Posts

5 Tips to Backdoor Home Security

/in /by

The old adage that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link rings true with home security too. A home is only as secure as its weakest door, window or lock. So in this post, I’ll address means of egress: doors.

Front doors are often decorative and, most often, heavy with a solid core, giving the impression of security. What’s funny to me is that all a burglar has to do is go into the back yard to find a flimsy wooden door that often has up to nine panes of glass. This is called a “9-Lite Entry Door” and is often an easy target for thieves. The reality is that all a burglar has to do is break one of the nine windows nearest the doorknob and reach in to open. We’ve all seen this in a movie when the villain is going after his target. Side-entrance garage doors and walkout basement doors are often constructed the same way.

Protect your alternate entrances:

  1. Solid-core doors: The obvious solution here is to install solid-core “front doors” with minimal (or no) windows at the garage, side entrance, walkout basement and back door.
  2. Doorjamb reinforcement: Consider door reinforcement technologies that beef up the hinges, strike plate, doorjamb and wrap around the knob and deadbolt.
  3. Camera surveillance: Rear entrances are attractive to criminals because they are often hidden and out of plain sight. Installing security cameras with signage may make a burglar think twice.
  4. Home security: Install a monitored home security system—or, at a minimum, install motion sensors, stickers and signage alerting a burglar your home is alarmed.
  5. Lock your doors: It’s not enough to have quality locks like Schlage locks as your doorknob and deadbolt—you also have to lock them! Many burglaries happen simply because people don’t lock their doors!

Robert Siciliano home security expert to Schlage discussinghome security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247.

5 Myths and Misconceptions About Home Security

/in /by

Security is one of those topics we’d rather not discuss because it requires us to acknowledge the fact that we are vulnerable to miscreants bent on doing harm. Sorry, but this is Real Life 101 here—which, unfortunately, means most people don’t do anything about their security proactively; hence, so many people are victimized and end up in complete disbelief about how that could possibly have happened.

Here are 5 things I hear as to reasons why people don’t think they need security:

The “can’t happen to me” syndrome seems to be an American thing. I find in my travels that Americans, more than any other culture, simply don’t believe they can be a victim of a crime such as a burglary or home invasion. But believe me, it happens often—every day, as a matter of fact. The FBI says a home is burgled every 15 seconds. Seriously.

“I live in a safe neighborhood.” Your neighborhood is safe…until one of your neighbor’s kids decides to start doing meth or a sex offender decides to move in because he thinks he’ll go undetected. Safe neighborhoods are a myth.

“If they want to get in, they will get in.” There’s some truth there, but it’s misguided. Sure, burglars can ram a truck through your front door, but the attention they get will prevent them from going too far. Having multiple layers of security, alarms, monitoring, etc. decreases the chances of your home being chosen and increases the bad guy’s chances of being caught.

“I have nothing of value, so know one will break into my home.” You might not have much, but the act of breaking into a family’s home at 3:00 a.m. and pulling them out of bed and torturing them for fun is appealing to many. A break-in isn’t always for profit.

“I don’t want to live paranoid, so no alarm for me.” Did you really just say that? Are you an idiot? Do you really think having a security system meant to prevent a predator from assaulting your babies while they sleep makes you mentally ill? Paranoia is what you get after the assault; it’s an effect of post-traumatic stress. It makes you question the safety, security, stability, structure and protection of everything around you all day.

Stop the nonsense. Get an alarm system.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

Why Home Security Matters

/in /by

Your home is your castle, as they say. This means it’s supposed to be a place of safety, security and respite. But what happens when it’s burglarized and it’s no longer that safe haven? I’ll tell you: people move. And they are never the same after.

Let’s face it—people are crazy. Some studies have shown as much as 50 percent of all people are mentally ill in some way. That’s a lot of nuttiness going on. As a result, there’s drug abuse, kidnapping, assaults, rapes, robberies and just plain murder for fun. Crazy often means violent—and crazy combined with violent means no safety or security.

As a species, we require security. Note these words from Abraham Maslow about safety needs, published in his 1943 paper, “A Theory of Human Motivation”:

With their physical needs relatively satisfied, the individual’s safety needs take precedence and dominate behavior. In the absence of physical safety—due to war, natural disaster, family violence, childhood abuse, etc.—people may (re-) experience post-traumatic stress disorder or transgenerational trauma.

That’s serious stuff, but think of it like this: If your child experiences some form of trauma at school, like bullying, he or she will most likely not want to go back. And in some cases, the child even takes his or her life because of that trauma. And if your home is ransacked, you will be traumatized too.

But frankly, don’t worry about it. I don’t. But you should DO something about it. I have systems in place that work to keep my family and me safe. Home security isn’t something that you or I should take for granted, because when the “security” of your home is taken away, life becomes a struggle.

