The Barney Family Security Page

 

Crime Proofing Your Home or Business

In the security business, we sometimes refer to security in "layers".  Good security provides several "layers" of protection to keep you and your possessions secure.  If one layer fails, or is compromised, the other layers will still function and operate to provide protection.  All security systems should have "layers", if not, there is no real security.

1)  Trim trees and bushes so windows are visible to your neighbors.
2)  Avoid high wooden fences which shield burglars from being seen.
3)  Lock up all ladders and tools.
4)  Ensure that your trellises do not provide access to any second story
      window, patio, or balcony.
5)  Provide good lighting to all porches and entrances.
6)  Ensure that your house number is clearly visible to assist the
      police, fire departments, or ambulances should there be a need.

1)  Entry doors should be solid core wood (at least 1.75 inches thick)
     or metal and should fit tightly (no more than 1/8" clearance space).
2)  Fill larger spaces with weather stripping. Be sure no hinges are
     attached on the outside where they can be unscrewed.
3)  Install break resistant plastic or metal grill to protect glass in doors.
4)  Use a dead bolt lock with a strike plate attached with 3" screws.
5)  Use a metal bar braced against the rear door and basement entrances.
6)  Use a piece of 1" X 1" wood, or a sawed off broom handle braced
     inside the track of all sliding doors when not in use.
7)  Use a padlock to secure sheds, workshops and garages.
8)  Ensure that all hasps are fastened with carriage bolts instead of screws.

1)  Never carry identification tags on your keys.
2)  When using a parking garage give them only the vehicle key.
3)  Don't hide keys outside, burglars know where to look.
     This includes key rocks and magnetic key holders.
4)  Have locks re-keyed when moving into a new house or condo.

 1)   Keep daily routines and vacation plans confidential.
 2)   Don't allow valuables to be visible through a window.
 3)   Don't let strangers into your home to use the phone.
       Offer to make the call for them instead.
 4)   Beware of "wrong numbers" and "telephone surveys" that
       are used by burglars to "case" your home.
 5)   Avoid listing your name and address in newspaper advertisements.
 6)   On days of special occasions such as weddings or funerals,
        it is best to make sure you have a sitter inside your home.

  1)  Have a friend or neighbor pick up the newspapers or stop delivery.
  2)  Have the Post Office hold your mail until you return home.
  3)  During your absence ensure that steps and lanes are kept clear
       of snow in winter, and lawns are cut in summer.
  4)  Use timers and/or motion detectors to turn lights on and off
       automatically, as if you were home.
  5)  Ask a neighbor to closely watch your home while you are away.
  6)  Advise your alarm company that you will be away. Provide them
       with a list of persons they can contact, and a telephone number
       where they will be able to reach you.
  7)  Hide garbage cans in the garage or shed.
  8)  Double check locks on windows and doors,
  9)  Leave shades and blinds in normal positions.
10)  Turn telephone sound down so burglars cannot hear the phone
       ringing from outside.
11)  Never leave a message on your answering machine to advise
       others that you are away from your home.

 1)  If your home appears to have been broken into, DO NOT ENTER.
      Call the police and your alarm company from the safety of your
      neighbor's home and wait for their arrival.

  1)  Install a security system in your home or business.
  2)  Have your alarm system monitored by a 24 hr central station.
  3)  Central stations can respond even if no one is at home.
  4)  Alarm systems can monitor for burglary, fire, hold-up, panic,
       and environmental including heat loss, and sump pump failure.
  5)  Central station can distinguish between burglary, fire, environmental,
       or hold-up signals and dispatch accordingly.
  6)  Your alarm system should send scheduled test signals to central
       station to assure your system is operating properly.
  7)  Back-up cellular radio can be added to your security system in
       case your telephone lines are cut by burglars.

  1)  Most insurance companies offer reduced premiums for homes
       with central station monitored fire and/or burglar alarm systems.