Tips for Stress free life > Expert Zone > Home Improvement
Home Improvement Tips
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Tips for Stress free life > Expert Zone > Home Improvement Home Improvement Tips |
|
|
|
|
Securing Your Castle
In the world of today, we no longer employ the moat, drawbridge or 30 foot high walls as security devices. However, if we know the correct methods and devices to use, we can attain better security than those devices afforded. Our first line of defense, is to be aware of our surroundings. Your neighborhood may be in an urban, or suburban area, it may be an apartment building or a gated and guarded community. Each of these environments has it's own unique challenges, but all share one common factor, there are other people living close by. If you and your neighbors are familiar to each other, this in itself is a defense against intruders. Your degree of interaction can range from complete avoidance to active participation in programs such as National Night Out or Neighborhood Watch. The more you and your neighbors interact, the safer and more secure your neighborhood will be. Do It Yourself Home Security Survey Lets start with the really simple things to check. Did you have your locks rekeyed when you moved in? Do you know how many keys fit your doors, and who has them? If you answered no to either of these questions, you should contact us, for a discussion on key control and/or key control systems. Next is your front yard, building entryway, or hallway to the apartment. If you have a front yard as you walk up to the front door, look around the area, is there excessive shrubbery that either hides the entry or provides a hiding area for someone? Does your porch light work? Does it project enough light for you to clearly see someone on your porch at night? Are your able to adequately observe the porch area from inside your home, with the door closed, using a door viewer? If you do not have a clear view of these areas, contact us to discuss the available options. A new modern door viewer may be adequate, or possibly a video door bell system or even CCTV may be needed. Since we are now at the front door, let's make sure it can be secured. Do you have a deadbolt lock on this door and all other exterior doors? If you do have a deadbolt lock, does the bolt project 1" from the face of the door when thrown? Does it mount to the door securely? Is it constructed of solid or stamped metal? You should also inspect the door jamb, and the strike that receives the bolt. It should be secured to the jamb with at least 3 inch screws that extend into the structural framing of the doorway. If you have glass in your door, or if there is glass adjacent to the door, you should have a "double cylinder" deadbolt. This is one that requires a key from either side to operate. Be aware that there is a fire safety issue with double cylinder dead bolt locks, when you are in the home, you should have the door locked and leave a key in the inside cylinder. There are locks available that will "trap" a key in the inside cylinder, this key can be removed by manipulating the outside cylinder, so you can remove the key when you are away from home. Check with us for availability. You may be restricted by local building codes, or life safety codes from having double cylinder locks. If you cannot have, or do not want "double cylinder" deadbolts, you should consider having the glass in and around the door, replaced with tempered or unbreakable glass. And finally what condition is the door itself in, is the construction material sound, are the hinges secure, does it drag or bind? If the door is not in good condition, the most expensive and secure lock will not be of much use. Next you should check all other exterior doors, they need to be as secure as the front door. If you have an attached garage, pay particular attention to the door leading into the house. If a burglar breaks into your garage, they will have a secured and hidden area in which to work, and may even use your tools to attack this door. Keeping your tools under lock and key may not be a bad idea. We need check the security of windows and patio doors. If you need a window to be open for ventilation, be sure that the opening is small enough to keep the "bad guys" out, and that is is secured from being opened further. Often window locks do not need to be elaborate, a nail or metal pin, if properly used, may be all that is needed. Patio doors are another weak link, don't depend only on the installed lock. A tightly fitted broomstick, or other device laid in the inside track, is good insurance. But be sure that it cannot be lifted or dislodged by using a wire from the outside. Your automatic garage door, could also be a weak link. The newer units use very good transmitter security, but some older units did not. Side doors into your garage also need to be locked. All of these steps should be viewed as minimum starting points. Please visit www.SecureYourStuff.com for links to manufacturers sites and crime prevention sites, many of which have additional security tips. Jim Newell a Security Professional and Consultant for over 35 years, operates a wed site who's mission is to bring you information about security systems , security devices and security hardware. To help you to make informed and educated decisions about securing your personal property, your home and your business property. Visit http://www.secureYourStuff.com for more info.
