Home Security Articles: How To Keep Your Family Safe

Since the tragic death of NFL player Sean Taylor, who was a victim in a home invasion, there have been numerous home security articles and an increased interest in the security measures you can take to avoid such an occurrence. For many people, this will mean a new home security door lock that is an improvement over the one they currently have.

There are several common themes when it comes to home security articles. The universal theme is that a keeping your exterior doors locked and to have a good home security lock. Locks are the obvious first line of defense, but many articles also recommend alarms and other home security devices.

Every family member should be taught to ensure that all doors are locked. An unsecured lock is pretty useless! If you feel the need to hide spare keys for those who lose them or forget to take them along, don't place them under a mat, rock or other such place. Consider leaving spare keys with a trusted neighbor or put them in a coded lock box.

Articles about home security usually list the different kinds of locks and the pros and cons of each. Obviously an old lock that can be opened with a skeleton key is not the safest, but there are many modern locks that can be opened quite easily as well. If you can open it with a credit card, so can a thief.

The box a security lock uses is also critical. It needs to be anchored into the door frame with 3" or better nails or screws, and should be rated as "kick proof." The bolt needs to be at least an inch and a half long as well. If there is glass nearby, a special lock is needed that can't be opened by breaking glass and just reaching in. Be careful to see what local codes permit, of course.

Many home security articles have been written regarding safety measures you should take if you're at home and your safety system fails. The best method is to hide in a closet with a cell phone and immediately call 911. If you have no opportunity to hide and are faced with intruders, make sure you never look them directly in the eye. Try to notice as many things about them as you can without obviously staring at them. However, the bottom line is that it's better not to have to deal with this situation at all by having high quality locks installed correctly before the problem happens.