You would go to great lengths to protect your family, and one of the first steps in home security is understanding how to bolster your front door’s security. Let’s delve into some effective strategies to help keep your home safer at its main entry point.
Upgrade Your Locks
One of your first orders of business should be to look at the locks currently installed on your front door. Are they basic models that are easy to pick, bump, or force open? Upgrading to high-quality, high-security locks can significantly increase your front door’s resistance to unwarranted entry. Consider locks that have antipick and antibump features or those that come with a reinforced strike plate to thwart forced entry attempts.
Reconsider the Dead Bolt
The dead bolt plays a critical role in door security, but not all dead bolts are created equal. Yours should extend deeply into the door frame, ideally a full inch, to provide a strong hold. Dead bolts that feature hardened steel casings, antidrill plates, and saw-resistant bolts offer an extra layer of security. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the differences between single- and double-cylinder dead bolts to ensure maximum protection. By investing in a robust dead bolt, you’re adding an additional barrier that an intruder would have to overcome, making your door more of a deterrent.
Strengthen the Door Frame and Hinges
The strength of your door’s frame and hinges is just as important as the locks. Someone can easily bust down a door with a compromised frame or hinges. Ensure that the frame is made of solid wood or reinforced steel and that the door fits snugly within it.
The screws in the door hinges should be long enough to anchor deeply into the framing, preventing an intruder from kicking the door in. Additionally, consider installing hinge bolts to prevent someone from forcing the door from its hinges altogether.
Install a Video Doorbell or Security Camera
Technology can be a valuable ally in home security. By installing a video doorbell or a security camera at your front door, you can monitor who approaches your house, whether you’re at home or away. The mere presence of a camera can be a significant deterrent to would-be intruders. And should someone attempt to compromise your front door, you’ll have video evidence to aid in identification and prosecution.
Security starts right at your front doorstep, so knowing how to bolster your front door’s security is essential in protecting what matters most. Now it’s time to review your door’s security features, make any necessary enhancements, and enjoy a little more peace of mind knowing that you’ve taken steps to safeguard your home and your family.
Pennsylvania Parenting Magzine is the ultimate resource for parenting news, opinions, articles, and events across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
We offer moms and dads stories that are timely, informative and reader-friendly on important issues such as childcare, family life, education, adolescence, motherhood, and teens. You’ll also find fun, easy and inexpensive family activities and events.
Pennsylvania Parenting Magzine reaches about 5,000 visitors per month. Our email database is comprised of 10,000+ moms and dads, while our social media reach is over 8,000 connections across the country.
For more information, please contact our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, at writer@danielcasciato.com.
