I want to beef up my home and make it more secure to outside threats. I just don't know where to start. What would you guys and gals recomend for five or ten easy upgrades to the home to make it more secure? Doors, Windows, Alarms, Lighting, ect.
Home Security
- Thread starter salesguy
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What kind of place do you live in? House, apartment, condo, trailer?
If it's a house, get an alarm, or at least place a sign in your yard saying you have an alarm. Get nice deadbolts for your doors and locks for your windows. Get a dog that barks when anyone enters the yard.
You can also try out motion sensing lights. If you go on vacation, have a neighbor you trust pick up your mail and your morning paper.
If it's a house, get an alarm, or at least place a sign in your yard saying you have an alarm. Get nice deadbolts for your doors and locks for your windows. Get a dog that barks when anyone enters the yard.
You can also try out motion sensing lights. If you go on vacation, have a neighbor you trust pick up your mail and your morning paper.
DFW1911
Member
Crooks hate time, light, and noise, so consider installing anything that creates any of these.
A dog: it doesn't have to be a Roman War Hound.
Motion sensing lights.
An alarm system w/ exterior strobe light.
Doors that can withstand a pounding.
Locks on the windows.
Good deadbolts and locks.
A full-time Ninja.
Think of it this way: if someone has to try to kick in your door while standing in bright light with an alarm blaring and a dog barking, the chances are they'll move on.
If not, leave things to the Ninja.
A dog: it doesn't have to be a Roman War Hound.
Motion sensing lights.
An alarm system w/ exterior strobe light.
Doors that can withstand a pounding.
Locks on the windows.
Good deadbolts and locks.
A full-time Ninja.
Think of it this way: if someone has to try to kick in your door while standing in bright light with an alarm blaring and a dog barking, the chances are they'll move on.
If not, leave things to the Ninja.
Before you invest in an alarm system, keep in mind that it does only two things: one, it wakes you at night if someone breaks in and two, tells you if someone tried to break in while you were away. Most people, even if they are home during the day, will not keep it on due to the risk of accidental alarms. The prior recommendation of a dog can accomplish both as long as you are not away too long. One with a reputation which proceeds it may be the best deterrent, so think GSD, Rottie, Dobbie, or any big one that barks and is protective. Any dog over 55 lbs. has some protective value according to Massad Ayoob. I've had GSDs for 30 years and no one has entered my home who was not invited.
Salesguy, I employ one particular device you may find helpful. It's perfect for my particular sit'n. I have homeowners insurance so I'm only minimally worried about someone breaking in and getting into my stuff while I'm away from home. Stuff can be replaced.
OTOH, I am a afraid of someone breaking in at night while I'm sleeping. For this reason I have placed run of the mill entry sensors (<$80 total) in the corners of the large rooms downstairs - mounted on the ceilings. They are the type that stores use to inform them via chime when someone walks in their storefront. Mine use infra-red detection, so they chime when any motion occurs anywhere within their range. The receiver that responds to their signal and emits the chime is plugged into a power strip next to my bed upstairs. When I go to bed at night, I flip it on. Any motion downstairs sounds the loud chime next to my bed. Which by the way, is next to a Glock 21 and either a 12 ga, an AR15, or an M1 carbine, depending on my mood.
I'm single and I live alone so this may not work for you. But it works very well and I sleep well at night.
OTOH, I am a afraid of someone breaking in at night while I'm sleeping. For this reason I have placed run of the mill entry sensors (<$80 total) in the corners of the large rooms downstairs - mounted on the ceilings. They are the type that stores use to inform them via chime when someone walks in their storefront. Mine use infra-red detection, so they chime when any motion occurs anywhere within their range. The receiver that responds to their signal and emits the chime is plugged into a power strip next to my bed upstairs. When I go to bed at night, I flip it on. Any motion downstairs sounds the loud chime next to my bed. Which by the way, is next to a Glock 21 and either a 12 ga, an AR15, or an M1 carbine, depending on my mood.
I'm single and I live alone so this may not work for you. But it works very well and I sleep well at night.
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Fred Fuller
Moderator Emeritus
Logos
member
Dr 2 B......I use these too.
I have one of these in my attached garage and one by a downstairs egress window.
Mine are actually intended as driveway alarms but I only use them indoors.
I have cats, but they're not in the garage overnight and the alarm by the window is set up so they can't trigger it with their motion.
