Safety Made Simple

Home Security on a Budget

By Tenna Perry

For many Americans, home security means an electronic system monitored by a company that bills $50 to $100 a month for their services.

For many others, home security services are unavailable or these services are an expense they can ill afford. The good news is there are other inexpensive, yet effective, steps to increase the safety and security of one's home.

Wayne Schultz, a security expert with the Harris County, Texas, Precinct 4 Constable's office has several recommendations for home security.

"First, I would tell anyone to get a dog," says Schultz. "It doesn't matter if it is a Great Dane or a Chihuahua. Dogs make noise and are one of the best deterrents against a burglar." Of course, a family should first be sure they are ready to accept the responsibility of owning and caring for a dog for its lifetime, beyond just using it for protection.

Corporal Sandy Tomeselli of the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable's office also suggests owning a dog but offers an alternative for those who choose not to have a dog. "Everyone has a friend, relative or neighbor with a dog," says Tomeselli. "Find out what type of bowls and chew toys they have, go out and buy matching ones and then trade the dog's owner for the grimy, chewed up, used ones. Once you get these, put them on the porch, out in the yard or somewhere an intruder can see. While he may be prepared to poison or harm the dog he can see, the intruder is going to be very worried about the dog he knows is there but can't see."

Schultz also suggests families do the following:

• Use self-tapping screws placed into the frames of sliding doors and windows to keep them from being opened by an intruder.
• Place items in front of entry doors and on windowsills that would make noise if knocked to the floor.
• Put "cop locks," also known as "c-clamp" locks, on all possible entry doors. Their design makes the doors much more difficult to open by force.
• Don't keep keys hanging right by a door or window where a burglar could knock out the glass, reach through and get your keys for easy access.
• If you are going to be out of town, visit the post office and put a hold on all your mail. Don't rely on neighbors to remember to pick it up for you.

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