Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Evaluating Your Home Security

When you are about to move into a new home, you probably have a checklist of things you need to do. When you’re making out your checklist we would advise you to include an evaluation of your home security features. If you want to know that you and your loved ones are safe when you lock the door behind you at night, take a little time to make sure that you have all that you’ll need to remain safe inside your Fort Lauderdale, FL home.

Residential Locksmith

There are already enough things that you have to worry about when you move. Are there any infestation problems that you aren’t aware of, do hazardous gases exist, are the locks durable enough to withstand an attempted burglary. All of these are valid concerns and should definitely be considered when you’re about to move into a new home. Taking the time to make sure that all of these things and more are properly considered before moving in could save you from having to deal with a tragedy later. Instead of calling a locksmith, such as, Optimal Locksmith Pro to change your locks, pull out your checklist first and see how you can effectively improve upon your existing security.

Here are a few things to add to your checklist:

Evaluating Your Existing Deadbolt Locks

Business Keys

If you are aware of just how useful deadbolt locks are, you’ll like have them on the doors in your new home. Most people have them as an added source of protection. However, when you move into a new home, the deadbolt locks that are already there may not be the ones that you would buy yourself. The ones that are there may not be designed with the best quality of materials and might not work for your needs. We would suggest that the deadbolt lock you have on your door is made of steel. Anything softer wouldn’t be suitable as a deadbolt lock. If the existing lock is not made of steel, you should replace it with one that is. Make sure that the bolt of your deadbolt goes into the doorframe by one inch. If it does not go in at least one inch, it can be easy to pry open.

A tapered cylinder or free-spinning cylinder is best. If it is not this type, it will be possible for someone to use a wrench to force open the lock. The most common deadbolt lock is a single cylinder lock. This is because they do not require a key to open the lock on both sides. A double cylinder deadbolt lock, while just as durable, can pose a real threat to your safety if there is an emergency and one of the keys cannot be found. Instead, opt for a single cylinder and avoid the possibility of being trapped inside during an emergency. The deadbolt lock is not going to be of use to anyone unless it is used. Make sure you are in the habit of using the deadbolt lock in order to remain safe.

Evaluate the Exterior Doors of your Home

If you’re trying to determine if the deadbolt locks are quality locks, it might be necessary to first make sure the doors that they are installed on are strong and secure. It would defeat the purpose in having deadbolt locks installed if someone could simply kick in the door to gain access inside. Make sure the exterior doors of your home are solid core. This means they are solid through and through. This type of door is heavy and is able to withstand more pressure. It is also the type of door that offers maximum fire protection. If your door is a hollow core door, consider swapping it out for a solid core door. The hollow core doors are not has heavy and this type of door is generally used on interior doors. One of the many doors that is often neglected is the interior door that leads from your house to the garage. Have a solid core door installed here if one does not already exist. Make sure that even if someone is able to get inside your garage, they can’t get inside your home. Finally, if any of your exterior doors are made of glass, consider replacing them with unbreakable glass. Don’t give an intruder easy access into your home by simply smashing the glass and unlocking the door.

Cut Down Bushes and Shrub

This is another aspect of home safety that is often neglected. If you take pride in your homes yard and you’ve planted beautiful trees, plants, bushes and flowers, make sure they don’t provide coverage for a would-be robber. If you want to avoid being startled by an intruder when you come home, late at night, keep the bushes and trees around your home cut down and pruned. You don’t want to provide a hiding place to a burglar who is simply waiting for the right time to break-in.

When doing landscaping around your home, consider home-security. Some security specialists suggest planting bushes with thorns around your home. It is less likely that a burglar will stick around for too long. If you have shrubbery around your new house, cut it down to a minimum of three-feet and cut back any hedges or plants where someone can hide.

Evaluate Your Outdoor Lighting

Now-a-days, outdoor lighting is more than a way to add curb appeal to your home; they serve as a protection to the occupants of the house. Sufficient lighting along your doorway, walkway, porches, driveway and garage offer additional security. If you have these already, make sure that the lights are working. They won’t do you much good if the lights do not work. It is suggested that you also consider adding this same type of lighting to the front and back of your new home. Motion sensors are the best type outdoor lighting to invest in since they pick up on any movement around your home. You are quickly alerted to any potential intruders trying to get into your home and can then contact the appropriate authority to check out the situation. Some lights can also be programmed to turn on and off, as you see fit.




Aricle source here: Evaluating Your Home Security

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