They do work well and with these two problem areas covered, I feel more secure.
I have one of these in my attached garage and one by a downstairs egress window.
Mine are actually intended as driveway alarms but I only use them indoors.
I have cats, but they're not in the garage overnight and the alarm by the window is set up so they can't trigger it with their motion.
They do work well and with these two problem areas covered, I feel more secure.
I knew I couldn't be the only one smart enough to employ these things that way. During my search I remember coming across the driveway alarms you're talking about. I believe it was a coin-toss for me as to which I would use.
For people who live alone with no dog, it's hard to beat. I'm going to set my 70 y.o. father up the same way.
On a side note, part of my reasoning is that I like white noise while I sleep so there's a rather noisy fan next to my bed. With it going, I don't even hear the doorbell. But the same power strip that activates the fan activates the chime. Sometimes I amuse myself with my brilliance.
Heh heh.
I don't know if it's the best system, sure there are more options out there, but this is what I have:
-6 1/2 feet tall perimeter fence with spikes on top and barbed wire.
-Exterior motion detecting halogen spotlights
-Opening sensors on every entrance (doors and windows) conected to main alarm
-Motion detectors on hallways conected to main alarm
-Heavy duty locks on doors (more than 1 per door)
-Glock 22
Considering for the future:
-Find a new dog to replace my old one who past the way last year
-Electric fence
-(Not even going there as a joke- lpl)
By the way, more important than the gear is a system and strategy that works for you. You said you live alone, so you should be fine.
In my case, if the alarm goes off, all communications between family members switch to english (live in spanish speaking country), and because all bedrooms are in the second floor, we have time to gather in the last bedroom.
They can take anything they want, but as soon as anyone puts a foot in the second floor, they're gonna get shot.
-6 1/2 feet tall perimeter fence with spikes on top and barbed wire.
-Exterior motion detecting halogen spotlights
-Opening sensors on every entrance (doors and windows) conected to main alarm
-Motion detectors on hallways conected to main alarm
-Heavy duty locks on doors (more than 1 per door)
-Glock 22
Considering for the future:
-Find a new dog to replace my old one who past the way last year
-Electric fence
-(Not even going there as a joke- lpl)
By the way, more important than the gear is a system and strategy that works for you. You said you live alone, so you should be fine.
In my case, if the alarm goes off, all communications between family members switch to english (live in spanish speaking country), and because all bedrooms are in the second floor, we have time to gather in the last bedroom.
They can take anything they want, but as soon as anyone puts a foot in the second floor, they're gonna get shot.
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justashooter in pa
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how about removing the screws from your door hinges (one at a time) and replacing them with 2.5" sheetrock screws that actually grab the framing lumber that your door is cased into. this will add time (and noise) to any forced entry attempt, and can be done easily with a screwgun and a $5 box of screws.
mcdonl
Member
Dog's are nice, but people need to consider that type of a purchase far more seriously then a gun. You decide you would rather have a 1911 in the bedstand instead of a 12 gauge, cool.... guns are nothing but steel and plastic. What if you don't like the dog? Or the dog does not bark loud, or barks all the time.
DO NOT GET A DOG as part of a HD plan unless you WANT a dog.
DO NOT GET A DOG as part of a HD plan unless you WANT a dog.
Stirling XD
Member
Agreed!
Don't get a dog just for home defense. Dogs are a big responsibility and are more expensive than a good security system. Pure-breds are expensive to buy. But that is only the beginning. Puppies require a few trips to the vet in the beginning. Most municipalities require pets to be licensed and have rabies shots. Young dogs love to chew and are not picky about what they chew on. "We weren't planning on buying a new couch, but the dog made it manditory." They also need obediance training. Certain breeds may affect your insurance premium. And while some breeds are more prone to be protective, there's no guarantee that he will bark at strangers in the yard.
If you spend $3,000 on a professionally installed security system, it will likely be cheaper than what you spend on a good watchdog.
If want a dog to be a part of your life, then get one. Research the breed you want and know what you're getting yourself into.
Dogs take time to train. They are not an "out of box" solution to home security. Even if you are absolutely loaded and can afford to install the latest greatest alarm system, video system and get a executive protection dog, all of those things take time to put in place.
Do today:
Research and make plans to:
So much of crime is based on appearance. Ensure that the outside of your house looks well kept, but not ostentatious. Park your NICE car(s) in the garage and / or keep older cars outside. TALK with your neighbors, but don't stupidly give away intel. If you are leaving for a WEEK trip, tell them you are leaving for the weekend... Don't tell them about your video system.
