How To - Home Security

How to make you're home more secure

There are some projects that the average homeowner can do that are fairly inexpensive and will greatly add to the security of the home. These projects are perfect as a weekend job for someone that is handy or may be done by a local contractor. All of the equipment required can be easily obtained from your local home center or electronics store.

Think like a burglar. Pretend you're a burglar who's scoping out your neighborhood. Look for any feature of your property that offers opportunities to an intruder. For example, a ladder left outdoors offers potential access to second-floor windows. Leaving your garage door open while you do yard work can also tempt criminals.

1. Install solid entrance doors - Most burglaries occur through doors and contrary to the movies, the burglars do not pick the lock, they simply kick the door open. Steel clad doors offer a very high degree of security but make sure that the doorframe and edges are also steel. Glass panels in doors or glass sidelights may look great but they can afford the would be burglar with an easy way to open the door. While you have your tools out you should also install a peephole viewer in the door. These little devices allow you to see who is at the door before you open it.
    
2. Install dead-bolt locks - Your door lock may be the only thing that prevents someone from gaining access to your home. If you install a good quality dead bolt with a 1-inch bolt you are on the road to increasing your home security. Make sure that you use long screws, 3 inches, to secure the latch plate to the doorframe. Using screws of that size should reach the studs and dramatically increase the strength of the lock. If your door has glass panes or sidelights, you should consider using a double cylinder lock, since a burglar could break the glass and unlock the door by reaching inside. This type of lock requires a key from both outside and inside. A word of warning, if you use a double cylinder lock keep a key near the inside of the door for use in an emergency such as a fire and make sure that everyone in the home knows where the key is located.
    
3. Exterior lighting - Burglars do not like attracting attention. A darkened area is an invitation to would be thieves. Exterior lights can be purchased with sensors that will automatically turn them on when it gets dark and off when the sun comes up. You can also use lighting that incorporates a motion sensor so that the light will only come on when someone walks towards your home. In addition to being a good deterrent these lights make your life easier if you come and go at night. There are X-10 based exterior lights that will even turn on other X-10 lights when motion is detected. Using these lights you could have your inside foyer light come on when the light over the garage is activated.
    
4. Intercoms - Another great project is installing an intercom at the front door. Intercoms provide a safe and convenient means to speak to someone who rings your doorbell, without opening the door. Remember once you open the door it no longer matters how strong the door or lock is, you will be face to face with whoever is there. If desired you can purchase a video-intercom that will not only allow you to talk to, but to see who is at the door. Most of these systems require you to run wire between the inside units and the outdoor station. The exact type of wire will vary by manufacturer so make sure that you purchase the correct wire for your chosen unit.
    
5. Landscaping - Trimming your shrubs and trees is another way to increase security. Like adding exterior lighting, keeping your landscaping trimmed deprives the burglar with any concealment, and increases the possibility of detection. Make sure that all doors and windows are clearly visible to your neighbors and from the street. This is a job that almost anyone can do with simple inexpensive tools and a little knowledge. Check with your local garden supplier for information on the proper procedures to keep your beautiful landscape from hiding a terrible act.
    
6. Secure your windows. Window locks offer an inexpensive way to deter burglars. When installed on double-hung windows (those that slide up and down), these locks work only when the window is completely closed. With other types of windows, you can mount locks on the corners of sides. These locks add security when the windows are partially open. However, make sure family members can open the windows easily in case of an emergency. Window pining (inserting a pin or nail above a window so it can't be opened) or track fillers (such as a wooden pole placed into the track of the window) are the least expensive ways to secure double-hung windows.
    
7. Mark and Inventory - One of the simplest things that you can do is to take an inventory of all of you valuables recording the make, model, and serial number. You can also mark many appliances with some identification number such as driver's license or social security number. To mark the number on the appliance you can purchase a hand held engraver or contact your local police department. They will be able to tell you what type of identification to use and may even be able to loan you an engraving tool. Jewelry should be described on your inventory and attach a picture of every piece using a cloth as a background. You can place a ruler in the picture to assist in determining the size of the jewelry. Make two copies of the list. Keep one in a fire resistant box in your home and give the other to a friend for safekeeping. As you add appliances or jewelry, update your copy and make a new copy for your friend. Videotapes can also be used to record your inventory. When you start recording clearly state your name, address, and date of recording. If the recorder has a time and date feature, keep it on so that it will become part of the tape. Carefully describe each item, including serial number as you record it from every angle. As with the paper inventory you should have 2 copies, one of which is stored at another location.
    
8. Change your habits. Even locks and alarm systems are wasted when they go unused. Home security means adopting effective habits, as well as adding hardware to your home. For Example:

	Lock windows and doors every night
	Before talking to a stranger who comes to your door, ask for identification.
	Supervise people who repair appliances or read meters in your home.
	When children answer the door, have them say, "My parents are busy," rather than "My parents aren't home."
	When you leave for vacation, make your home look occupied. Install timers on indoor lights. Instead of stopping your mail or paper service, ask a trusted neighbor to pick it up for you. Keep a car parked in the driveway.
	Close your blinds or curtains at night or when you're not at home. This minimizes a criminal's opportunity to "shop around."
	Never put your home address on your luggage when you're traveling. This alerts people that your home may be empty. Put a business address on luggage instead.

Above all remember to use the locks, intercoms, and lighting you install. They will not help if you become complacent and begin thinking it cannot happen to you. You cannot make your home burglar roof but you can and should take whatever steps you can to make your home less appealing to a burglar.