Emergency Situations And Home Security
By Roger Weaver
Each year we hear about “hurricane season” or watch as the predicted series of wildfires or tornadoes tear through areas of the country. There is absolutely nothing to be done about Mother Nature, but preparedness can really help to reduce the catastrophic effects of such times or events.

During many natural disasters or emergencies people may be asked, or even required, to abandon their homes. The conditions that cause people to leave their homes generally also force law enforcement to leave the area as well, and statistics over the past decade indicate that vandalism, burglary and looting in such areas and during such times is sharply on the rise.


This means that all homeowners have to worry about the damages from flooding, fire and winds and also struggle with concerns about the contents and security of their homes! Because police will be unable to patrol neighborhoods, or even take action against crime, homeowners should take two strong steps to combating burglary or looting and reducing the risk of damage to their homes.

The first step is to develop a set of strong household security habits that are used each and every day. This generally means closing and locking all doors and windows when leaving the building, making sure to include garage and shed doors in the process. It also means performing a thorough security check on the exterior home on an annual basis.

A good security check would include an examination of the stability and strength of all doors and windows – replacing those that are flimsy or easy to force; the removal

of shrubs, trees and bushes that screen points of entry from view – which provides a would be burglar or vandal with good cover from the sight of neighbors or passersby; replacement of all hollow doors with stronger steel units – most importantly on any exterior points of entry; ensuring that basement hatchways are secure and strong; installing the well-known “Charlie” bars on all sliding glass doors or windows – which prevents them from being forced out of their tracks and easily opened; installing bright lights or motion sensor lights along walkways and in all areas where there may be access to the home; and always setting any security alarms – even if just “running to the store”.

This means that the second step for emergency defense is to investigate options in a monitored system. There are wide range of styles and configurations currently available, some with fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and some with sensors able to identify the sound of glass breaking, there are even some that can be integrated with cameras or video equipment to capture images of any criminals who have triggered the security system!

What if the power is out? The best systems understand that a power outage could leave a home owner exposed to crime and danger and have taken steps to create systems with both backup batteries and a cellular transmitter. What this means is that even without power or telephone service the security system is still active and in communication with the monitoring office and law enforcement and emergency services.
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