If you are hoping to improve your home security, you might have considered installing an alarm system, a front door camera, or other high-tech security measures. However, some methods of improving your home's safety are much simpler, namely securing your windows which can be a weak point in your home's defenses.
Learn how windows make a difference in your home's attractiveness to thieves and other criminals. Make the choice to improve your windows for the safety of your home by implementing the tips below.
Blinds and Drapes Keep People From Seeing Inside
One reason why specific homes can be targeted for burglary is that thieves can easily see inside to take stock of the valuables that are in plain sight.
For example, you could have a large window that opens to your living room where you have a nice TV, sound system, and gaming console which are prime and easily accessible targets for burglars. If they see a lot of valuable items that are easy to resell for profit in one room, your home is much more likely to become a target for theft.
Covering your windows is especially important at night because the light inside makes it much easier for people to see inside. During the Christmas season, people often forget to close their drapes or blinds at night because of lighted trees. These lights, though, allow people to case homes for holiday thefts.
Another reason blinds and drapes can increase your security is by protecting the people in your home. Blinds on bedroom and bathroom windows prevent violations of privacy when people are changing clothes or showering.
When your windows are covered, it is harder to tell if people are home or if they are out. Covered windows make staging a robbery riskier, and most criminals aren't known for their bravery. Shutters Protect Your Windows From Vandalism and Break-ins
Exterior shutters are not just for good looks. They provide protection for your home in the following two ways:
Long Term Privacy
If you're going on vacation for a week, you can shutter your windows as an extra measure of caution against people who want to break in. Shutters can be latched and locked in place. Since your home is more vulnerable when it is vacant, these shutters can give you additional peace of mind.
Glass Protection
Even if people don't want to break into your home, people could vandalize windows as a prank by breaking the glass, using soap, or covering the windows with paint. All three types of damage are expensive to deal with. Shutters keep your windows safe from harm.
Window Coverings Are Obstacles
Even
though a curtain, drape, or blind might not seem that substantial,
they are another obstacle that makes it more challenging for people
to use windows as a point of entry into a home, especially if they
are trying to be quick. Shutters, of course, are even more substantial,
and breaking them to enter the house only adds to the time required to enter.
Security Screens are Harder to Cut
Finally,
you might consider replacing your current window screens with
security screens. Security screens are made of very tough metal mesh.
They still allow airflow in and out of the house, but they keep kids
safe because they won't rip open if you put weigh on it and you can't
kick through them or cut them with a knife.
If
you have security screens on your windows in addition to shutter,
drapes, or blinds, your windows are as secure as possible against
people who might try to get into your home through a window.
For
more information about adding drapes, blinds, or automatic coverings,
contact us at Sylvan's
& Phillip's Drapes and Blinds
.
