Home Security

Door Security

• Doors should be hinged from the inside
• Doors should be made out of solid wood, fiberglass or steel
• External doors should have dead bolt locks
• External doors should have peepholes
• Sliding glass doors have weak locks, install a bolt lock and use a broomstick or dowel for inside door jam

Window Security

• Secure basement windows with grills and grates
• Place pins through the window frames to secure windows

When you're Away from Home

• Stop all mail
• Leave a little trash in garbage can
• Make sure lawn is mowed and sidewalks are cleared and cleaned
• Use a timer to turn on and off lights
• Lock all doors and secure all windows
• Let neighbors know when you will be back in town
• Never leave a key under a door mat, on a sill, or in a mailbox. Leave it with a trusted neighbor
• Trim hedges next to your house so burglars do not have a place to hide

Misc. Home Security Tips

• Mark all valuables with Social Security numbers, driver's license and state abbreviation
• Dogs can prevent burglaries
• Have the locks changed when moving into a new house
• Get active in your neighborhood watch or start one
• Find a security system you can operate and feel comfortable with
• Leave lights on outside at night
• Timers should be used to turn on and off lights, make sounds and open and close drapes

How to make your house more secure