The dog days of summer are barking and everyone’s roasting as heat domes settle in over much of the country. But if you’re planning some vacation time away from home – perhaps to cooler climes? – first make sure your house is secure.
Did you know that more residential burglaries occur in the summer than in any other season? (Winter is the least risky.) To keep your house from becoming a statistic, perhaps it’s time to replace or repair any locks that don’t work. If your house doesn’t have deadbolts, install them. Deadbolts that require a key to open on the inside might make you feel more secure, especially if you have a door with glass, but they aren’t legal in many communities because someone without a key couldn’t escape a fire.
Although you can install a lock yourself if you are handy, hiring a locksmith might be wise. A professional can also evaluate your doors and door frames and make sure you have high-security strike plates and heavy-duty screws long enough to bite into the framing behind the door trim. The most secure locks have a high-security ANSI Grade 1 rating; locks labeled as Grades 2 and 3 offer less protection. If the packaging doesn’t specify, check the manufacturer’s website.
Or if you’d like to really upgrade, maybe it’s time to switch to a smart lock. You can get one with fingerprint or voice sensors, allowing you to open the door without a key or a code. Perhaps you’d like to add a Video Doorbell, like Ring or Nest, which also offer additional camera add-ons for both interior and exterior surveillance. And many of these new “smart” lock scenarios come with apps, so you can keep tabs on things while you’re away.
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