The Charleston, South Carolina area is a great place to live or have a vacation home. The weather is great, the beaches are fantastic, golf courses are abundant, there are many historical sites, the architecture is unbelievable, the dining is unbeatable, and the people are the friendliest in the country. It is because of these reasons that I believe Charleston SC Real Estate is truly unique. I look forward to helping you with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs in Charleston, Berkeley, or Dorchester counties. Today’s article is titled:
Charleston SC Real Estate Blog: Do-It-Yourself Home Security: Windows May Leave You Vulnerable
Article From HouseLogic.com
By: Joseph D'Agnese
Published: November 12, 2010
Protecting your home from break-ins starts with a do-it-yourself home security check to indicate whether your windows are an open invitation to criminals.
Imagine how scary it would be to wake up in the middle of the night and realize an intruder has gained access to your home. Protecting against a break-in might mean investing in a professionally installed and monitored home security system (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/home-security-system-installation-how-they-work/), but that shouldn't be the first step.
Begin by conducting your own home security check; after you've checked all of your home's exterior doors for weak spots, move on to examine its windows.
Check ground-floor and basement windows
Ground-floor and basement windows are more likely to be targeted than those on the second floor, and deserve the most attention. The exception is those second-floor windows that can be easily accessed by a deck or other elevated structure outside the home.
Start your home security check (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/do-it-yourself-home-security-check-5-essential-steps/) by looking at your ground-floor windows from afar. Are they blocked by high shrubbery? Bushes give ideal cover for someone planning to break or force open a window; cut greenery back so that front windows are fully visible from the street.
Keep locks locked Make sure all windows can be opened, closed, and locked with relative ease-and then remember to keep them locked whenever you're not around. The biggest problem that occurs with windows is when home owners exit their home and leave windows wide open-and vulnerable.
In spring and fall, when daytime temperatures swing and windows are frequently opened and closed, get in the habit of locking windows as you shut them.
Install simple security devices
Add blocking devices to the most easily accessed windows so they can't be opened from outside.
•Wooden dowels placed in the track block windows that slide horizontally, and require no installation.
•Steel locking pins (about $7 each), inserted in small holes that must be drilled through the frames, prevent vertically-sliding windows from being opened.
If you install a home security system later, the pros will install glass-break sensors on your most vulnerable windows.
Check garage windows
Garage windows are often forgotten-give them a home security check to make sure they're securely locked. Install curtains or apply translucent security film on garage windows so that valuables aren't readily visible. Thieves are more likely to attempt a break-in if they see items worth stealing.
Joseph D'Agnese is a journalist and book author who has written numerous articles on home improvement. He lives in North Carolina.
As always, your thoughts, questions, or comments are greatly appreciated.
Let me know if I can help with any of your Charleston SC Real Estate needs or questions.
See Charleston SC Real Estate Blog for local attractions and current Charleston events.
Look at Charleston SC Real Estate homes anywhere in the tri-county area.
View my entire inventory of VisualTours of Charleston SC Real Estate homes at http://www.visualtour.com/inventory.asp?U=182210
Sincerely,
"Carolina Joe" Idleman
http://www.charlestonscrealestateforsale.com
