Rosie on the House: Securing doors and windows in your home

For instance, if you need to walk outside at night, you could increase your safety by having someone walk with you, or you could carry a flashlight to see if danger lurks in the darkness. Or you could install motion-activated lights and cameras by doors and dark areas of your home to help with awareness.

Strengthen your exterior doors

Door Jamb and Frame: Your doors are only as strong as their weakest point. Exterior doors are usually fairly strong, but you might consider making all the parts stronger. A residential door frame, or the jamb, is typically wood, and even the strongest deadbolt may not resist a solid kick from an intruder. Consider installing a steel jamb that will not give way during an attempted break-in.

Locking systems: The most common form of lock is the door handle itself coupled with a deadbolt. Multi-point locking systems are also available. Multi-point systems can have bolts that extend into the threshold and floor along with the header and lock up, down and sideways.

Add security to your locking system:

• Strengthen the strike plate: The screws in the strike plate only secure the door to the door jamb, making it easy to kick open. Secure the strike plate with extra long screws to the structural skeleton of the home, making it much harder to kick open.
• Keypad codes: Using keypad codes allows you to create individual codes or new ones as needed.
• Biometric systems: Systems that allow access by fingerprint and face recognition are also available.

Security screen doors: A security screen door adds a layer of protection to your door. Security screens make the door harder to break into, allow you to open the front door for fresh air and allow you to talk to someone at the front door without letting them in.

The best screen doors are all metal construction, including metal frames and thick metal screens. Hardware and locks of hardened metal also help provide the best protection.

Window Safety Upgrades

Sticking a broomstick in the track of the window or door track will not prevent a break-in!

In general, to secure a window or patio door, the sash (the part of the window that moves) needs to be anchored to the frame. There are various locks made to do this at every hardware store.

Window security can be improved with the installation of new windows. If you are in the market for new windows, consider the following upgrades:

• Quality frames, along with multi-point locking systems, make for windows that offer stronger security. Multi-point locks are most common in awning- and casement-style windows and can involve 3-5 locking points.
• High-impact glass is becoming more popular in residential windows. This type of glass is quite common in areas prone to hurricanes or high winds and can also help protect from break-ins.
• Remote control by a smartphone app is available with the newer models of windows. Sensors on the windows can detect vibration that may be an indication of a break-in. Other sensors allow you to open and close windows remotely, which can be pretty handy should a surprise rain shower develop. In fact, you can have sensors on the window that detect moisture and notify you.

Smart Systems: Security systems in your home are designed to accomplish two things. The first is to give you the tools to be aware of what is going on around and in your home. The second is to help prevent damage and danger from getting the upper hand.

WiFi-based systems: A basic level of security can be had with a security system connected by WiFi.

Most of us have a smartphone that allows us to connect to the internet. Security systems have evolved to take advantage of this connection. We can now monitor our homes from wherever we have internet or satellite access to the net.

External cameras, doorbell cameras and interior cameras not only can tell you in real time what is going on at home, most systems have the ability to record events or continuous video for a period of time. This helps in identifying the course of activity during a security breach.

Securing your security system has improved. Passwords can be required to access your system from your phone or your computer when you are away.

Homeowner caution: An internet-based security system is only as reliable as your internet. When there is a lack of internet coverage, the system will not be active.

Hardwired and cellular-based security systems: If you are considering upgrading your system or getting a new one, consider cellular versus WiFi connectivity and the layered protection that a monitored system brings. WiFi coverage has certainly increased, making internet security systems an option for more homeowners.

Upgrading to a cellular system offers a more secure connection. Jarod Wright of Harmony Security says the demand for monitored cellular systems has grown as the state has grown. A reliable security service can offer full-time monitoring for medical alerts, fire, burglary and video surveillance.

Many of the cellular systems also include smart technology so homeowners can personalize their system for the activity at their home.

Takeaways: Home security has come a long way from a basic lock.

Remember:

• The first step in security is awareness. Be aware of what is going on around you and your home.
• Prevent damage and danger from getting the upper hand with DIY upgrades.
• When it is time for an upgrade, choose safer doors and windows with better-locking systems and stronger materials.
• Consider installing a security system that is right for you.

Security systems can be simple or sophisticated. We are curious to know from our readers the level of security you employ and where you live. Please drop us a note at info@rosieonthehouse.com.