Protect against Home Invasion

As our economy gets worse I have noticed more news of home invasions and break-in's. As they say ... we ain't seen nothing yet. 

When I was younger, I really did not worry about such things. I thought I could handle most any situation that could occur. Foolish, huh. Now that I am older I do not move as fast nor am I as strong as I was in my 20's. How depressing. Anyway, being of an adaptive mind set I have come up with ways to compensate for my short comings and to protect my property better when I am away.

I have watched video's of people breaking into homes by kicking in the front door and I was amased at how easy and quickly someone can enter into your space. Usually, someone can get into your house quicker than you can respond. If you have a metal door with a metal door frame then you should be pretty safe. Unfortunately most metal doors come with wooden door frames with itty bitty screws for the strike plate. A 12 year old could kick in your door.

Secure your Doors

At your local hardware store they sell Security Door Jambs. These replace your original strike plates for just the door or for the door and dead bolt. They use about a 3 1/2 - 4 " screws that goes into the stud that the door frame is attached to. These are easy to install with just a drill and screwdriver and would stop the 12 year olds as well as the 250 pounders. If you don't have a dead bolt, then get one.

If you want more security while you are at home then buy a Door Club. This is a device that fits on the floor behind your door and acts as a Super Door Stop. This device would probably keep the swat team standing on your stoop. Again, this is easy to install with just a drill and screwdriver.

Both of the above solutions are very cost effective. Being on a fixed income I always look for solutions I can afford.

Note:     A new method for entering your house is the use of a Bump Key. This key will break your lock and allow entry. Bump Proof door entry and dead bolts are now available.

Secure your Windows

One of the weakest points for entering a home is the windows. Most any device will easily break a window to allow entry. If you want to discourge someone from breaking into your home then make it difficult so it takes time and more noise than what the burglar would be comfortable with.

You can purchase 8 mil or greater Security Window Film that would stop most anyone from breaking into your home. It is fairly easy to install yourself or you can have it installed. The cost will depend on the number of windows you want to secure.

Light Up the Night

Another thing burglars do not like is lit up spaces. You can easily replace all outdoor lights with motion sensor lights that are available at your local hardware store.

Inside Your House

If you want to monitor the inside and/or outside of your home while you are away then go to Amazon Home Connect http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link_354141542_1?ie=UTF8&node=2315506011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=special-offers-5&pf_rd_r=1K96PD98ZD0QZJQV7FNW&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=1276243342&pf_rd_i=B004T9Y0MW to see how to do it yourself or you can hire someone to install a system for you if you are not technically inclined. Video monotoring your house is more costly than the other suggestions but it is a solution that is available to you.

I hope this helps you with securing your home.  Please add any helpful suggestions.