Preventing Trouble with Windows and Doors

We've all heard the expression, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." In the case of home security, there are many little prevention steps that you can take that focus on your windows and doors to make your home more secure.

Ten Window and Door Precautions

1. Cut bushes, vines, and tree branches away from doorways and windows. Clean window and door lines eliminate spots where someone may hide while providing a visual sight line for neighbors to notice if something is amiss.
2. Replace burned out front door porch and garage light bulbs. Consider installing timers on these lights or install motion activated safety lights.
3. Make sure your windows have functioning locks. If they do not, purchase security bars for sliding windows. These inexpensive devices install at the bottom of the window and allow you to keep your windows locked but vented. They swing to a vertical position when not in use.
4. Check the locks on your doors. Replace broken or worn locks. If you have given out keys to housekeepers, roommates, or even friends or relatives who no longer have legitimate reasons for using those keys, it is time to change the locks.
5. If you have a dog door, use the insert to block the opening when your dog is away at the park, on a walk, or at the vet or the groomer. Dogs are known to deter burglars, but dog doors that are not attended to by their dogs are a great way for an intruder to gain entry to your home.
6. Depending on your neighborhood, you might consider decorative grilles over first floor windows.
7. If you have a solid entrance door, installing a peephole, a grilled window, or an audio announcement system is an excellent way to determine who is calling before opening the door.
8. Windows and doors can be fitted with motion sensors that sound an alarm or notify a monitoring company, or both, if opened without being disarmed first.
9. Open your drapes or blinds at least partially during the day, and close them at dusk. Windows that are covered during the day give the appearance that no one is home. Windows left uncovered after dark tell passersby instantly whether there is anyone at home. Like lights that are turned off and on periodically, window coverings that are opened and closed are signs that your home is not left unattended.
10. Your home is only protected if you use the locks on your windows and doors. Although some break-ins are well planned, many are opportunistic. Keep yourself and your property safe by using the locks on your windows and doors.