AS the holiday season of 2014 draws to a close, you and your family may be entertaining a few resolution ideas for 2015. Make sure household safety is on your list this year. With a few simple changes, you could make a much safer environment for your loved ones.
Hold a household meeting
Make home security a habit, with every member of the household—including kids—agreeing to a routine that should include such simple rules as:
Use door and window locks. It costs nothing and takes little energy. Make it a habit to lock every door and window when leaving, after entering, and before bedtime.
Do not open the door to uninvited or unwelcome visitors.
Close and lock the garage door.
Secure your home even if you’re doing work around the house and yard.
Use your alarm system all the time, even when you take a quick trip to the store or visit next-door neighbors.
Light up the outdoors
If you don’t have them already, buy and install outdoor lighting with infrared motion sensors and install one near each point of entry. Replace any burned-out lightbulbs and put your porch lights on timers. Find the best bulbs for outdoor use.
Check Windows and Doors
Are the window locks operable? If not, get them fixed or replace them. Also consider installing aftermarket window locks which let you open the window a few inches while still keeping it secure. Another alternative is to use inexpensive window-break alarms.
Okay, so you’re probably not going to be able to install new doors by yourself over a weekend. But you can inspect your front, side, and back doors. Replace hollow (read: low-quality and easy-to-breach) doors with solid-core (made of wood or metal) or metal-clad doors.
Sliding-glass doors have a latch to close them but are often an easy point of entry for burglars. To make one more secure, place a wood dowel cut to size or an adjustable safety bar in the interior floor track, or consider adding a floor bolt.
Lock your door to the garage. Often, homeowners leave garage doors up when they are at home and don't think to lock the interior door.
With these simple steps, you'll be on your way to a safer 2015!