MORE RESOURCES:
Benefit From Being Part Of "America'S Most Trusted Company For ... - Franchising.com (press release)
Debt-Relief - Google News |
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Bamboo Flooring for the 21st Century Bamboo flooring has emerged as a new material for the commercial design market. It's unique look and earth friendly properties have made it popular for flooring and panels. Spring Chores at the Cabin Whether you live in your cabin year round or it's been closed up for the winter, it's time for spring cleaning. It's hard to get motivated. The Bathroom - The Forgotten Area Of Your Home? The bathroom in your home is the one room that has undergone a complete transformation in the past several years. A transformation that is as far as how it is defined. A Guide to Portable Dehumidifiers The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. That's just one reason to invest in a portable dehumidifier. How To Know If Interior Design Is Right for You Have you ever seen a beautiful house or office building and wondered who did the work? Have you ever wished that you could do some of the work that you've seen elsewhere? Many people wonder what it would be like to be an Interior Designer, but they rarely ever go beyond thinking about it.If you really want to know if Interior Design is right for, this book will be your comprehensive guide to the ins and outs of the business. Aluminium Conservatories The conservatory is a popular addition to homes around the world and in particular in colder climates. Conservatories began their existence in the 1700s as Dutch farmers looked to find ways of protecting their plants during the colder winter months. Colors: Their Connotations and Perceived Meanings Throughout the ages, colors have been used to evoke certain emotions, and an examination of the history of color offers fascinating insights into the human condition, as well as showing how different cultures have developed different attitudes about color. Here are a few examples of what various colors have come to represent over the years:RedRed has traditionally been associated with courage and love in Western culture, but in China, red is the color of happiness and good fortune. Types of Table Saws A table saw is one of the most popular pieces of machinery used for woodworking. It consists of a circular saw powered by an electric motor that is mounted onto a table. Family Fun - Is Swimming In A Safe Pool Family fun is one of the most important things you can strive for to give your children some lasting memories they will always cherish; even into adulthood. Your children will always remember the times you spent together as a family on vacation or at home. Single Pane Glass Repair in an Aluminum Frame, Part 2 This week we are going to continue our series on single pane window glass repair. Let's talk about broken glass in a fixed window, usually referred to as a picture window. How to Deal With Contractors (So You Wont Go Mad!) BE PREPARED -- Building a house is lots of fun, but it's a huge time investment, too. There's a ton of paperwork and planning, so it's essential to establish a system to stay organized. The Benefits of Small Dehumidifiers So it's too humid in your 10' X 10' bedroom. Or perhaps the steam in your bathroom is starting to make the wallpaper peel. Tuscan Style Decorating For The Kitchen A Tuscan decorating theme can put some old world charm into your kitchen and make it a warm homey room to gather in. The Tuscan style incorporates warm earth tones along with natural materials and architectural accents to create a time worn look. Tips on Ladder Safety PLACEMENT?Ladders should be placed so each side rail is on level and firm footing so the ladder is rigid, stable and secure.?Boxes, loose bricks, or other loose packing should not support the side rails. Buying The Right Bed Sheets For Your Bed You spend a lot of your life in your bed sleeping and rejuvenating for the next day's activity. Sleeping is a process that takes up roughly about about a third of the average person's life. Picnic Tables for Casual Dining Fun Picnic tables are the perfect solution for an afternoon or evening get together. They offer everything from different shapes of a picnic table, to ones that fold up in a box. A Fabric Hammock is Comfortable Casual Chic If you are looking for unique seating inside or out, why not consider a hammock? What comes to mind when you picture a hammock? Do you see yourself on the islands? Are you swaying in the breeze while watching the kids play in the pool? Are you watching the stars at night on your hammock for two? You can be on vacation year round when you add a hammock to a room or patio. You instantly create a casual chic or sophisticated hand designed elegance. Manhatten Paving-Asphalt Paving Seal Coats Why should you even consider sealing your asphalt driveway?Seal your existing parking lot to:Establish all weather surfaces that are maintenance and dust free, thus saving you overall asphalt maintenance costs in the future.Maintain the existing pavement in its present condition by delaying or eliminating further aging due to water, sun, heat, and humidity. Hidden Causes of Water Damage in the Home In addition to causing destruction, water damage also has an adverse affect to the indoor air quality of your home. Damage from water can cause wood rot, insect infestation and mold . If You're Looking for Bedding, Think "Pink" If you have come to a point in your life that you want a serious relationship, I would strongly suggest that you "think pink". This may sound strange to some of you, but I have discovered that the color "pink" has some interesting qualities.
|
|
You are here |
|
| Home Improvement | Home Improvement - Complete list | |
|
| Main Home | | Meditation Corner | |
|
|
| Recommend us | |
|
[About
us] [Contact] [Privacy
Policy]
Copyright 2006, Meditation
is Easy.com, All
rights reserved
