Home Security Options

By Bruce Kelly

Unfortunately, some families have headed out for a fun-filled vacation only to return home to find their home has been entered by someone unknown and many expensive things have been taken. Then in some cases, the home has significant damage, broken glass, doors, furniture, and so on. To prevent this type of disaster, individuals need to think about home security options.

One of the first things people need to look at when it comes to home security options is the doors. Many people believe a deadbolt is all they need for protection but in truth, skilled intruders can get past this type of lock with little problem. In fact, many burglars will simply kick the entire door in, breaking it away from the door frame. Therefore, homeowners can purchase a locking system with a large plate on the door. Then on the frame, the screws should extend a minimum of one inch into the stud in the wall.

If any type of gap exists between the stud and the frame, a piece of hardwood can be added, which will help add strength. People need to remember that using a system made from metal is much stronger than anything from wood. Additionally, this type of lock system should be installed not just on the front door, but the back door as well.

Even the hinges of the door should be checked. For instance, if the hinges are exposed, an intruder could simply use a screwdriver to remove them and make entrance into the home. Sliding glass doors can be more protective by placing a wooden or metal pole at the bottom in the track. With this, it would be impossible to open the door.

The windows of the home are also important to look at. Obviously, glass breakage is a common way that an intruder will get inside the home. Choose a better locking system and if people are considering a home alarm system, they can choose a feature in which any glass breakage would set off the alarm. Of course, windows, even those up high, should never be left unlocked, especially when the homeowner is away.

Many national security providers like ADT offer wireless security options. These configurations allow you to upgrade an old or existing home without the need for massive renovations in order to run the wires. Wireless options are more affordable now and are sometimes included in the basic package a provider offers. Make sure you look into this option before signing a contract as not all carries have this technology.

Pet doors are another way in which a person can enter a home. A perfect solution is to have an electronic door installed. For this, the dog would wear a special collar with a transmitter on it while the door has the receiver. Only the animal wearing this collar would have what it takes to open and close the door. Therefore, as soon as the animal passes through the door, it closes and cannot be opened without the transmitter on the collar.

Although no person wants to have belongings such as silver, jewelry, crystal, expensive vases, and other like valuables stolen, there is always a chance of getting the items back if they are carefully marked. For this, valuables can be marked with an identification number, scratched, etched, or written with water soluble ink. That way, should items be stolen and recovered, they could quickly and easily be identified and returned to the rightful owner.

Bruce Kelly is a Home Security Specialist with 10+ years of experience configuring and installing home alarm systems. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Kelly