Home Security

Where do you go to find out if the security measures that you have in place are the best way to protect your home and family?

Some police and/or sheriff’s departments offer security inspections. Make sure you use the general law enforcement phone numbers when calling for this information and not the emergency 911.

Here are some common home-security recommendations: Doors Both sides of French doors need flush or slide bolts at the top and bottom. Exterior doors should be solid core models. Make sure that each exterior door has keyed dead bolts and striker plates with 2½ to 3 inch screws and install a wide-angle viewer in the front door. Add locking devices to the frame or cut a dowel to fit in the track. Windows Double-hung sash windows need auxiliary locking devices or drill a hole at an angle through the top of the bottom window and the frame of the upper one and insert a nail or eyebolt. Pin tops and bottoms of sliding glass windows with nails in angled holes or add spring bolted, thumb-turn locks or anti-slide blocks. Exterior of Home Install exterior lighting with a photocell and infrared motion sensor. Equip all gates with hardened-steel hasps and padlocks.

Security Systems

Ask your law enforcement representative or insurance agent for suggestions for security systems companies.

Weather Problems

Parts of the United States are having droughts and other areas are experiencing snow and ice instead of the more normal mild winter weather. In our “Home Maintenance” column this month, we are going to go over the basics of “Cold Snap” defense.

Temperatures may dip to the point that water in the household pipes can freeze. “Doesn’t happen here”, you say, or, “I already know what to do.” One or both of those may be true, however, when you think of the cost or repairing all that plumbing, doesn’t it make sense to check to make sure you have done everything to protect your investment in your home or vacation home?

Foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves (purchase these at the nearest hardware store) create an easy insulation for exposed outside pipes. If there are cracks or openings that allow cold outside air to flow across pipes in the attics and crawl spaces, seal all holes with caulk

Allow faucets to drip slowly so that the pipes don’t break from a buildup of internal pressure.

If you are going to leave your vacation home in the mountains for the evening during the winter, be careful how much you lower the thermostat. If you don’t visit your vacation home in the mountains during the freezing winter months, than learn what the customary procedure for “winter shut down” is for that area. Does it include draining all the water lines? Shutting off the main valve at the meter or where the main line enters the house and turning on every water fixture (hot and cold) until the water quits running.

Don’t let broken pipes and water damage ruin your enjoyment of your home or vacation home.