The basics of home security

All homeowners should be active and aware of their home security concerns. With home invasions and burglaries on the rise, it’s time to take some steps to protect your family and your valuable belongings. Most people would be surprised at how easy it is for a burglar to break into your home. By following these simple steps, you can reduce the chances of coming home to find that your home has been broken into and your precious valuables have been taken.

For a thief, the three greatest enemies are noise, time and light. If a burglar has to make a lot of noise, take a long time, and work in a well-lit area to get into his house, chances are he won’t bother. In most cases, he will go to an easier “brand”. These are things that work in favor of the owners. I always tell my clients that to beat the thief, you have to think like the thief.

Take your time and “case” the outside of your home for entry points. Imagine yourself as a thief. Where would you try to enter? Where are the security weaknesses? You could even perform a little experiment, locking your house and trying to get in. If you, an honest citizen, can get into your home with relative ease, you can be sure that it won’t be a problem for an experienced burglar to break in.

Doors and windows are the first places to check when evaluating the security of a home or business. Make sure your home is equipped with an exterior hardwood or metal door that is a minimum of 1 ¾” thick. The door frame should be just as strong. A peephole is much better than a simple door chain, as it will allow you to identify the person at your door without having to open it and if there is anything you spend a little money on, make sure it is a good quality deadbolt!

Windows is also extremely vulnerable, from a security point of view. If you have an older home with double sash windows, you can secure them by nailing the top and bottom panels from the inside. Also, simple key locks can be added to windows for a reasonable price. If you have windows that are located at street level, consider adding an iron gate or grill for added protection. Balconies and fire escapes can also be security weaknesses, so consider getting one of those metal “accordion” doors.

There are some other simple precautions you can take to secure your home. Try to establish a routine to make sure your doors and windows are locked when you leave the house and when you go to bed each night. If you can afford it, you should also invest in a home security system. There are some incredibly advanced systems available on the market today, and these systems are very difficult to circumvent. These simple steps can make the difference between being a victim of crime and staying safe. Think about it!