Owens Corning
Basics of Home Security
A burglary occurs every 15 seconds or so in the United States. Burglars entered more than 2.1 million homes in 1991. The possibility of your home being next is very high, unless you do something about your security. And, yes, you can do security yourself.

You, the homeowner, can assess and upgrade your home security without being a security expert. You don't have to hire an alarm company. You don't have to wait for the police crime prevention specialist to tell you what is needed. Security is a lot like common sense, and once you realize it is common knowledge, it's simple.

Estimates are that at least 1 home in 20 in the U..S. was broken into in l991. That was the number reported. If all break-ins were reported, the number would be more like 1 in 4. The average victim reportedly lost about $1,300, but all losses were not listed. Many homeowners do not report their losses to the police, because it gets printed in the local papers. The total loss, therefore, is much higher.

In this day of two-income families, more and more people are away from the home during the day, and burglars take over. Many burglars simply enter through doors since many are hollow core. Even if such a door is locked, it can easily be smashed in. This manual points out those weak areas, and explains how to strengthen them.

It is impossible to keep a determined burglar out, but if you discourage him for a few minutes, add delay time and exposure to police patrols, he'll usually go where the "picking's easier." Making it tough for the burglar is a simple 3-step process as explained in this manual:

1. Complete a security survey

2. Make an analysis of the survey

3. Make the necessary improvements

All of this can be done with the aid of this book and a few household tools.

TOOLS LIST

In the introductory comments, I said that all the tools and the skills needed to install home security are simple household tools and the skills one acquires from normal household maintenance. In this section, I detail a list of tools and some helpful hints on designing and installing your own security electronics and hardware. I did not include a step letter as most house have a small ladder that can be used to reach the ceiling. That's all that is usually required for security work.

The tools can be obtained from any hardware or home supply centers that sell home appliances, building materials, lumber, etc. Store examples on the East Coast include Hechinger's, Wal-Mart, Sears, J.C. Penny's, Home Depot, Radio Shack, and many others.

Tools needed:

1. Hammer (claw-hammer for pulling nails)

2. Phillips head screwdriver

3. Flathead screwdriver

4. Pliers

5. Needle nose pliers

6. Awl (sharp point for starting nails and screws)

7. All-purpose electrical tool for cutting and striping coatings off wires

8. Small pry bar (12 to 15 in. long)

9. Finish nails for pinning of windows

10. Small 3/8-in. electric drill (also called a drill motor)

11. Assorted 3/8-in. drill bits

12. Roll of electrical tape

13. Utility knife

14. Electrical screw-on electrical connectors

15. Cloth for cleaning up and wiping up grease

16. Keyhole saw

17. Plaster of Paris and trowel

Many listed tools are readily at hand in the house or car. If not, they can be purchased. The entire list of items, purchased at Hechinger's at the time of my survey, came to $104.53. The most expensive item on the list was the 3/8-in. electric drill (motor) - $37.97 on sale. Depending upon the quality of the drill you want, you can spend up to $200-300 for the drill set. A lightweight economical electrical drill, with power cord, however, will satisfy the requirements of most households.

Tools

Some jurisdictions require the final electrical connections, including home alarms and associated electrical equipment, to be accomplished by a licensed electrician. However, case law has proven that a person can make improvements in his home and work on all systems, including electrical. It's your right under the Constitution. A further way to avoid this invasion of your home is to wire your electronics into a standard electrical outlet. Plug into the nearest standard and existing wall plate or receptacle the same as you do your coffee pot. Alarm manufacturers make a clamp that fits over the electrical plug, securing it in place.


If you are sure of your choices to upgrade your home security, much of the theory in the remaining pages of this chapter will be elementary. However, the beginner will need to do this preparatory work before the installation phases of a project are tackled.


EQUIPMENT AND TOOL PRICES

During the writing of this book, an unofficial cost survey of a hardware and a home supply store in the Vienna, Virginia area was conducted. A range of prices was found, depending on the quality of the products and the availability. As a home handyman, I like good tools, but I have found that you do not have to have the most expensive tools for home improvement projects. I find that medium quality tools last me from 10 to 15 years. Usually, I will lose tools before I break them. The exception to this is the constantly breaking and stripping of screwdriver heads.

If the tool accomplishes the purpose, that's good enough. As a homeowner, don't go out and buy a $150 electric drill if you use it only for 5 minutes a year when a $40 one will adequately meet your need. However, if you are a professional, I wouldn't recommend the $40 drill, because it is not designed to take the everyday wear and tear of the heavy-duty models. The rule of thumb is: If you're not going to be using the tools in your job or hobby, don't invest much money.

