Behind Closed Doors: Safeguarding Your Home

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

One of the first rules about buying and moving into a new home is location, location, location. But, whether you are buying or renting, the one thing you’ll definitely want to be sure of (besides liking and feeling comfortable in your new abode) is feeling safe and secure in your home.

According to security experts, however, locale may not be the only determinant for making your home “intruder friendly”. Here’s a few pointer of how you can protect yourself and your family.

· Make sure your door has a peephole or mirror that everyone can see and reach. A door without a peephole or mirror provides little if any security.

· Replace your chain link with a doorstop. Security professionals note that a chain link can easily pushed in, at least more easily so than a doorstop that’s securely screwed in preventing an intruder from easily advancing further.

· Reinforce doors by adding deadbolt locks directly across from each hinge, creating stability from both ends.

· Pin down your windows, literally. Experts say, that while window locks may feel safe, they may not be as safe as you think, often easily pushed in. Instead, place a metal pin in the window frame preventing the window from moving any further.

· Another bright idea is hooking up motion sensors to lights and appliances throughout the house. Intruders generally don’t like anything that draws attention to them, this most certainly will

· Install alarms that make lots of irritating noise. Not only will this divert intruders but will alarm neighbors and police.

· Treat windows with a protective covering that even if “broken” keeps the shard in and the invader out.

· Build a “safe core” by installing a steel door in a specified area of your house. This will shield you and your family even if an intruder gets in. You may want to make sure this area is secure with no other way for the invader to reach you and your family. You may also want to keep it equipped with food and drink and a phone or alarm system to notify other family members and especially the authorities.

Long Island Safety Articles > Behind Closed Doors: Safeguarding Your Home