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Prevent Break-Ins |
Three Steps to a More Secure Home
By Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@homeimprovementideas.net
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
Making your home safer against burglary doesn't have to cost a bundle of money. According to the National Council on Crime Prevention, "effective home security starts with properly locked doors and windows and visible, well-lighted entryways". These easy steps from the NCCP will put you on your way to greater peace of mind about your home security.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, property crime makes up about 75 percent of all crime in the United States. What's more alarming is that in 83 percent of all burglaries, the offender entered the victim's home or another building on the property. What follows are some tips on how to improve the security of your home.
Making Doors Secure
The NCCP recommends that all exterior doors be made of either metal or solid wood. Additionally, exterior doors should be equipped with a deadbolt that extends at least one inch when in the locked position. Exterior doors should also be well lit so you can see who is approaching the door without opening it.
Burglar-proofing Your Windows
Don't depend on the simple thumb-turn locks that most windows come with. These locks provide little protection against theft as they can be easily forced open. A keyed locking device that prevents windows from being raised from the outside is most effective.
Another low-cost way to make windows more secure is to drill an angled hole through the top part of the bottom window frame and the bottom frame of the lower window. Placing a nail or eyebolt through the hole will prevent the window from being opened.
Using Lighting to Deter Burglary
Lighting is one of the "most cost effective deterrents to burglary," according to the NCCP. Keep a few lights on while you are away at night. If you're on vacation, use a timer to ensure that lights are switched on and off in your absence. Install outdoor lights near doorways and along pathways, as well as other areas to allow visibility throughout your property.
Implementing these simple steps will put you closer to creating a more secure environment - one that deters burglary and improves overall home security - for you and your loved ones.
About the Author
Sally Clark is a freelance writer and consultant with several years of experience in the field of corporate social responsibility. Sally has traveled throughout Europe, Asia and Central America and has lived in Paris, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., where she is working on a master's in International Affairs at The George Washington University.
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