Home Hardening & Security Measures

[titsonritz]

Replace all hinge and strike plate screws with real ones.

[Lefty223]

Good info already. I’ll add …

-Nothing less than 4” screws or longer, but make sure to ‘tap drill’ for them first (for the screw body size) or else you risk pulling the door jamb ‘in’.

-If any outswinging doors, open the door open wide. Drill through the hinge plate on the jamb. Insert long screw leaving ~1/2” of screw body sticking out before the screw head. Cut off the screw head, file what’s left somewhat rounded or at least remove sharp edges. Close door SLOWLY and mark the other hinge plate where the screw sticking out hits it. Drill oversize or oblong/screw hole so that it enters it on the angle as the door swings closed. Recommend you do one hinge plate at a time.

-Outdoor lighting is a must … lights, camera, NON-action (hopefully)

-Security is not ‘convenient’ - If it’s too easy to use-apply, it ain’t secure!

-You CANNOT keep them out … your goal is to make them GO NEXT DOOR or at least somewhere else!

[jyo]

Metal security doors front and rear with deadbolts that go into metal frame---only approachable front window (basement) with metal security screen---fenced-in yard (6 foot) that goes right up to front of house on both sides and contains three large, territorial rescue dogs... Yeah, nothing is 100% effective, but you stack the odds in your favor... And, of course, an 870 to start with and your usual sidearm...