Peace of mind can come from locking your doors, having a home alarm, and putting additional systems in place that allow you to rest comfortably, knowing your home is being watched over.

Take control over your domain. Let’s face it—we all require a degree of control over our lives, and by investing in home security you are taking necessary steps in gaining that control.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

Top 10 Components of the Ultimate Home Security System

/in /by

You’ve been thinking about getting a home security system but haven’t because you want to do it right and not invest in old, outdated technology. Well, you’re in luck, because now’s the time. Home security system technology is as advanced as it’s ever been, and just about anyone can afford a basic system—and, for a few more bucks, the Ultimate Home Security System is available too.

The basics for the Ultimate Home Security System include:

  1. Control panels near every door and in many rooms that can activate the alarm or trigger a panic alarm.
  2. Alarm central monitoring: If it’s not being monitored, what’s the sense in it?
  3. An alarm or siren to freak out the burglar and alert the neighbors.
  4. Motion sensors everywhere—enough motion sensors to detect movement, but not sensitive enough that they will send false alarms all day.
  5. Security cameras in every room, and more surveying every point of the exterior of the home.
  6. Viewing monitors in every room, keeping the homeowner fully aware of any activity. It’s nice to have a monitor wherever you are.
  7. Glass break sensors in every room, alerting the homeowner to smashed doors or windows.
  8. Door and window sensors on every door and every window on every floor.
  9. Mobile applications to control the system from any tablet, mobile phone, computer or laptop.

10. Sensors for light control, fire, carbon monoxide, extreme heat or freezing.

All of this can be had for under $500 if you have a small house or apartment; as you add more rooms, it adds up. I have most of this above, and it was around two grand for my 3000 sq ft home—and it was, and is, worth every dollar.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

15 Tips for Back And Forth To School Security

/in /by

The security-minded folks at Schlage locks want America’s families to know their options as their kids head back and forth to school. Always keep in mind that security is like the journey to school; it’s an ongoing process that requires you to keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Tips for kids and parents:

  1. If your child has a mobile phone, make sure he or she carries it in hand with Mom/Dad and 911 on speed dial. Never hesitate to call 911 in case of emergency.
  2. Use the buddy system: When walking, biking or just standing at the bus stop, arrange to buddy up with a friend or family member.
  3. Always travel along well-lit common paths. Avoid shortcuts that put you into a vulnerable situation, including areas with higher crime rates, drug activity, teens hanging out, or even highways or railroad tracks.
  4. Follow the law and bicycle safety rules and wear a helmet.
  5. If an adult ever approaches a child for directions, to look for a lost puppy or because “Mom (or Dad) is hurt and in the hospital,” the child should know these are lures predators use to abduct a child.
  6. It is never appropriate to accept a ride from a stranger or even a known adult without the absolute permission of the parent.
  7. If the child is ever followed on foot or in a car, he or she should seek help immediately by calling 911 and going into the nearest police station or store.
  8. Trust your gut. When something seems wrong, it is wrong. If your belly feels funny or the hair on the back of your neck or arms stands on end, run to a safe place.
  9. Learn how to resist. Self-defense for kids is a necessary tool for fighting off a predatory adult. Kids should learn to kick and gouge and scream in the event an adult tries to compromise them.

10. Provide your child with your location and emergency contact info, along with a backup of another adult.

11. Never accept money, gifts or food from an adult under any circumstances.

12. Set up GPS tracking on your child’s mobile phone. Check with the phone’s manufacturer for setup instructions.

13. Beware of what’s being posted on social media. Always be aware that anyone, including authorities, predators or school administrators, may be watching. Post appropriately and do not reveal locations.

14. When getting home, make sure the house is locked before walking in. Always look for red flags that might signal an intrusion. If something seems wrong, it is wrong.

15. Consider Schlage’s Touchscreen Deadbolt, which is a keyless lock. Eliminating keys eliminates lost keys and lockouts.

Robert Siciliano home security expert to Schlage discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247.

The Benefits of Having Keyless Locks

/in /by

You already know what a keyless lock is. It’s simply a “combination lock,” but much more advanced and sophisticated than the ones you had on your high school locker. The old combo locks required three turns in a clockwise/counterclockwise direction to open. Combo locks are cumbersome, confusing and sometimes don’t pass the “grandmother test”.

But today’s keyless locks are push button or touch pads numbered 0-9, like a telephone keypad or ATM. Newer-model automobiles have keyless locks too. Pressing “1276” is much easier for Grandma, and she doesn’t have to worry about fumbling around for or losing her keys. (And, just like combo locks and automobiles, keyless locks also have a key as a backup.)

