Home Security Tips to Make Your House More Safe

One thing nearly every home owner is concerned about is home security. Whether that means installing a burglar alarm, a home security camera, or simply fortifying windows and doors for a more burglar proof home.

While there are many home security professionals who can help install home security equipment, there are certain cost-effective do it yourself home security projects that can be done quickly and easily in just an hour or two.

Is Your Automatic Garage Door Opener Burglar Proof?

An automatic garage door opener is not only a terrific convenience, it can help burglar proof your home. Older automatic garage openers manufactured before 1978, however, are much less secure. If fact, they can represent a home security risk.

It is possible for anyone with a “code grabber” to crack the code of older models of automatic garage door openers. This device works by picking up codes transmitted by the garage door remote control. It copies the code on a computer chip. The code can then be retransmitted to open the garage door.

“Code scamming” is similar. With the same type transmitter and easy-to-obtain electronics, the code to the garage door control can be scanned, and triggered. With a “point” and a “click” the garage door opens in a matter of minutes.

Most new models of automatic garage door openers are burglar proof because they use a non-repeating “rolling-code” remote control. The code is changed after every use for home security purposes. Check your owner’s manual to discover what type of garage door opener you have.

Exchanging an older model for a newer, more secure automatic garage door opener is a relatively inexpensive, do it yourself home security project. It will go a long way in providing a safer home, as well as peace of mind. Before beginning the project, however, check local codes, and follow all safety precautions.

How to make An Older Automatic Garage Door Opener More Secure

If you decide not to exchange an older model for a newer one, you can temporarily disable the older automatic garage door opener by unplugging it This can be done before going to bed each night, or when leaving the house for an extended period of time.

You can also change the automatic garage door opener transmitter code. Typically, there will be a receiver code button that programs the opener. Press and hold the receiver code button. An indicator light will come on to let you know the opener is erasing the code from its memory.

Wait for the light to go off; do a test using your garage door opener remote to make sure you succeeded in decoding the unit.

To reset the code, press the transmitter button on the remote and hold it down. At the same time, push and release the receiver code button on the garage door opener unit. When the light flashes and you hear a clicking sound, the opener has been programmed. Test to be sure; if necessary, repeat process.

Install a Door Peephole

Another quick and easy home security tip is to install a peephole in all solid exterior doors, including the door that connects to the garage.

A peephole is a small device that allows the homeowner to see what is outside the door without being seen. Measure the size (width) of each door to make sure you buy the right size peep hole. Also check to make sure the peephole allows adequate viewing, at least 190 degrees, and what size drill bits are required for installation.

Use a pencil to place a mark in the center of the interior side of the door, at a convenient height. Put newspaper under the door to catch sawdust made from drilling. Tap an awl with a hammer on the pencil mark to make an indention. This will make it easier to insert the drill bit.

Using the smaller bit to drill a hole all the way through the door. Drill a hole halfway through the interior and exterior sides of the door using the larger drill bit. Remember to wear goggles during this process.

Disassemble the peephole; unscrew the optical glass lens from its base, and install the lens into the hole on the exterior side of the door. Using your fingers, screw the base back onto it from the interior side. Tighten using a coin placed into the slots on the interior side of the peephole.

Other Types of Home Security Measures

Nearly 80% of all burglars enter through a door. By making the garage and exterior doors into your home more secure, you’ve taken effective steps to heighten home security.

Another effective home security measure is to fortify sliding glass doors by installing a sliding glass door lock. A foot lock or removable drop bar, also known as a Charlie Bar, are two good choices. Both these items can be purchased where sliding glass door hardware is sold.

A wooden double hung window can be made more secure with the use of window pins. Use these in addition to the crescent latch designed to keep the double hung windows together; the latch by itself is not an effective safety device.

More Advanced Home Security Measures

Other, more complicated to install but highly effective home security measures to consider include the installation of a wireless burglar alarm or other type of home security alarm system. Having a home security camera installed is another option.

If you haven’t the time, the tools, or the expertise required to install a drop bar, foot lock, or another type of sliding glass door lock yourself, or any of the home security systems mentioned, hire an expert.

There are qualified contractors in your area ready to bid on your home security project. Each with extensive experience installing various burglar alarm and other home security systems. And knowledgeable about which types of home security equipment will best suit your needs.

Why not post your project online now, for free! Start receiving competitive bids as early as tomorrow. Find just the right home security expert to improve your home security, and make it a safer dwelling for you and your family. Click here to post your project now.

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