As someone who lives alone, you appreciate the autonomy you have to design your home how you like and invite guests over when you want. Along with these perks of living alone, you might have a few worries. Like any homeowner, you want to keep intruders out of your home, but you may have a stronger desire to do so since you’re often home alone.
If you want to make your home more secure, try the tips below. They’ll work whether you live on your own or with others.
1. Install windows with shatter-proof glass.
Shatter-proof glass offers several advantages to Florida residents. It provides strong protection against hurricanes, an almost inevitable weather event every year or so. And if shatter-proof glass inside impact-resistant windows keeps out Mother Nature’s strongest forces, it’s certainly strong enough to keep out intruders.
This is a big job, so enlist the expertise of a window and door company. They can help you choose windows that will add to the look of your house while making it a more secure stronghold.
2. Always use the peephole.
Your home’s main entry door may have accent windows on the side or a decorative window in the door itself. Those entry enhancements make it easy for you to see who’s approaching your door. If you don’t know the person, you do not have to open the door.
Entry doors without windows should at least have a peephole. Use that to check who’s at your door before you open it. Use the peephole even when you’re expecting company. This is one instance where the difference between safe and sorry only costs you a few extra seconds of effort, so use them wisely.
3. Keep doors and windows locked.
This safety step is simple but sure. Lock your door every time you go out or come in. That way no one comes in without you knowing about it. Follow this rule even if you’re leaving a door open to let in air. Every door to the outside should have a storm door or sliding screen with a lock.
This rule applies to windows, too, especially windows on ground level. Keep them locked and securely closed when they aren’t open. If you regularly leave a window open, check that it’s closed and locked every time you leave your house.
4. Replace rotting door and window frames.
Your doors and windows might be strong and secure, but that safety vanishes if the frame around them is vulnerable. Perform an annual inspection of all your window and door frames. If they’re made of wood, check them for signs of rot or mold. If any frames show cracks or damage, talk to a window or door company about replacing them.
5. Use doors with strong cores.
If home security is a major concern, make sure any doors that lead outside contain metal, fiberglass, or wood cores. Intruders have a hard time breaking through galvanized steel or other durable door materials. Talk to a door specialist about durable options for your home.
Complement your door’s strong inside with pick-proof locks. Choose a heavy-duty throw bolt, drop bolt, or pick-resistant cylinder. Then guard who has your key with extra caution. Only a few trusted friends of family members should have spares. Do not hide a spare in an obvious location.
Imagine for a moment that you’ve performed these safety measures and made them habits at your house. You’ll feel that your home is secure, and you’ll be able to enjoy relaxing at home with fewer worries about intruders. You like that feeling, so take these steps as soon as possible.
Alexandra 3/10/2015