When going keyless, there are no more keys to lose, hide, carry or forget, so you can secure your home while you run or walk around the neighborhood. I run and used to have to wear a small runner’s pouch just to keep my house key on my person, but not anymore.

Schlage’s Touchscreen Deadbolt is the best keyless lock out there. It’s a motorized bolt that automatically locks and unlocks when a four-digit user code is entered and its lock-and-leave functionality requires only one touch to instantly safeguard the home.

Every aspect of the Touchscreen Deadbolt has been designed with homeowners’ security in mind. Backed by more than 90 years of inventive Schlage design, the Touchscreen Deadbolt delivers an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) grade 1 security rating, the highest residential rating awarded on the market, as certified by Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA).

The Touchscreen Deadbolt can hold up to 30 unique access codes and is designed to support temporary codes for homeowner convenience. For example, codes can be tailored to specific days and times of the week to provide home access only when scheduled, such as for cleaning service personnel.

Built-in Alarm Lock Technology

Keeping families safe, the Touchscreen Deadbolt is armed with built-in alarm technology, sensing a range of activity and alerting homeowners with three different automated sounds for three different situations. For example, the Activity Alert sounds when it detects that someone is leaving or entering the house; the Tamper Alert sounds when the lock is being disturbed; and the Forced Entry Alert sounds after identifying significant pressure, such as a kick to the door or a shove to the lock.

It’s a battery-operated lock, so if the power goes out you’re still covered. The battery lasts approximately one year,

What happens when the battery is dead? Well, you’d need to use your key. However, keyless locks are pretty much idiot-proof—meaning there are numerous warning lights and alarm sounds telling you to change the battery when it’s low. My recommendation is to change your keyless locks’ batteries when you change your smoke alarm batteries which is supposed to be with Daylight Saving Time, but January 1 and July 1 are the dates I use to make my changes. Learn how to change the battery here.

Robert Siciliano home security expert to Schlage discussinghome security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247.

Cops Say: ‘Check Your Locks’

/in /by

Burglaries happen everywhere. But sometimes, in some places, due to numerous reasons, burglaries become more frequent and sometimes by a lot. It doesn’t matter how high or low the crime rate is in your town; it is essential to keep your home as secure as possible. Just outside of Seattle, the Quincy police department recently stated, “To help with the recent burglaries, we have compiled a list of tips to help you protect your home from being targeted.”

One thing is clear about their tips: They recommend good, strong locks on all doors.

  • Make your home look occupied and make it difficult to break in.
  • Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.
  • Keep your garage door closed and locked.
  • Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers to build up while you are away. Arrange with the post office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take it in regularly.
  • Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
  • Push-button locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors like the Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt.
  • Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
  • Always lock your garden shed and garage.  
  • Use curtains on garage and basement windows.
  • Never leave notes on your door such as “Gone shopping.”
  • Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen. 
  • When moving into a new home, have all locks changed. Stores like Home Depot and Lowes have great residential brands, such as Schlage.
  • Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended for backyards.
  • Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.
  • An alarm system is excellent for home security. It provides peace of mind to homeowners, especially while on vacation. There are a wide variety of alarm systems on the market.
  • Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other “secret” hiding places. Burglars know where to look for hidden keys.  
  • Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers, and keep a copy in a safe place away from home. This is a good precaution in case of fires or other disasters as well as burglaries. Make a photographic or video record of valuable objects, heirlooms and antiques. Your insurance company can provide assistance in making and keeping your inventory.
  • Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call 911 immediately.
  • Join the block watch. Work with your neighbors to improve security and reduce risk of burglary.

For residents who arrive home to find an unexplained open/broken window or door:

  • Do not enter—the perpetrator may still be inside.
  • Use a cell phone (or a neighbor’s phone) to call police.
  • Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.
  • Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles.
  • Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons.

Robert Siciliano home security expert to Schlage discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247.

Easily Install Locks and Increase Home Security

/in /by

It’s not that hard to protect your home. In less than 30 minutes, you can install a strong lock, like a Schlage, to fit common prepped doors and you only need a screwdriver.

Ever install a door lock? There are certain activities in life that everyone should know how to do. Change a tire, give CPR, perform self-defense, swim, and change a lock. All of these things revolve around safety and security, and I’m betting you know how to do maybe two or three out of the five. (P.S. – if you know all five, then you are awesome!)

Knowing how to DIY a lock change isn’t entirely necessary, as you can always get someone else to it for you. (In my own life I can count at least a handful of times when someone called me to change locks in an emergency situation whether due to losing keys or a bad roommate situation) But why go through all the time of finding someone and maybe even a significant expense if you can do it yourself in less than 30 minutes – sometimes even in less than 15?! Today’s doors are pre-fit with all the necessary holes, so all you have to do is assemble the lock in place. Rarely will you need to retrofit or drill additional holes. When installing, most locks require two to four screws and you’re done! It’s the simple!

