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Since the tragic death of NFL player Sean Taylor, who was a victim in a home invasion, there have been numerous home security articles and an increased interest in the security measures you can take to avoid such an occurrence. For many people, this will mean a new home security door lock that is an improvement over the one they currently have.
When reading home security articles, several themes will be common to most of them. Having a good home security lock on every exterior door and keeping them locked is universal. Many will also recommend using alarms and home security services, but locks are the obvious first line of defense.
Even the most modern, up to date locks are useless if they are left open. Make sure that everyone in the family has a key and uses it every time they leave the house. And burglars know all the places you might hide a key. Don’t use a fake rock or a “convenient” door frame. You might consider leaving an emergency spare with a neighbor instead.
Home security articles will also mention often mention the different kinds of locks, and how safe each type is. An old lock using a skeleton key is quite clearly not a great idea, but many modern locks are too easy to defeat as well. If you can get in with a credit card, so can anyone else.
The box that a security lock fits into is also of utmost importance. The box should be anchored properly in the door frame with 3″ or longer nails or screws. The box should be rated as “kick-proof” as well. The security bolt must be one 1.5″ long. If there is glass located near the lock, a specialty lock should be used that cannot be opened by breaking the glass and reaching in to open the lock. Be aware of your local building codes and be sure to follow all regulations.
Writers of home security articles might fall back on that old chestnut concerning broken locks and silenced alarms. The typical advice is to hide in an isolated space such as a closet, and attempt to reach the authorities with a mobile phone. Should you be discovered, do not stare directly at the miscreants. However, you should attempt to pay close enough attention to be able to identify unique features or markings such as a tattoo. However, it is best to simply not be in that situation.
Since the tragic death of NFL player Sean Taylor, there have been numerous home security articles and an increased interest in the security measures you can take to avoid such an occurrence. For many people, this will mean a new home security door lock that is an improvement over the one they currently have. An unsecured home security lock is pretty useless! If you feel the need to hide spare keys for those who lose them or forget to take them along, don’t place them under a mat, rock or other such place. Consider leaving spare keys with a trusted neighbor or put them in a coded lock box.
- Rex Freiberger