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Suggestions For Improving Your Home or Business Security

Alarm systems will not keep anyone out that wants to break-in the alarm may, if a protected area is violated, sound an audible warning device and send a digital telephone signal to a central station for action to be taken. This action may include calling the designated Law Enforcement Agency, and you or your designated representatives. Statistics show that the majority of break-ins are random acts of theft, often not well thoughtout, performed by people that could hardly be called "professional" and are not like the burglars you see on TV.

Ideas and Precautions

• Entry Doors & Locks
  • All doors should be in proper mechanical condition. They should fit the jamb properly with the appropriate hardware.
  • All locks should be in good operating condition. Dead Bolt type locks that penetrate the frame 1-2" are recommended. The interior latch may be keyed or with a handle. Consider fire safety and your ability to use a key while half asleep or with arthritis,etc. Children who must operate the lock are also a consideration. You can consider hanging the key nearby on a hook. Consider hiding keys or leaving one with a trusted neighbor in a sealed envelope signed accross the seal. This will be helpful to you and them.
  • Key security is important. If you have lost your keys or suspect that a copy is missing, consider replacing it with a new one, or having the tumblers changed. Often a large hardware store can supply replacement locks at reasonable cost. They are not difficult to replace. If in doubt consult with a locksmith.
  • Dead Bolt locks add to the strength of the door too. It is harder to "force" a door with good hindges and a dead bolt lock.
  • Check the location of the door hindge. Is it inside or out? Can the "pin" be tapped out with a hammer and screwdriver or chisle?
  • Alarm sensors can be installed on the door to detect if it is open or closed.
  • There are devices to strengthen the door, lock plate and frame. They are availiable at Home Improvement Centers and Hardware stores.
  • Glass doors with aluminum frames used in commercial applications offer different challenges. Often 1/2" electrical conduit cut to size, ends hammered flat, painted and mounted to the inside of the door every 8" to 4' above the floor will discourage the door smash and crawl in crowd. [Glassbreak sensors can be applied to the glass or mounted inside the business to detect the audible sound that breaking glass makes.] The decision to use bars is a noticeable statement of the building's security.
• Sliding Glass Doors
  • Sliding aluminum and glass doors can often be removed from their tracks (even while locked) by picking them up vertically and lifting them out of their tracks.
  • There are devices that can be installed at the base of the doors with locking devices that latch the doors together or to the base tracks.
  • Some doors come with devices between the upper hanging track and the channel to keep them from being lifted. There are also some doors that can be retro-fitted with similar devices.
  • Sliding doors can be fitted with Alarm Sensors that will allow the door to be protected in the "closed" and a "ventilate" position. The "ventilate" position has the screen in use and may allow an opening of about 6" to keep air flowing but keep all but the skinniest burglar out.
• Windows & Latches
  • Sliding Aluminum Windows- Most new aluminum windows installed in new or remodeled construction are of an improved design that discourage the easy removal when locked. Secondary locks are availiable to lock the window in a "ventilate" or partially open position. Alarm Sensors can be installed with double sided foam tape to the glass and frame. These mountings last for many years in the heat and cold. The window can be protected in a "ventilate" and "closed" position. This allows some ventilation, but does not compromise security.
  • Double-hung & Woodn Frame Windows- These windows can be easily protected with alarm sensors. Holes can be drilled in the frame and the window to accept a "Pin" that will hold the window open to a fixed position. A universal screen may be placed in front of the window opening if there is no outside screen.
  • Locking and Ventilation- Hardware stores have many kinds of Locks and screens that adjust horizonially at fixed vertical heights that may be useful. Old screens can be replace or repaired easily today by do-it-yourself materials from the hardware store, or carry-in at your window or hardware store.
  • Glassbreak Detection- While glass break is not the favorite mode of break-in, it is still a consideration. There are clear adhesive plastic film laminates that can be adhered to a window to strengthen the glass against easy breakage. This is also used in some areas in earthquake protection. Some types require special cleaners, check with your glass professional. There are several types of Glass Break detection technologies. One of the oldest is adherance of thin lead foil to the window glass, with a clear coat of varish. A small electrical current goes through the foil to the alarm system, and when the glass is broken or the circuit jumpered the alarm is activated.

    Another technology uses a sensor on the window that detects the sound created by the breaking glass, and sends a signal to the alarm control.

    Audio detection through the use of special filters and audio processing from a unit mounted in a room with several windows detects the sound of the breaking glass, and ignores vibration and sound inside and outside the area.