The prices shown below are a result of an informal survey conducted. It does not mean that you can find the same prices in the store near you. In some cases. you can do better, in others you will not do as well.

Window Locks

Vent guard (keyed) $5.99 to $9.09

Key-operated window lock (replacement for clamshell) $3.37

Sash lock (clamshell or thumb latch) $1.58

Locking bolt (sliding) $11.39

Window keyed locks $4.39

Sliding window lock, keyed $2.57

Door Locks

Dead bolt, one key, and thumb latch, 1-in. throw $10.99 up

Cylinder lock set $8.67 up

Door guard or chain $4.39 up

Rim lock $8.23

Heavy duty 6-in. surface bolt with 1 inch throw-on latch $11.39

Sliding door lock, keyed $4.39

Electric drill and bits (using the 3/8-in. drill motor)

3/16-in. masonry drill bit $3.97

3/16-in. carbide tip all-purpose drill bit $3.97

13 piece 1/16-in. to 1/4-in. multi-purpose drill bit set $10.68

Black and Decker drill motor, reverse, multi-speed $32.00

Drill bit screw driver set, Phillips and flat-head $6.99

Hole saw, drill bit 2-1/2-in. for 3/8-in. motor $13.79

Hand saws

Rip saw $8.99 to $36.00

Keyhole saw blades to $2.92

Keyhole saw (for opening electrical box holes in the wall) $16.37

Screwdrivers

Flat-Head 6-in. Stanley $1.79 up

Phillips 6-in. Stanley $1.79 up

Electrical

Package 50-in. indoor sheathed copper electrical cable type NM-B $4.00

Package 25-ft. outdoor sheathed feeder electrical cable type UF-B $4.99

Connectors - package of 5 $.87

Electrical tape, role $2.13

Electrical boxes from $.51 up

Box covers $.32

Single poled on/off switches $.56

Ground fault (GFI) kit with weatherproof box/covers $19.99

Weatherproof boxes $3.89 to $4.35

Weatherproof covers $2.89 to $4.98

Conduit, priced per piece $.21 per foot.

Security Lighting

Flood lamps $8.00 up

Security flood lamps with photo cell $8.00 to $48.79

Sensor with photocell to add onto existing lights $19.97

Programmable timer to replace light switch $8.27 to $34.00

Outdoor lighting with photo cell to replace existing $37.00 to $79.00

Electrical low-voltage expandable landscape kit, with one bulb $13.98

Add-ons to low-voltage kit at lower prices, according to pieces

Bolts, screws/nails (of the size needed - were all under $1.00 per package)

#8 or #10 1-in. pan-headed or round-headed screws (wood & metal)

Plastic anchors

Plastic anchor kit with screws

10D 3-in. finishing nails

Miscellaneous

Needle nose pliers $6.23

Utility knife $2.73 up to $17.00

6-in. "C" clamps

Carpenter's square - miter $4.19

Carpentry kit, includes squares, level, miters, etc. $15.15

Tape ruler (pocket) $4.18

Electrical tape (role) $2.13

Tin or metal snip $7.49

Wooden dandle hammer with claw for removing nails $4.29 to $23.86

Wrecking bar - 3 ft. $5.09

Nail claw (chisel) 15 in. $8.52

Wood chisel 3/4 in. blade $7.12

Wood rasp, hand rasp 8 in. $6.78

6-ft. stepladder $42 to $250

SECURITY SURVEY

The first step toward improved security is to conduct the security self-assessment, called a survey. An easy-to-follow security survey form is included in Chapter Two. Fill this form out completely. Include only the existing conditions, not planned improvements.


ANALYZING THE SECURITY SURVEY

The second step in the security self assessment process is to analyze the completed Security Survey Form in Chapter II. It answers the question, "What is to be done with the survey after it is completed?" Now that the survey form is finalized, it contains the complete home security features. The hard part, the installation of hardware and devices, is about to begin.


IMPLEMENTING SURVEY ITEMS

Before beginning the upgrade project, the basic security techniques and knowledge to complete the security survey and analysis is required. The knowledge part begins with an understanding of the criminal's targets and the home's vulnerabilities.


