rebron.org: Everyday Life, Work, Ironman Training

I’m surprised that a quick web search for “securing a home” and permutations of it don’t yield much.  My expectation is that a Police Dept web site or some other home security company tips page comes up.  There’s a lot of securing your home wireless network though.

Anyhow here’s what I think is important for securing a home, especially in an urban area:

1. Know your neighbors, know the neighborhood.  Join the neighborhood email list and if there isn’t one, pull one together.
2. Have good, solid doors and deadbolt locks.  Mul-T-Lock seems to be the best.  Know who has keys to the house.
3. Make sure your windows are secure.  Double pane is great and locks that allow you to keep windows slightly open are good too.
4. Get motion detecting lights, have a porch light, and keep lights on in the house when away.
5. Good use of landscaping around windows to limit access.
6. Security system or at least a security system sign, this house protected by some alarm company.
7. Secure all openings to the house including basement, crawl space, attic access.

What I hate are those bars on windows and iron gates.  That’s overkill — makes it look like you live in prison and could also be a safety hazard if bars on windows aren’t easy to open.