Home Security
Secure the windows — Though windows are relatively easy to break, the loud noise of shattering glass will deter a thief if you’re near other houses. Create a lock for wooden-frame windows. At the top edge of the bottom frame, drill two holes perpendicular to the sash or at a slight, downward angle. Drill completely through the inside sash and halfway into the outside sash. Insert nails or bolts (don’t hammer or screw these) into the holes. Test this setup to make certain the bolts won’t pop out when wiggled.
Secure the doors —- If you don’t have a peephole, install one in the front door. If you have one, make sure that you and your family are in the habit of using it. If there’s any glass within two feet of your front door lock, consider a locking device that would be out of reach if that glass was broken. [Secure the sliding glass doors. Drill two holes on either end of the doorframe. Screw in two screws so that the sliding door can't be lifted off the track. Wedge a piece of broom handle into the track by the floor.]
Don’t leave your valuables (stereo, computer, jewelry, etc.) where they can be seen from the window. If you don’t want to hide everything from sight, consider draperies and blinds.
Play the canine card -Dogs, even the small yip-yip variety, have sharp teeth and a way of being noisy and unwelcoming to stealthy intruders. But a dog is more than an organic alarm–it’s a living creature, and it’ll need a lifetime of love, care, attention and exercise. If you can genuinely welcome a dog into your life, it will welcome the task of protecting you. But if you’re a cat person (or a guppy person) at heart, then look into electronic security systems.
* The recording of a bark, as sometimes suggested, may only be effective for particularly gullible burglars. Some people have a playback system that’s triggered by the doorbell, but the cause-and-effect (push, bark, push, bark) is a little too easy to discern. A Beware of Dog sign is better than nothing; for an added touch of verisimilitude, get a sign that refers to a specific breed rather than the generic dog. A “Beware of Weimaraner” sign, or a bumper sticker that says “I Love My Pit Bull,” might do the trick.
Make a valuables inventory. Keep a record of your expensive and personally significant items–not just a listing, but a photographic or videotape record if possible. Store this inventory at another location. This is helpful for both the police and the insurance agency (if you have a homeowner’s policy), to identify the stolen goods.
Use an engraving pen to mark these items with some kind of personal identifying information, such as your initials, in an inconspicuous place. This also helps record your possessions in case of any other mishap, such as fire or flood.
Note: We originally recommended that you mark your valuables with your Social Security number. However, several readers pointed out that this is an unsafe practice–your Social Security number can be far more valuable than any individual object, and a thief may use it to impersonate you for the purpose of getting credit cards, loans, etc. Trying to undo the resulting damage can be a long and difficult process. Consequently, you should keep your Social Security number safely stored away. Some states issue driver’s license numbers that are different from your Social Security number; this may be a good substitute.
Scope out your yard - Don’t stop your security awareness at the outside walls of your house. Your yard areas (if any) also deserve your attention. In general, don’t leave anything around the yard that might help a burglar get into your house: ladders, stackable boxes, or any garden tools should be put away, preferably in a locked cabinet.
* Install a light in your yard that is sensitive to movement. Place it high and out of reach.
* Trim hedges or bushes that are near doors or windows. These can be good hiding places.
* Don’t place outdoor furniture tables nearby the house. These could become an easy stepladder to the roof.
* To discourage potential climbers, spread grease on any metal drainpipes. Use Vaseline or automotive grease, depending on the color of the pipe (or replace them with plastic pipe).