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Home Safety Tips

Home Safety Tips

Below are a few simple and easy tips on how to increase the security of your home.

Doors

  • Install security rated locks and deadbolts on all exterior doors. A good quality deadbolt lock should have a 2.5 cm (1 inch) throw. The strike plate should have at least two 8-10 cm (3 -4 inch) screws installed.
  • Use the door locks. Keep doors locked even when at home.
  • Exterior doors should be made of metal or solid wood. Glass or hollow core doors should be avoided.
  • If your home has a glass panel within one meter of an exterior door, install a shatter resistant film on the glass or install security bars.
  • Install a 180-degree door viewer.
  • Never hide spare keys outside your home.

Windows

  • Close and lock all windows when you are not at home.
  • Consider replacing ordinary window glass with tempered, laminated, or wire-reinforced glass or with plastic.
  • Install anti-lift, anti-slide devices on sliding aluminum frame windows.
  • Keep windows and doors clear of all obstructions such as large bushes and shrubs.
  • Basement windows are often an easy target. Security bars are a great visual deterrent. Or install anti-lift, anti-slide devices. Make sure that whatever device you use has a quick release mechanism in case of fire.

Yards

  • Ensure your fence and gate are in good repair. Keep your gate locked at all times. Install privacy slats in chain link fences.
  • Plant thorny plants under windows to deter intruders.
  • Never leave ladders in your yard. These items could be used to reach the higher windows of your home.
  • Use motion sensitive lights near doors or in dark areas of your yard.
  • Eliminate hiding spots in your yard by trimming bushes and shrubs down to a height of 60 cm (2 feet). Trim up the lower branches of large trees to 1.5 m (5 feet).

Garage

  • Cover the windows in your garage so people cannot look inside.
  • Never leave your overhead garage door open. This gives individuals an opportunity to check out the contents of your garage.
  • Install an indoor swinging, solid wood or metal door with a good quality deadbolt on the man door.
  • Keep your garage locked at all times, especially if it is attached to your home.
  • Never leave your automatic garage door opener in a vehicle that is parked outside your home.
  • Lock your car even when it is in the garage.