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Home security is more important today than ever before, but making your home secure isn’t a matter of buying one certain product—it’s an overall strategy that combines fortifying your home’s entrances, enhancing the security of its exterior and learning the basic principles you need to know to keep you and your family safe.
ALL SYSTEMS ARE GO
Residential alarm systems are one of the first security measures most people think of when considering enhancing home security, and there are a few basics you should know as you begin your research.
Alarm systems have three main components: the alarm itself, the door and window contacts that sense intrusion, and the control pad/panel box that causes the alarm to engage once the intrusion has occurred. In addition to the basic system, alarm companies also will offer you “add-ons,” such as additional entryway contacts (most systems come with a limited number of contacts, usually three to cover front, back and garage door), motion sensors, glass-break sensors, fire sensors and carbon monoxide sensors. Thus, it is important to ask what comes standard and what is an additional cost.
Alarm systems can be battery-operated, run off the electrical currents in the house (also called a “hardwired” system) or, most likely, a hybrid of both. Most alarm companies recommend hardwiring as much as possible, but if you are installing an alarm system in an existing structure, the construction may limit the ability to hardwire.
“We recommend a hardwired system because it tends to be more reliable and produce fewer false alarms than battery-operated systems,” says Roman Mendes, president of Intelligent Homes & Buildings Inc. “But homes with slab foundations and other limitations can be difficult to hardwire completely.”
Michael Morton of EMC Security notes that battery-operated systems are better than they used to be. “Technology advances continue to produce better batteries that create fewer false alarms,” Morton says. “However, the downsides to a wireless system are aesthetics—since the contacts and control panel are larger than a hardwired system—and replacement of the batteries.”
When an intrusion is sensed by a monitored system, a signal is sent to the monitoring company, which calls the home and, if there is no answer, will alert local law enforcement. Unmonitored alarms also are available. These alarms deter potential intruders with a loud siren. “Most security companies will not recommend an unmonitored system,” Morton says. “Unmonitored systems are mainly for protection of life—to warn you if you are in the home—but do not assist in protecting property.”
Maintenance is an important part of the effectiveness of alarm systems. Most alarm companies recommend that owners test their system every 30 days to make sure all the components—including the contacts, batteries and motion sensors—are working properly.
“Testing your system takes about 15 minutes and is extremely important,” Morton says. “It is as simple as contacting the monitoring company to notify them you are testing, then arming the system and opening all the doors and windows and tripping your sensors.”
Brenda Mendes of Intelligent Homes & Buildings Inc. also stresses the importance of maintenance testing. “You want to make sure your system is working so when you need it, it is there,” she says. “Testing also helps reduce the number of false alarms by identifying problems early on.”
Alarm systems continue to improve with technology, so make sure you purchase the most up-to-date system possible. “Security providers are starting to do some innovative new things to increase the level of protection,” Morton says. “For example, a small video camera or audio sensors are now being used to confirm if there is an actual intrusion when the alarm sounds or if it is a false alarm.”
AT THE THRESHOLD
Every home’s main entry points, doors are a vital component of home security. “For exterior doors, including doors from your home to your garage and from your basement into your home, solid wood core or metal doors are the most secure choice,” says Stan Padgett, owner of Secured Perimeters Inc.
Doors also should be at least 1 3/4 inches thick, preferably without glass insets. If your door does have decorative glass, make sure it is tempered glass, which is stronger and more resistant to breaking. All exterior doors should be fitted with deadbolt locks, either single or double cylinder, and installed with 3-inch screws. Single-cylinder locks operate with a key from the outside and a thumb lever on the inside. Double-cylinder locks use a key both inside and out, offering better protection—if a burglar enters the house through a window, he or she cannot open the door without a key, thereby limiting the items that can be removed.
It is important to note that the price of a lock can reflect its quality. Purchase the best quality deadbolt you can. High-security deadbolt brands can cost in the $200 to $300 range plus installation, but the price is well worth the benefit of protecting your home.
In addition to a deadbolt, a security strike plate on the doorframe adds an extra level of protection. The strike plate should be anchored to the door frame with 3-inch screws that secure it to the wall stud.
GLASS GUARDS
The security of sliding windows (both single- or double-hung) can be enhanced with the installation of devices such as key-operated latches or locking pins that go through one sash and into the next.
When considering windows for your home, look at the strength of the glass as well as the type and number of locking mechanisms.
Current Georgia building code states that all windows must be double-paned. You should also consider double-strength or tempered glass
instead of regular glass. A double-interlock system, particularly one that uses double cam-action locks (two locks to the left and right of center instead of just one in the center) with steel plates underneath, is one of the most secure locking combinations available.