  • Screens & Alarm Screens- Window screens can be installed on most windows to allow ventilation. Special Alarm Screens can be measured and installed that will activate the alarm system if they are removed or cut. These screens are availiable in standard or solar types of screen material often with a choice of frame color.
  • Bars & Fire Safety- The installation of bars on windows or doorways has safety implications beyond security. If bars are installed on windows on ground floors that might be needed to escape during a fire or other emergency, they should be professionally installed with devices that allow opening from the inside incase of fire or other emergency. Secondary Security Doors can also block the way out as well as in. Be certain that all within the premisises know how to operate the locking devices, and can show others how they operate.
• Fences & Gates
  • Function and Form- Fences take many forms, there are chain link that can be seen through, or laced with colored ribbon to keep eyes out. There are Cement Block fences, River Rock, Field Stone, Lava Rock, and many more employing masonry skills. There are Wooden Fences of all kinds and discriptions. Some are short and easily stepped over, others 6 foot or taller often with pointed tops that discourage climbing. There are special "Razor-Ribbon" type of security enhancements for installation at the top of a fence. These may have some liability attatched to them as do the "electric" fences that are used to discourage animals. The posting of warning signs may be appropriate. Check with your insurance agent and public saftey professionals.
  • Fence a place to hide behind?- If you shield part of the area from public view, it is wise to consider what might take place in that area. A battery powered saw or axe will be just another noise for your neighbor to ignore if they can not see the activity around a door or window when shielded by your new fence.
  • To lock or not to lock?- Gates allow easy access to an area, while continuing the point of demarcation from public to private. If you elect to install a gate or gates, give consideration as to what the consequences are. Do you have a meter reader that needs to see the meter located behind the gate? A gardener or Pool Person that may need easy access to the area? Are your garbage cans wider than the gate?

    There are many types of locks and latches, review them and make the choice best for you. Some are easily used, and others require more precision. Some will allow you to selectively add a padlock when you wish, that can allow selective access.

  • If you have a swimming pool you may wish to install a fence to reduce liability related to drowning or extreme sunburn.
  • Keeping animals of all kinds out!- Your fence may discourage the tresspass of some, and offer a place to hide for others. Dogs may be discouraged from your flower beds and deer from your rose bushes and handbills may appear if the sidewalk is near. Discuss any fence you may wish to build with your neighbors, and check with the local zoning regulations for fences as to height, style and color.
• Security and Garden Lighting
  • What is lighting going to do for me?- Burglars generally do not wish to be identified or noticed, so they prefer dark locations. [reminder: replace burnt-out or broken lights promptly] The selection of broad area lighting with Sodium Vapor lights or the usual spot or floodlights requires some planning. There are do-it -yourself books and licensed electrical contractors to consult.

    You must consider where you would like to turn the lights on and off from, or if it will be automatic. You want to also consider if turning a particular light on will illuminate you before you have determined if you have a raccoon, burglar or drunken neighbor.

  • LV Garden Lighting & Timers- Low voltage AC garden lighting is widely available, and has become less expensive. There are "kits" containing a timer-transformer, wire, lights and instructions from $30 up. The number of lights is limited to the size of the transformer size. The instructions will list the capability of the transformers. The timer-transformer plugs into a 110VAC standard AC outlet. You set the on and off time under a weather resistant cover. The transformer can hang on a wall, and the Heavy Duty "Zip" or lamp cord can be spliced to suit your needs beyond the basic kit.

    This lighting can greet you on a dark night, help you find the garbage can or garage and reduce nightime accidents by increasing the ability to see. It certainly can aid a potential burglar in finding their way around, but they usually prefer the shadows.

    You may wish to consult with an electrical contractor or do-it- yourself when planning a large flood light installation. By identifying the areas you wish illluminated from the safety of your bedroom or other area, you can plan a security lighting system that will identify raccoons or street people or assist you in late night clean-up after that barbeque dinner party. If you often chip golf balls late at night, it would be helpful too...