Let people underestimate you. Encourage it.
EDIT:
Also get more insurance on your stuff and ensure that you are covered for floods, fires, storms, theft, faulty equipment (pipe leaks) et cetera. Most of the time, people HAVE insurance, they just don't have as much as they actually need. Review your deductibles as well. If your payments are low, your deductibles are too high.
Do today:
- Go to radio shack and get a stand alone motion detector and siren with Key Fob. They can work even when the power is out and / or until the Alarm system is installed. I used one during an extended outage and slept better for having it around.
- Buy a shotgun
- Make an appointment to have an alarm installed
- Put locks on fences and storage sheds
- Put in "privacy plants" so neighbors can't observe your house
- Think about installing a better fence
Research and make plans to:
- Install a video system
- install motion activated lighting
- landscape for security (bushes in front of windows, raised flower beds, etc...)
- install iron gates or storm doors and windows
- ensure that the trouble spots and access points are lit 24 / 7
- get a neighborhood radio net up using FRS radios (perps are cutting phone lines these days) or have an emergency cell phone
- decorate the interior of your house to thwart invaders (if possible) and plan shooting lanes (reinforce weak spots with book shelves so you don't have bullet zipping in and out of the house)
- install better / additional door locks and / or bracing.
- HAVE A PLAN and DRILL (within reason) so everyone knows what to do
- NOW you can buy a dog...
So much of crime is based on appearance. Ensure that the outside of your house looks well kept, but not ostentatious. Park your NICE car(s) in the garage and / or keep older cars outside. TALK with your neighbors, but don't stupidly give away intel. If you are leaving for a WEEK trip, tell them you are leaving for the weekend... Don't tell them about your video system.
Let people underestimate you. Encourage it.
EDIT:
Also get more insurance on your stuff and ensure that you are covered for floods, fires, storms, theft, faulty equipment (pipe leaks) et cetera. Most of the time, people HAVE insurance, they just don't have as much as they actually need. Review your deductibles as well. If your payments are low, your deductibles are too high.
NC Cruffler
Member
Windows: if metal, install a sash locking device, if wood, drill a hole partially through upper and lower frames at a single point and insert a 16 penny nail
Doors: remove a single screw from both halves of the upper & lower hinges. Install a 16 penny nail in the door frame sides leaving enough exposed (with the head cut off) to engage the other half of the hinge when the door is closed.
Reenforce the dead bolt strike plate with 3" screws.
Invest in a good secondary lock but be sure it is a type that can be disengaged easily if an emergency egress is necessary.
Be very sure that the crawl space access door is well secured.
Other: timed random lighting is good to make others think someone is there at night.
Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home when you are going to be away for a while. Offer to do the same. Neighborhood watch programs work.
Laminate your best targets and post them in conspicuous places. No targets? Use this:
Dave
Doors: remove a single screw from both halves of the upper & lower hinges. Install a 16 penny nail in the door frame sides leaving enough exposed (with the head cut off) to engage the other half of the hinge when the door is closed.
Reenforce the dead bolt strike plate with 3" screws.
Invest in a good secondary lock but be sure it is a type that can be disengaged easily if an emergency egress is necessary.
Be very sure that the crawl space access door is well secured.
Other: timed random lighting is good to make others think someone is there at night.
Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home when you are going to be away for a while. Offer to do the same. Neighborhood watch programs work.
Laminate your best targets and post them in conspicuous places.
No targets? Use this:Dave
An alarm system that monitors for break-in and fire. Knocks down the price of your home owners btw. Lights are a plus but remember a lot of break ins happen during the day hoping you'll be away. No, it's not cheap but piece of mind is worth it. X
travellingJeff
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Black Water security team
Concertina wire
German Shepards with voicebox's removed, professionally trained
Claymore mines
Moat; sharks/alligators
Start with those five.
;-)
Or, install some GOOD door locks in a nice metal frame, install windows that are coated to prevent easy breaking, and teach your family to be always aware.
If you go with the "moat" option, post pics.
Hope this helps, and amuses.
Concertina wire
German Shepards with voicebox's removed, professionally trained
Claymore mines
Moat; sharks/alligators
Start with those five.
