

Some simple tips to make your home more secure.
	Make sure all doors are secured with Schlage Maximum Security locks. Open doors and windows and cheap, ineffective locks are a welcome target to intruders. Every outside door should also be secured with a Schlage Maximum Security deadbolt with Grade 1 features for more protection against hammer and crow bar prying attacks.
	For the best possible security against break-ins, a quality burglar alarm is a deterrent to all but the most determined burglars.
	Lock all windows and doors before you go out and when you go to bed.
	Install peepholes in exterior doors so you can see who comes to your door.
	Set up security lighting around the outside of your home, especially at side and rear doors and windows. Floodlights, which offer the brightest lighting, are the best deterrent to prowlers.
	Plant thick, prickly shrubs close to basement and ground floor windows to deter prowlers.
	Prune tree limbs away from your home to avoid easy access to upstairs windows.
	Keep all ladders safely locked away in your garage or basement to avoid them being used to gain access to upper story windows.
	Use the best quality locks to secure gates leading to your yard.
	Make sure that all personal belongings such as barbecues and sports equipment are stored inside your house or garage when not in use.
	When you are away from home, timers on your internal and external lighting give the appearance that someone is home.
	Never leave a spare key outside your home. Most hiding places are obvious to intruders.
	If you go away for a few days, stop your mail and newspaper delivery services. Ask a neighbor or friend to watch your home and take care of your yard to eliminate signs of absence.
	Never leave a message on your answering machine telling people you will be away for a certain length of time. Instead, record a generic message, such as "We're not able to come to the phone right now, but leave your name and number, and we'll call you back."
	Join a Neighborhood Watch team in your community, or find out from local authorities how to start one on your block. Remember, there's safety in numbers. A united community is a safer community.
	Make sure that everyone in your home is aware of all the security procedures that you implement in your home. Print out this list of tips and stick it on your refrigerator. Or make your own checklist.
While no home is ever completely burglar-proof, if you follow these tips around your home you will make it very difficult for an intruder to gain entry. In most cases, an intruder will spend no more than 60 seconds trying to gain access to a residence—even less in a busy area. For more information on securing your home, visit the Security Notes section featuring new articles on home security each month.

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