Sliding-glass doors can be one of the most vulnerable points in the house and should have the type of locking mechanism that vertically secures the top and bottom of the door to the track. If the only lock is from the handle to the wall, keyed locks that attach to the top and bottom of the sliding door can be installed. A less expensive, though not as secure, way to secure a sliding door is to install a bar that mounts on the wall side of the doorway and swings down to lock the door in place.
SECURE THE PERIMETER
Don’t overlook the security value of good lighting. It is one of the least expensive and most effective ways to reduce break-ins as well as an important safety feature. Low-voltage lighting kits can be installed in an afternoon. Most types operate from a transformer that can be plugged into any standard electrical outlet, so no wiring is required. “Soft landscape lighting that stays on from dusk to dawn is an excellent deterrent,” Padgett says.
When installing lighting, make sure the entire area around your house is well lighted. Install and position lights so every door and window is illuminated, and also illuminate behind bushes, fences, walls, trees and other areas that could provide hiding places for burglars. Installing automatic timers for both exterior and interior lights is also a good way to increase security.
Another aspect of exterior security is fencing. While fencing may not prevent an intruder from gaining entrance to your home, it can be a strong deterrent. “Fencing can keep someone from driving up to your home, which means if they do gain entrance, they will not be able to take as many items,” Padgett says.
HIDING PLACES
After you have taken precautions to keep intruders from entering your home, you may want to consider taking additional measures to keep them from locating valuables if they do get in.
There are many small, inexpensive devices available to hide valuables, such as containers camouflaged as soft drink cans, books and other items. Remember, burglars often don’t have much time to search, so they usually grab what they see or can quickly find.
In addition to simple solutions, many models and sizes of home safes also are available, including those with dial, keypad or key-lock mechanisms. To protect your valuables from the risk of fire damage, choose a safe that is fire-rated to keep the interior at 350 degrees or less for at least one hour.
If you feel it’s worth the effort, you also can strengthen a closet to serve as a small vault. A vault door can be installed in place of any interior door, allowing you to convert a closet, or even an entire room, into a vault.
HIGH–TECH HOMES
Once you have the basics covered, you may want to consider home automation. Modern automation systems can be installed at construction or operate from your existing wiring, and they allow you to program everything from your lighting to your alarm system to your thermostat.
Wireless communication technology that allows owners to arm and disarm their security system remotely also is becoming more common. This technology, which can be controlled via a combination of your e-mail, PDA device or cell phone, can also send e-mail notifications, text messages or phone calls when your system is armed or disarmed.
Another benefit of a wireless system is that it can communicate signals even if the phone or cable line is cut or there is a service outage. “In the next five years, the way we look at home automation is going to be totally brand new,” says Roman Mendes. “New homes will be wired and offer total integration so owners can control every aspect of their homes’ electrical systems locally and remotely.”
HABITS AT HOME
When you are enhancing the security of your home, it is important to remember that good habits go a long way toward making your home more secure.
According to Cpl. Todd Alexander, crime prevention officer with unincorporated South Fulton County, two-thirds of burglars gain entry to a home through open windows and doors that the owners neglected to lock. “It is all about risk versus opportunity—people will take the risk if you give them the opportunity,” Alexander says. “You have to be diligent, even if you are just running to the store.”
Remembering to arm your alarm system, and keeping it armed, is equally important. “Most break-ins take place between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m., when people are traditionally not at home,” Alexander says. “While an alarm system may not keep an intruder out, it will limit the time the person is in your home, which could be the difference between them taking a few things or everything in the house.”
Another important security habit is maintenance. Make sure to repair any burned-out or broken bulbs in exterior lighting, perform monthly alarm system checks and notify your alarm company immediately if there is a problem. Also be sure to replace or repair damage to doors, windows or other entryways immediately.
Security experts also advise homeowners to take steps to prepare for what might happen if your home is compromised.
“I encourage people to write down model and serial numbers for their electronics and other big-ticket items,” Alexander says. “Keep these numbers in a safe place outside the home, such as a safe deposit box, along with videos or photos of your valuables.”
Alexander also encourages neighborhood watch, including calling law enforcement if your neighbor’s alarm is sounding (for your own safety, never investigate an alarm yourself) and writing down descriptions and tag numbers of unknown vehicles seen around your neighborhood.
The most important aspect of any security system is balance—it does little good to add a double cylinder deadbolt to an insubstantial door. Become knowledgeable about your options and assess your own situation to best determine how to enhance your home’s security. While nothing provides foolproof protection from intrusion, a well-thought-out combination of security measures will go a long way to ensuring your home and family stay safe and sound.
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