TARGET ANALYSIS

In home security, the burglar's targets are a given. They are your bedroom with its jewelry and watches, hidden "mad money" under the mattress, the dining room with its silverware and valuables, and all rooms containing portable electronics, radios, tape players, computers, etc. Simply stated, the criminal's target is any item that can be grabbed in haste and carried on the person out of your home.

A burglar spends about 3 minutes in your house, and the professional knows what to look for. It doesn't take long, but inner defenses can make it hard on the burglar and pass you by.


Setting Up Inner Defenses

Even with the precautions, a burglar may still get into your home. Once there, you should try to slow him down on his spree as time is the one element working against him. One successful method is to convert a closet into a vault by installing a deadbolt lock to the door. You have now considerably strengthened your inner defenses. Restricting access from one part of your home to another via deadbolts, etc., will give the burglar yet another obstacle to overcome if he should break into your home.

Having a burglar alarm stand watch is like having an insurance policy. You hope you never need it, but it is comforting knowing the alarm is there. The very system is a perimeter system that stops an intruder before he enters your home, but it is also costly. Cost-saving methods involve using interior and exterior lighting, pads under rugs, and motion detectors.

Remember no home cam be made 100 percent burglar-proof, but, by making it extremely difficult for the burglar to enter your home, you will discourage him. We will discuss the details of providing and installing the various recommended security measures in individual chapters devoted entirely to the subjects.


SECURITY AWARENESS

All the improvements to the home's security will not be beneficial unless all residents know and are aware of the security features. This is called "security awareness." Just like in preparing for fire emergencies by having fire drills, you should conduct security emergency drills. This trains all members of the household and gives hands-on operations or performance checks of the various functions required to activate all security measures deployed. And don't worry about children understanding electronics. If your 4-year-old child can program your home VCR, surely that child can be taught how to use an alarm control pad.

Reduce Criminal Opportunity

The best way to reduce crime is to reduce opportunity. Don't leave bicycles, major toys, lawn mowers, etc., outside when you have finished using them. Put them away and lock them up. This goes for ladders, too. Criminals like loose ladders to reach and burglarize the upper floors or to enter above-ground windows, balconies, or doors of a home. With a ladder, they can bypass the locking devices and sometimes the alarm system. With nothing to attract criminals to your house, they probably will go on down the street looking for someone who is not as vigilant.

Alarm Systems

If an alarm system is installed, insure that all residents know how to turn the systems on and off. Assure that they are familiar with the control pad to arm the system, and set entry and exit alarm delays. Have emergency phone numbers handy to call in case of accidentally setting off the alarms, e.g., record them on a small sticker on the phone. Everyone should know where these numbers are recorded.

Door and Window Locks

Deadbolts, peepholes and door chains, and window locking pins are useful only when they are used. It doesn't help to have them if the window or door is left unlocked when you leave home. The best protection is not only to install security devices, but to employ them.

Security Lighting

Security lighting that is not turned on does not provide security. Make sure all members of the household know which light switches are for security lighting and that they know how to "arm" them by turning them on, or simply by not turning them off. Label the light switches so that all will know what switches are always in the On position. Make sure that timers are not accidentally turned off.

Lastly, always know who is at the door before opening it. Make sure that children know their responsibilities for personal safety, including their names, home addresses, and telephone numbers. Impress upon them the dangers of strangers.

SUMMARY

Remember, no home cam be made 100% burglar-proof,but as I have stated before, by making it extremely difficult for the burglar to enter your home, you will discourage him. Individual chapters of this book are devoted to specific subjects for making it difficult for the criminal to enter. Subjects cover determining home security needs and installing the devices chosen. The value of this book is in the determination of security requirements and the step-by-step approach to installation.


Prior to starting improvements, a self assessment of your home's existing security must be conducted to determine improvements needed and also to maintain those that are satisfactory. I strongly stress the importance of a thorough and comprehensive crime prevention approach to home security. The criminals know your weak points, and that is where the break-ins will occur.


Think like a criminal when doing the security survey of you home. Through this security self-assessment approach, you will gain the knowledge to defeat the criminal.


Remember, like the clich, about a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, security is only as good as the weakest point in the home.


By Clay Higgins
Reprinted with permission. Copyright HouseNet Inc.

This information supplied by Dunn Loring Publishers, P.O. Box 143, Dunn Loring, VA 22027- 0143. To order a copy of "BASIC HOME SECURITY, A do It Yourself Manual Single Source Reference," ISBN Number 0-964-0377-0-4, send $19.97 postage paid to Dunn Loring Publishers, or contact your local bookstore.

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