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Home Security

Source: Seattle Police Department

https://www.seatle.gov/police/crime-prevention/buglary-prevention.html

Identify Entry Points

Before you make security improvements, identify those entry points most likely to be used by a burglar. You can do this by answering the following questions:

• Which entrances are hidden/out of view from your neighbors?
• If you were locked out of your house, where could you get in without too much difficulty?

Secure every door/window you list in response to these questions.

Basic Security Improvements

Other security improvements should follow, keeping in mind that your goal is to make it difficult for a burglar by forcing them to take more time and to make more noise.

• Exterior doors should be strong enough to withstand force
• All exterior doors should be secured with a deadbolt lock that has a minimum one-inch throw.
• All strike plates and frames for exterior doors should be anchored to the home's main construction.
• All exterior doors should fit snugly against the frame and all frames should be free of warping, cracks, and other signs of wear and tear.
• Solid core wood, metal, or other reinforced doors, reinforced door jams, or jam braces.
• Three-inch screws, heavy-duty strike plates and tamper-proof hinges.
• The main entrance door should have a door wide angle (180°) viewer/peephole.
• Sliding glass doors and windows should be secure against forcing the locks or from being lifted completely out of the frame.
• High-risk windows (basement, garage, ground-level, partially or totally secluded, latched, etc.) should be secured sufficiently enough to discourage or impede possible intrusion.
• Double-hung windows should be secured with pins or extra locks to discourage prying.
• Trees and shrubs should be trimmed to allow visibility along the perimeter (particularly entries) of the house.
• Timers (both internal and exterior) should be installed to active lights in your absence.
• All entrances (doors and windows) to your home should be well lit at night.
• Your address should be posted on your house and be clearly visible from the street both night and day.
• Easily accessible windows (basement, garage, ground-level, partially or totally secluded, latched, etc.) should be secured with safety glass, security film, or bars to discourage or impede possible intrusion.
• Motion sensor lighting, specifically directed and focused on your entry points and vulnerable areas.

Security improvements should not be made at the expense of fire safety. Remember to allow at least one door or window per room as a fire escape - meaning that exit via the door window can be made quickly and easily.

There should also be fire escape routes established for your household. Family members should know where these are and they should be practiced periodically, especially if there are young children at home.

Home Intruder

1. If you own a gun, know the laws regarding protecting yourself and your property.
2. Remain calm. Take deep breaths to help lower your heart rate and allow you to think clearly.
3. If you cannot quickly evacuate yourself and your family, stay put and quiet. Most home intruders want property and do not want to engage the home owner.
4. Call 911 if you know, or suspect, someone is in your home. Leave the line open to the dispatcher.
5. Do not confront the intruder unless you have no other options.
6. Arm yourself with anything that you can use as a weapon. Fight only as a last resort.