Home Security

2013 FCE Leader Lesson

Prepared by:Bonnie L. Hinds, Specialist

Environmental Health & Housing

“A man’s home is his castle, and where shall a man be safe if it be not in his own house?”

Edward Coke, 1644

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For most Americans,their home accounts

for at least half oftheir net worth.

Burglary is the unlawful orforcible entry—or attempted entry—of a property.

Seventy-five (75) percent of allburglaries are to

personal residences.

2,188,000 Americans were burglarized in 2011.

How secure isyour home?

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Two Types of Burglaries – for Two Typesof Burglars

Unlawful Entry withoutForce –

The Opportunist

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Thirty-three (33) percent of home burglaries did not require

forcible entry. Burglars were“invited” in via:

--an open or unlocked house door or window,

--an open door to the garage,

--evidence that no one was home.

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Thwarting the Opportunistic Burglar:Keep all shuttable

things shut, lockable things locked,

and valuables out of sight!

This includes your car, house, garage, and any

other outbuildings.7

What does your garbage say about you? Avoid throwing

away packaging for electronicsor other valuables.

Use automatic deposit forpaychecks. Mail your bills at an institutional drop box or the post office. Don’t subscribe to—or discard—magazines or catalogs for collectibles/antiques.

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Ah, yes—the spare key.Burglars, too, know just where

to find it.

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Don’t post your vacation plans—or

your business trips-- on social media. It

lets the world knowyour house will be

empty. 10

Burglary #2- Forcible Entry/The Professional

They’re willing to work at it—as long as you don’t throw too many obstacles in their way.

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Home Alarm Systems

A potentially worthwhile investment

Initial cost/installation:$600-$900 or more

Monthly monitoring fees:

$30-$75

Home SurveillanceCameras:

$100-$800 or more

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Keep your cars parked in the garage, with the doors closed, even when you’re home.

Stout Entry Doors

Invest in good quality exterior doors, using only

solid wood or steel.

If doors include glass insets,cover with ¼ inch plexiglass.

Install deadbolt locks and peepholes. 14

Motion Sensor Lights

Motion sensor lightingmay send would-be

intruders on their way.It also offers a warning to

residents.

An added plus – Homeowners enjoy greater safety when entering or exiting

their house in the dark. 15

Environmental Design

Dense foliage or tall trees near windows and doors allows access or provides hiding places.Landscape vegetation should never obscure

entryways.

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AVOID “How may I help you?”What might you have left outdoors that could

assist in a break in . . . a ladder, a shovel,a hammer? Stow all equipment and tools

safely away.

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Know Your NEIGHBORS!

Great neighbors will retrieve your mail whenyou’re away, babysit the

kids when there’s an emergency, provide

extra parking for your annual 4th of July

cookout, and hold on toyour spare house key

for you.

Nosy neighbors willsound the proverbial alarm when someone

suspicious is in theneighborhood.

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With careful attention to home security,you, too, can protect your investment,

avoid the Big, Bad Wolf, and live happily ever after . . . .

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