We've Got Big Fun/295W.BIN/pers_ent/remodel/secure.doc

Text File | 1995-05-01 | 7.2 KB | 145 lines

By: Ronald E. Nelson
    (c)1994 Ronald E. Nelson

Disclaimer:

This file is intended to give the average homeowner a basis for
understanding the security risks in the home. It is not the complete
answer to security and everyone who reads this is urged to obtain
additional information from their local Police Department and library.

According to the Bureau of Justice, the losses as a result of personal
and household crime in 1992 was 19.1 Billion dollars. Most of us know
someone who has been the victim of a crime and yet we fail to take any
concrete action to protect ourselves. We seem to believe that crime
always affects others and not us, that is until it is too late.

True security is a frame of mind and must be practiced at all times,
even a $5,000 security system will not help if it is not turned on
whenever possible. Remember that a single lapse can result in a burglary
or even a robbery.

Most crimes of these types are committed spontaneously by criminals
looking to make a quick buck, not by professionals. It is not possible
to prevent a determined professional criminal from burglarizing your
home, but you can take steps to limit the possibility of  becoming a
crime statistic. Most of the suggestions included here are common sense,
require little or no expense, and can be accomplished by the average
homeowner. The idea of security is to make your home so much trouble to
break in to that the burglar will go elsewhere. Place as many obstacles
as you possibly can between him and your possessions.

The first thing you should do is to slowly walk around your home inside
and outside and look at it as if you were a burglar. Ask yourself where
is the easiest way to break in, where could you do it without being seen
or heard? Take notes during this survey so that you will remember where
you must strengthen your security. Keep the following in mind when you
go over your notes:

1) Doors and Windows:

1) Do you keep all of the doors locked at all times?
2) Do you have peep holes in the door?
3) Is the door solid or does it have glass panels in or adjacent to it?
     Glass is easy to break and then the burglar could stick his hand in
     and unlock the door. Also make sure that the door is properly
     secured with long screws.
4) What type of lock is on the door?
     A deadbolt lock is best. Again make sure that the lock is properly
     mounted with long screws.
5) If you have a chain on the door it also must have long screws or the
     burglar could easily push it open.
6) If you have sliding doors use a piece of wood or pipe, laid in the
     bottom track to prevent the door from sliding.
7) Do not leave a spare key under the mat or in a plant.
8) Do you keep all of the windows locked at all times?
9) Are the window locks mounted securely?
     Most window locks can be easily defected from the outside. You
     can install additional locks made specifically for windows or use
     a long nail inserted in a pre-drilled hole to prevent the window
     from opening. Check to make sure that adding hardware will not
     void any warrantee on you windows.

Be very careful when securing doors and windows so that you do not
impede their use, as an escape route, in the event of a fire.


2) Exterior:

1) Keep trees and shrubs trimmed. Do not allow them to hide a burglar at
     work.
2) Keep ladders inside or, if they must be left outside, chained and
    locked.
3) If you have a fence with gates, lock them. Do not allow a burglar
    easy access anywhere on your property.
4) Do you have any outdoor lighting?
     Lighting can be either standard line voltage or low voltage. No
     burglar wants to be seen doing his work, so light up your life.
5) Alarm stickers. Placing stickers on your windows can scare away some
     burglars, but if they are obviously false they could serve as an
     invitation.

3) Interior:

1) Inventory your possessions and keep a copy of the inventory away from
     your home. This will help not only with burglaries but also with
     loss or damage from fire or storm.
2) Mark all of your possessions with an identification mark. This will
     aid in the return of any recovered property.
3) Attached garages should be looked at very carefully, especially if
     you store tools inside. If a burglar can get into the garage, he
     then has all of the time in the world, and your tools, to break in
     to the house. No one will see or hear him working!
4) Contact your local Police Department. They can give you additional
     advice and possibly even conduct a security survey for you. They
     can also give you information concerning how to start a
     Neighborhood Watch program.
5) Above all be a good neighbor. Pay attention to unusual vehicles or
     people. If you are suspicious of something call the Police, better
     safe than sorry.
6) If you are considering the purchase of a security system you should
     download the files ALMPT1,2,3 and HOME29 from library 12 of the    TWDWELLINGS forum. They will provide you with a great deal of
information that will make your decision more meaningful.

4) Vacation security:

Vacations require special care. Remember the primary rule of vacation
security: Do not let the house appear to be unoccupied.

The following points should be addressed before you go away on that well
deserved vacation:

1) Limit who you tell that you are going away. It is very easy for a
     would be burglar to overhear that you will be out of town, and your
     house ripe for picking.
2) Stop mail and newspaper deliveries or better still, have a trusted
     neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers.
3) An un-mowed lawn is a sure sign of summer vacation. Have someone mow
     it for you. While you are at it, remember to arrange for watering.
     If your lawn is the only brown one on the street it sounds the come
     and get it bell.
4) If possible have a neighbor put out a trash can, on the appointed
     day, place some outgoing mail in your mailbox, and periodically
     park a car in the driveway. These common activities make a home
     look lived in.
5) Put timers on inside lights, radios, and televisions. Nothing says "I
     am home" better than the TV. A random on/off schedule is best, but
     even simple fixed time controls will help.
6) Make sure that at least one neighbor knows where you are going and
     can get in touch with you if an emergency arises.
7) Electronic "barking dog" devices are available which incorporate a
     sensor that activates the "dog" when someone approaches your home.
     This may help as long as it does not sound like an electronic dog.


(c)1994 Ronald E. Nelson

 About The Author

 Ronald E. Nelson was previously the installation Foreman for
 Honeywell Protection and is past President of the
 Computerized Alarm Association. Currently he is a member of
 the New York Chapter of ASIS, is licensed by the state of
 New York for the installation of alarm systems, and is
 VP of Installations for Holmes Protection of New York.