or lack of use. While shoring up the safety features of the front door, homeowners may need to improve the appearance of the entry as well. The façade of a home usually requires regular caretaking of exterior lighting of the entryway and trimming of plants that obscure the view.

Sliding Glass Door Security

Even though almost every home has a sliding glass door, it may not attract the attention to security concerns that front doors do. Located at the rear or a home where it may not receive the amount of traffic that matches the front entry, it offers a more secluded environment that can invite potential intruders and break-ins. Most homeowners need to install a sliding glass door lock to provide support for the one that manufacturers provide with the door. New models may have secondary locks, but external devices help increase home security and ensure the peace of mind that accompanies adequate protection from uninvited visitors. Even though the internal locking mechanism that comes with a door may not offer a sufficient defense against intruders, it provides a level of deterrence that can help deter an entry when a homeowner engages it.

• Pin Lock

A skilled do-it-yourself homeowner may choose to drill a hole for a pin lock in the middle frame of a sliding door. Risk of contacting the glass and breaking it presents the need for careful measurement to avoid misjudging the task. Home improvement stores offer pins that slide in and out more easily than a nail, and the device works equally well on the top or bottom frame.

• Lift Prevention

Burglars may exploit the light weight of a sliding door by lifting and tilting it slightly to remove it from its tracks. A screw in the top of the frame about 3 inches from the side can render the effort fruitless.

Summary

The vast majority of security-conscious home owners will focus exclusively on whole-house alarm systems and intruder alert technologies to protect their property. Even so, nothing can beat the assurance and confidence that a well-designed door security device can provide. With options such as door-fitted alarms, reinforced strike plates and a multitude of burglar resistant locks as options, home and business owners alike can rest comfortably with their security well in hand.

For those who prefer easy, do-it-yourself solutions, consider the many simple to install options on the market today. Chains, peepholes, bars and alarms are available to the home or business owner at many local retailers and can be installed following their manufacturer’s directions and using common household tools. Read More https://homesafetydot.com/door-security/