The 3 H’s of Home Security: Hardware, Habits, and Humans

Install Home Security Hardware

• Install and maintain deadbolt locks on all exterior doors, including garage service doors.
• Install and maintain security strike plates secured with 3-inch screws on the frames of all exterior doors, including garage service doors.
• Permanently secure basement and garage windows with bars, grillworks, glass block, etc. (Building codes do not allow you to permanently close windows in any room used for sleeping.)
• Secure overhead garage doors with electric openers, hasps with padlocks, or padlocks in door tracks. Change opener code from standard setting and don’t use easy to guess codes like your address.
• Cover garage door windows and use blinds and/or curtains for home windows so people cannot see in, especially at night.
• Install and maintain highly visible house numbers on the front of your home and/or on the mailbox. 

Practice Home Security Habits

• Lock your doors and windows at all times. Do not leave windows open unless locked or pinned with maximum window openings of six inches.
• Use light timers to make your home look occupied when away.
• Turn on the front light at night to illuminate address numbers and to deter crime.
• Eliminate easy opportunities for theft from your hard. Secure grills, bikes, tools, and furniture. 

Humans Make Home Security Happen

• Join or start a neighborhood watch program. Contact the with questions.
• Model good security habits, teaching them to your children.
• Consider exceeding minimum hardware standards, such as security storm doors that lock from the outside, locked gates, dusk to dawn lights and a secure porch.