Installation instructions are always included in new lock packaging, with detailed examples of all the parts and how to put them together. Videos such as this one for Schlage’s Keypad Entry Lock, show exactly how to install a new lock.

More videos and installation instructions for Schlage’s strong locks can be found here.

Robert Siciliano home security expert to Schlage discussinghome security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247.

Summertime is Burglary Time: Lock up!

/in /by

According to U.S. Department of Justice statistics, an American home is broken into about every 15 seconds. Summer marks a busy time of year when Americans need to be extra aware of heightened home security breaches. According to the FBI, July and August have the highest monthly burglary rates, as intruders look to take advantage of increased travel during the summer months.

Homeowners are advised to take action and prevent intrusions by strengthening home security. The best defense against burglary is preventionand with proper planning you can help make your home unappealing to burglars. Burglars watch to see when you are traveling on vacation and even look for signs you are gone for minutes or hours at a time.

Here are a few tips to keep your home secure during summer months:

  • Protect your home’s main point of entry by installing a strong lock like the Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt. I like this product because it offers the highest grade residential security available and has a built-in alarm, anti-pick shield and is even easy enough for you to install on your own.
  • Don’t leave windows open and unlocked while you are gone. Close and lock them even if you are just leaving for a few minutes. This will cut off easy access to your home.
  • Don’t leave outside lights on 24 hours a day. Using timers on indoor and outdoor lights is an easy way to give the illusion that you’re home – even when you are not.
  • Don’t leave your driveway empty and even ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway while you are gone.
  • Don’t allow your overgrown grass to grab attention. Schedule time for a landscaper or have someone trusted mow your lawn if you’re going to be gone for weeks at a time.
  • Don’t pack your car openly before a trip. This should be done in your garage or late at night under the cover of darkness.
  • Do have trusted friends, family, or neighbors collect your deliveries and let the police know you are traveling.
  • Don’t list your vacation plans on social media. Burglars love when you tell them you are 2,000 miles away and wait until you get home to post all those photos.
  • Lock all your doors and unplug garage door openers.
  • Don’t share your travel plans on a voicemail outgoing message and make sure to collect all your voicemails so the “mailbox is full” messages don’t play.
  • Don’t leave valuables sitting on dressers or in unlocked draws and make sure to lock everything of significant value in a safe.
  • Use a home automation system like Nexia Home Intelligence to check in on your home from afar. By using a system like this with a Schlage Camera, homeowners can monitor unusual activity to spot anything out of the ordinary.

Summertime doesn’t have to be burglar time if you follow these dos and don’ts!

Robert Siciliano Home Security Expert to Schlage discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures.

Police Officer’s Home Burglarized; Learn How Not to Become a Victim Too

/in /by

Nobody is immune to burglaries. I’ve seen celebrities, priests, politicians and even police officers become victims of burglary.

SFGate.com reports that two people were arrested and charged in the burglary of a central Iowa police officer’s home in which the officer’s gun was stolen.

Not at all cool. Not cool because the cop is just like us and doesn’t deserve his home broken into. Not cool because his gun was stolen and could be used by the whack-job burglar to kill someone. And not cool, frankly, because he is an officer of the law and really should, at a minimum, have a home security system protecting his home and a safe protecting that gun.

Meanwhile, police in Seattle and the West Seattle Herald provided some insight into how burglars operate: “The general profile of our burglars are juveniles in groups of two to three (there are, of course, adults as well), often times [breaking into homes] while people are at work and kids are at school. The modus operandi is to have one person knock on the door (while in communication with the others, usually by cell phone). Meanwhile, the other two are working their way into the backyard where they will break into a window or door once the coast is known to be clear. Once inside, they generally focus on high-end electronics (Apple products are a favorite), gold and silver jewelry, cash and guns.”

Don’t want to end up in the paper? Memorize these prevention tips:

  • Stay safe at home: If someone’s breaking in while you are home, yell out, “Hey, what are you doing!” or “Honey, can you get that?” to make it clear someone (or more than one) is home. Leave, or get to a safe, locked room and call 911.
  • Watch your perimeter: Keep your yard and home easily visible to neighbors so they can see mischievous burglar behavior.
  • Home alarms: Home alarm systems and posted signs letting everyone know they are in place can also act as a deterrent.
  • Summertime security: Don’t leave windows slightly ajar to keep the house cool when you are gone.
  • Neighborhood watch: Start up a block watch with your neighbors. This means folks watching out for folks and their property—and for people on the block who don’t belong.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.