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Are Your Doors and Locks Safe?
Burglary is among the greatest concerns of most families and homeowners, yet home security is something many of us take for granted… or put off to improve another day. Typically, it is only when we become aware of a disturbing incident - or suffer the personal trauma of being a victim - that we actually take steps towards making our homes more secure. The more common access areas such as front, rear and garage doors are the preferred points of access for a burglar. But, a proper security assessment will require a careful professional examination to identify the home's unique critical areas.
Make an entrance examination
Every homeowner should take a close look at the obvious entry points of the home, and ensure they provide adequate protection for family members and their possessions. Typically burglars seek the easiest and least visible point of entry. Remember, if you make it difficult for thieves to enter your home, you can effectively discourage burglars and protect your possessions. If a break-and-enter requires too much work, skills or tools, the burglar will likely move on.
Standard doors & frames
A door is only as secure as its most vulnerable point, and the average door lock is often secured in only a lightweight doorjamb molding, which might be torn away with a firm kick. The hinges and "strike area" (where the lock is embedded into the door frame) should be installed with long, heavy-duty screws. Ensure your entrance doors are made of strong solid-core wood or heavy-gage metal and consider a wide-angle peephole.
Deadbolts
One of the simplest and most secure locks is the deadbolt. The deadbolt is a rigid lock that is not part of an entrance handle, doorknob or latch. The long bolt slides deeply into the doorframe and offers little tolerance without the use of a key or inside lever or knob.
Patio doors & security bars
Sliding glass doors are secured by latches not bolts, so they're more vulnerable to being forced open from the outside. However, such movement can be restricted by inserting a rigid bar or blocker into the sliding track, or installing a hinged security bar that swings into place between the sliding panel (when closed) and the frame on the fixed panel side. Unfortunately, sliding doors can be lifted up and off their tracks and removed despite a bar, blocker or latch. Anti-lift pins can help to prevent this. Visit your local hardware store to see what blocking and locking devices they offer.
Think about security every day
In addition to more secure doors and locks, it is also a good idea to be mindful of other security precautions, such as adequate outside lighting set to motion detection and variable indoor lighting set to random timers. In addition to more secure hardware and equipment, better habits can go a long way to prevent criminals targeting your home. Make sure you don't tip off burglars with obvious signs of absence such as an open garage, stacked newspapers or mail.
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Copyright ©2007 Peter Kunz. All rights reserved. |
Royal LePage Partners Realty is an independently owned and operated brokerage. |
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