Home Security on Long Island
The good news is there are plenty of steps a Long Island homeowner can take to ease those fears. The first investment you may wish to consider is a burglar alarm. There are many companies to choose from, and according to some statistics, two out of every five Long Islanders have alarms. For those who don’t, a look at www.adt.com online or a visit to Huntington’s All Action Alarm (http://www.allactionalarm.com) can give you a quick education about what your choices are. In addition to alarms, there are plenty of common-sense home security measures you can take. A well-lit front and back door are crucial, and the best kinds of security illumination are the motion-activated floodlights you can buy at nearly any home improvement store. A sudden flash of light could be enough to deter more inexperienced or inept burglars. For the determined home invader, you’ll need some extra help. A good many robberies are pulled off because the front or back door is too flimsy, or the locking mechanisms aren’t sturdy enough. Consider purchasing a solid-construction door with multiple deadbolts. When considering the locks themselves, it’s a good idea to get the type with longer mounts. The deeper your mounting screws are set into the door frame, the sturdier the lock will be compared to a deadbolt system that is only sunk an inch or two into the door frame. Common sense dictates identifying someone knocking at the front door, but many people forget to check. Is your door equipped with a peephole? Is it large enough? You may wish to install a peephole with a larger lens so you can get a good look at the people on your front or back step. If you have children, instruct them not to open the door without your permission. This can seriously reduce the chances of inadvertently letting someone in your home. Everyone knows about the concept of having a fire exit plan in the home. What about an all-purpose “get out of the house” plan instead? The all-purpose concept gives everyone in the house the right frame of mind for getting out fast, and the general purpose evacuation plan helps your family stay prepared without creating unnecessary fear or concern. In the age of cell phones, the idea of a house phone near the door may seem obsolete, but it may be a good idea to locate a cordless phone near the front door in case it’s needed in a hurry. If there is a suspicious visitor in the neighborhood, you may not feel comfortable leaving the front door to call the police if your children or other family members are nearby. Many of these tips are just plain common sense, but many people do forget a detail or two. While you may not have an immediate concern in your neighborhood, it’s never a bad idea to have some forethought about how you would handle security issues should you ever need to do so! With a little planning and a few small purchases, you will find your peace of mind increasing along with your home security. Also See Part 2 of Home Security Joe Wallace
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One of the most alarming Long Island news stories of 2005 concerned a series of home invasions in 