With summer time on the horizon, it’s time to check your home security system. Break-ins happen more frequently as the weather warms up. Whether you’re on vacation or at work for the day, a break-in can happen at any time. Unfortunately, we live in a world where just locking your door may not be enough to prevent break-ins. Analyze your home for trouble spots that may not be adequately protected and strengthen your home security plans with these tips.
The Front Door
The most common place for a break-in to occur is the front door, especially when homes are equipped with outdated locks that are easy to pick. Spend the extra money and invest in a pick-resistant, heavy-duty deadbolt lock. Make sure entryway lights are in working order, and turn them on at night or when leaving. Alternatively, you can install motion sensor lights if you’re worried about energy costs.
First Floor Windows
Roughly 23% of break-ins occur at first floor windows. While sash-locks are adequate for upper-story windows, first-floor windows need a bit of added protection to ward off burglars. If you don’t have a whole house alarm system, wireless, battery-operated alarms can be placed near windows and will go off when the window is opened. Like other alarm systems, these individual ones can be disarmed with a punch code, so they don’t go off every time someone opens a window to let a breeze in.
Sliding Doors
Many break-ins happen at side or back-entry doors if they are the sliding type. Sliding doors are relatively easy to lift off of their tracks and pop open. Security bars come in a variety of widths and strengths, and most of them can be folded up when they’re not being used. These jamming bars are made of solid metal, and prevent burglars from taking the door off its track.
Garages
It’s somewhat rare for garage break-ins to occur, but they do. If your garage is attached to your home, it offers a way for burglars to access both. Keep your garage protected with a high quality automatic opener and keep the remote on a keychain – not in your car. You may also want to frost the windows to your garage to prevent nosy burglars from scoping out possible entry points. If you still want extra security, install a deadbolt on the door. It may be a slight inconvenience to unlock every time you get home, but in some neighborhoods it’s worth it.
Basement
Though it’s not as common, basement break-ins do happen. Burglars can sneak in through small, ground-level widows that are easy to open. Install motion sensor lights or extra security locks on basement windows to prevent them from getting in.
If You Still Don’t Feel Safe, Invest in a Security System
If you’ve installed adequate outdoor lighting and locking systems, but you’re still not confident in your home security, consider investing in a security system. There’s a huge variety of systems on the market today, ranging anywhere from professional installation and monitoring, to DIY options. Systems usually come with a set of cameras and sensors, and some can monitor your home for floods and fires in addition to break-ins. DIY systems are less expensive and many of them can be monitored and programmed from your smart-phone.
If you’ve experienced a home break in or feel that your homes safety has been tampered with, contact Ohio Injury Law. Don’t hesitate a moment longer, and consult with the professionals on how to further protect you and your family from outside break ins.
Sources:
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20213859,00.html
https://www.itstactical.com/intellicom/physical-security/top-10-garage-door-security-tips-to-prevent-break-ins/
https://www.safewise.com/resources/how-to-choose-security-system