;-)
Or, install some GOOD door locks in a nice metal frame, install windows that are coated to prevent easy breaking, and teach your family to be always aware.
If you go with the "moat" option, post pics.
Hope this helps, and amuses.
dkk73
Member
I would add that if you like dogs, and you are prepared to add them to your "family", they can be a fantastic adjunct.
Remember also there is a distinction between a "watch" dog (that can alert you) and a "guard" dog (that can or can be trained to effectively fight alongside you). If you can be an effective force with 45 sec warning, you may not need a pair of ninja-trained Irish wolfhounds.
Our beloved family dog is a great watch dog. He has very acute senses and is very attuned to what is and is not normal on our current semi-rural property. I feel much better knowing that he is an element of my warning system.
That said, don't get a dog, as pet or tool, unless you are committed to taking care of it. Besides the ethical aspects (varies for each person), a dog that is not well cared-for and trained is a potential liability.
Respectfully,
David
Remember also there is a distinction between a "watch" dog (that can alert you) and a "guard" dog (that can or can be trained to effectively fight alongside you). If you can be an effective force with 45 sec warning, you may not need a pair of ninja-trained Irish wolfhounds.
Our beloved family dog is a great watch dog. He has very acute senses and is very attuned to what is and is not normal on our current semi-rural property. I feel much better knowing that he is an element of my warning system.
That said, don't get a dog, as pet or tool, unless you are committed to taking care of it. Besides the ethical aspects (varies for each person), a dog that is not well cared-for and trained is a potential liability.
Respectfully,
David
JMusic
member
I don't know whqt lee posted (forgive me) but you use systems. Well lit perimeter, small bushes around the house close to windows, windows can be reinforced rather cheaply with a film. I don't know who said it but a dog is a remacarabe deterent. burgleer system if you like them (I don"t}.
One room that is considerd a safe room. Many say use metal door and all. A 12 guage is cheaper and if the guy is pounding the door down Warn him and fire the next timE he makes contact right at that area of impact FIRE. Be ready for two or three. have a cell phone.You will probabley halve to buy new carpet.
Jim
One room that is considerd a safe room. Many say use metal door and all. A 12 guage is cheaper and if the guy is pounding the door down Warn him and fire the next timE he makes contact right at that area of impact FIRE. Be ready for two or three. have a cell phone.You will probabley halve to buy new carpet.
Jim
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AStone
Member
The room I sleep in is upstairs, and it has an exterior metal door with a deadbolt lock.
They may get inside and take everything from downstairs,
but by the time they break down that door trying to get to where I'm sleeping,
they're going to have several 150 - 170 gr rnds coming through that metal door.
Nice idea.
I also recommend some cheap downstairs window bars.
Find a welder or metal fabricator to make a set(s).
They don't have to be sufficient for Ft. Knox.
Just small metal bars. One could do it with electrical conduit
mounted into holes augered into 2x4's fixed into the window frames.
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coloradokevin
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mbt2001 said:
With all due respect, this will only increase your chances of being burglarized! Are you trying to fend off your neighbors in an attack, or a burglar who doesn't want to be seen?
A burglar would like to approach a house discretely, enter quickly with minimal resistance, and not be noticed by neighbors. "Privacy plants" simply give the criminal somewhere to hide that is out of view of your neighbors... They essentially buy the bad guy time to work on getting into your house.
If you are just simply looking for privacy, fine. But, if you are looking to deter everyday criminals, you would be better off leaving your home in a condition where the likely entry points are visible to your neighbors! At least around here, the neighbors are considered friends, not enemies, and the real enemies don't want to be seen by the friendly neighbor!
TJK said:
That is very true, even if it sounds a bit coldhearted to say! I've often given similar advice to the victims of auto theft... I'll tell someone to buy a "Club" type device for their steering wheel, and they'll often look at me like I'm nuts. Some will tell me that they've seen the videos where those devices can be defeated (no kidding? so can any other security device). The point of adding such a step to your vehicle protection is merely to buy you a bit of time. In other words, that measure of security makes someone less likely to steal your Jeep Cherokee, when an identical one is going to be found nearby without any extra protections!
This idea can be easily applied to the homeowner as well. Just go and ask the resident of the only house on a given block in the ghetto that doesn't have "burglar bars" to explain the concept! If they don't know now, they surely will learn soon! You don't need to design a fortress to be secure, you simply need to be more secure than the best viable alternative that is available to the crack-junkie burglar.
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