Self Defense At Your Door

It takes more than just a locked door to provide adequate self defense for the homeowner. These days, doors are more than just slabs of wood. They are available in wood sheathed with metal, solid wood, and fiberglass. They also come with windows in literally hundreds of variations. Windows, especially, present defensive challenges the wise homeowner will address.

• Doors with glass inserts or installed between glass “sidelights,” can be broken through easily, especially if the glass is not tempered or is single-paned.

• If deadbolt locks with twisting lock mechanisms are installed within arms reach of vulnerable glass areas, they are little help. Therefore, keyed deadbolt entry on outside AND inside improve security levels.

• Do not hang or place deadbolt keys beside glass inserts. Once the glass is broken, it is an easy matter to snag the key and unlock the door, rather than clamber through broken glass.

• Visibility through windows – even high ones – can compromise safety. Many women do not realize how easy it is for a tall man to peer through a high window in the front door. Consider applying translucent contact paper to the panes to allow light but they can’t be seen through.

• When choosing doors, be certain the door hinge is on the inside, out of reach. Hinges on the outside can be breached by simply removing the pins. Bad plan.