  • Photoelectric Lighting Control- You may wish to have the ability to have a particular area illuminated automatically from dusk to dawn without a timer or you switching the light on or off. There are simple photo-electric cells that can be pointed in the right direction and wired to control the on and off function of the lamp. This also makes it impossible to leave the 300 watt flood light on all day, tiring out the electric meter.
  • IR Motion Lights- There are inexpensive Passive Infrared Lighting Controllers now. These devices look at a specific area and measure the temperature of specific areas. When an intruder enters a 70F area with their 98+ body, the lighting is triggered "on" for a programable time period. If it is not re-triggered, it will go "off". These special light assemblies can be controlled by a lightswitch tool.
  • Switch Locations- It is easy to locate switches where you want even after the premisese is initially built. Consider where you would like to be when turning a switch "on" or "off". 3-way switches can allow switching from 2 different locations. The switchplates themselves can be illuminated to find easily in the dark too. Small switch levers can be replaced with large decora switches that are easy to operate.
• Landscaping
  • Don't Camoflage the Intruder- When considering your landscape plan at home or work, consider the implications of your choices now and later. The small tree you plant today, will be the ladder to the second story windows of the future. The small bush you plant today close to the house, untrimmed, will be the hiding place of the future.

    Consider using a contractor, and be sure to have them provide a diagram showing the expected size now and later. Give some thought to using plants that do not require much water.

    Be sure to leave room to wash the windows from the outside, you never know who might end up with that job. When you are through with your ladder, return it to a secure storage place or chain it to a large object so it is not used to break into your place.

  • Blackberries can be your friend- Blackberries grow in many climates and taste good. Consider planting them or other thorny plants like roses or bogenveilia in some parts of your property as a barrier.
  • Fire Safety- Consult with your local fire department when making major changes to your property. Especially if it might effect their ability to fight fire or rescue you.
• Fido and Attack Cats
  • Your Dog and your new fence!- Unless you install a telephone extension in your dog's airconditioned doghouse, and include training of how to dial 911 and bark a special code, a dog is not the best protection for your home and property.

    If you are thinking of an attack dog or man-eating Pit Bull on the other side of your fence, there are clearly liabilities and even homeowner's insurance exclusions now. Check with your insurance carrier.

    Keeping your dog on a chain all day is not a great thing to do either. Statistically it promotes dislike of people by the dog, and is not understood by owner and dog alike. Remember, the dog may decide to show how unhappy he or she is by attacking you, a member of the family or a visitor.

    Consider your dog a member of the family and he or she will often become protective of the family home. Consider the breed, age and health of a dog and the profile of the family it is joining before you find yourself in the dog food isle of the grocery store. There are many experts in this area. Consult with the ASPCA or Humane Society in your area for some ideas about finding the dog that will compliment your family.

    If you decide against adopting a dog, you can still buy a BIG dogfood dish, a BIG Colar Chain and a big Doghouse (good for storage) that is visible from your property or the street. [Be sure it has TV, air-conditioner, and small refrigerator incase you end up there...]

• -----THIS IS AS FAR AS I AM IN THE FIRST DRAFT--------8/30/98- Continued August 3, 2004-

• Interior Lighting & Timers
  • What can the Patrol Officer or Burglar See?

    Outdoor Security Lighting is important.. This can serve you while at home and while you are away. When at home, you can observe outbuildings, vehicle parking areas, Gardens, etc. with manual or motion-detecting flood lamps. Walkway lighting (do-it-yourself low voltage) is easy to install, and can be used on timers to assist you to your door or illuminate a walkway until a pre-determined time. There are also some solar powered walkway lamps, but generally inexpensive ones do not work well, or last very long.

    Evaluate your outdoor lighting at night, turn you lighting on, and return after dark, and see what others see. Is your address number illuminated for the Ambulance that you hope never to call? Are there dark places where people can hide as you drive up and park, can you easily see your way to the entry door, as you approach with your key in hand? Did you know that simple wireless lighting controllers start at $30, can turn lights on and off from an extension cord? Some burglar alarms offer wireless arm-disarm and lighting control too. Look on the internet for "X-10 " remote control devices (Radio Shack, Home Depot,etc)

    Is there any liability related to poor lighting combined with dangerous walkways.. will a burglar sue you when he or she falls while trying to break in? (Did you thoughtfully leave your own extension ladder unchained for access to upper levels of your home?)

  • Timers for lighting and radio
• That "lived in look".. consider utilizing TVs, Radios, Lamps, outside lighting on timers.
  • Timer on the TV & Radio- Talk Radio Works fine.. (can keep a pet company too!)
  • Your Telephone Answering Machine or Voice Mail- Does the message invite burglars?
  • The newspaper delivery- Have a neighbor pick them up, or discontinue the delivery and hope that nobody at the newspaper would compromise the information.
  • Safety and Security lighting in the yard, walkway and garden- Search the internet for information and applications.

