Home security is increasingly important to many people. Although you could install a complete home-security system to protect your home against intruders, you'd spend a lot of money in the process. If your budget won't accommodate a complete system, consider some less expensive options that are also easy to install. The first areas to focus on are the doors and windows through which burglars could enter your home. You're better off with a solid-core door with a deadbolt lock (figure A). If you don't want to install a deadbolt on the door leading from your garage into your home, install a door reinforcer (figure B), which is less expensive but helps to secure the door and prevent "kick-ins."
Although you could use a door chain to help hold the door while you open it to see who's outside, you'll be more secure with a peephole.
Sliding doors offer easy access for burglars, who can simply lift the doors out of their tracks to gain entry to your house. To prevent the door from sliding, lay a broomstick in the track or install a pin lock (figure C), which holds the door in place and prevents burglars from lifting it out of its track.
The sash locks (figure D) commonly found on windows offer only limited protection because burglars can break the window, then reach through to open the lock. Keyed sash locks offer better protection, but all family members must know where the keys are located.
If you plan to be away from home for an extended period, set timers (figure E) to turn on lights, radios and televisions to give the illusion that someone is home.
Motion-detector lights (figure F) turn on when someone approaches. They're available in attractive outdoor-lamp models, and many existing outdoor lights can be converted into motion detectors.
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
