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5.1 ALARM SYSTEMS FOR HOME SECURITY; HOW TO PREVENT CRIME, ACCIDENTS, INJURIES

I am not sure that most homes need an alarm. It is really up to you. Remember that there are some very simple inexpensive alarms which just attach to a door. Some people put up obvious dummy alarm systems to fool thieves and scare them away. Others put stickers on their windows saying that their house is protected by an alarm system even though it isn't.

Some law enforcement people feel that an expensive and elaborate alarm system advertises to crooks that the house contains valuables. If you do have an expensive home and you want a full system, check with your home owners insurance company. You may find that the alarm system will pay for itself in reduced insurance premiums. However, the policy may require that a certain kind of system be installed.

An alternative to an alarm is to have a sound activated switch that turns on a radio when a door is opened. There are even sound activated devices that switch on a recording of a dog barking. This is often enough to scare any thief away.

Here is a simple system for securing most windows. Simply drill a hole at the top sash of the bottom window through to the bottom sash of the top window. If you do not open the window often you could then insert a screw. If you want to be able to open the window, drill the hole so that a long nail can easily slide in and out. This nail will prevent the bottom window from being raised. When you need to open the window, simply pull the nail out and raise it.

Another way to lock a window or sliding glass door is to cut a wooden dowel (available at hardware stores) to fit tightly above a window or against a sliding door.

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