• Vacation Precautions
  • Who to notify- When will you return..where did you go, what route, especially in rural areas, if your vehicle breaks down off-road, do you have a two-way radio, cell phone, signal mirror, any idea what you would do?
  • The Security Checklist...Make your own, list things to secure, put away, notify, etc. update it on your return.
  • The Neighbors- Consider what you tell them carefully, Does that teenager with no job, new car, stereo, etc. have a bunch of buddies that like to break into neighbors homes? If you give or loan an Emergency KEY to your home, place it in an envelope with your name signed on the seams of the envelope, and use of scotch tape,etc to detect if it has been used.

• Medical Alert Services, Panic Buttons for your alarm & Telephone security
  • Medical Conditons & The Elderly

    Medical Alerts are not a subsitute for a nurse or assisted living environment. If a visiting nurse is being used, determine the capabilities and revaluate periodically. Carefully study the way that a medical alarm works, consider additional alarms, like simple local bell or siren that neighbor can hear.

  • Carry the Wireless phone or Cellular Phone in a holster, or have it on cord.

    A slimple wireless phone with buttons that are easy to operate can be of great help with pre-programmed numbers, and periodic review of how the phone works with "real world" testing. Or a Cellular Phone, again can the person easily operate the phone, some are so small that arthritic and aged hands can not easily operate them. Check for special telephones.. If you "fall and can not get up", have your telephone near you.

  • No Extra Monthly Charge- Medical Alert & Panic/Hold-up

    There is NO extra monthly charge at TRINITY ALARM for Medical Aleart Buttons, Panic Buttons, etc. They can be inexpensively added to existing alarm systems, or simple stand alone systems start at less than $200.00 installed.

  • The Refrigerator Door and Beyond- Have your Doctors Names, Medicine List, etc easy to find!

    Consider putting an easy to read sign on the refrigerator, and near your bed or favorite TV Chair, indicating that MEDICAL information is in a big Jar in the Refrigerator,etc.

  • Your Fire Departmentf- Coordinate with EMS or local fire department!- Special entry if needed, where to look inside and outside the house. If you use a "wireless" emergency button be sure to indicate that the person might be outside the house within a few hundred feet,etc in garden, near pool, garage, outbuilding,etc.

    MORE INFORMATION SOON!

• Hidden Security Storage Places
  • Leave something where they always look, may reduce vandalism.
  • Hiding things in house or business. Don't tell!
  • Safe Deposit at the Bank- Rotate a few items in and out.
• Don't Forget the Obvious
  • Lock the ladder with a chain
  • Don't leave the key under the mat or flower pot
  • You are a creature of habit
  • It is easy and fast to duplicate a key (Separate Auto Ignition for Valet parking or servicing of the vehicle, etc.)
• Neighborhood Watch
  • Organize the neighborhood
  • Consider- Some neighbors deserve watching...
  • Your neighbors know who belongs and who does not.
• Security Patrols
  • Consider it is conditions warrant
  • The more customers in a given location, the less it costs
  • Alarm Response
• Law Enforcement
  • What the Police or Sheriff can and can not do
  • What to expect after the Burglary
  • False Alarms
  • Support your local Police or Sheriff
• Alarm System Decals & Little Red Lights
  • Decals are better than nothing
  • Decals do not always work...
  • The RED LED- Most new alarms use interior keypads
  • The Yard Sign
• Living Alone & Senior Citizens
  • Special Considerations
  • Your telephone is often your lifeline with the outside world.
  • Cellular and Traditional Telephone Communications.
  • Accidents in the home
  • Family & Friends
• The Telephone & your security
  • Wireless Phones
  • Telephone Dialers- voice messages
  • Pagers
  • The Call while you are away..
  • The phone wire entry point to your home or business
• Computers & The Internet
  • On-Line: E-mail, Chat Rooms & Privacy
  • Be carefull
• Earthquake and Fire Safety
  • Plan ahead
  • Your emergency supplies
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Batteries: Radios and Flashlights
  • Your TRINITY ALARM SYSTEM
    • Realities & Expectations
    • The Contract
    • Your Responsibilities
    • It only activates if you arm it and they violate protected areas
    • The Keypad is your friend
    • The equipment
    • Why there are no $99.00 Trinity Alarm Systems
    • Monitoring
    • Audible Alarms
    • False Alarms
    • Our Philosophy of protection

    EPILOG: These are just a few ideas, the library and bookstores are full of information. Your local law enforcement and fire department will have other useful information. Check the front of your Telephone Book too.

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      Intial Construction: August 30, 1998

      Last Update- August 2, 2004

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