ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
07.10.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


Is Your Home's Door Safe?

Author: Charles Kassotis Author Ranking Bronze | Posted: 15-12-2005 | Comments: 0 | Views: 200 | Rating:  (50) Article Popularity - Green (?) Got a Question? Ask.
Sign Up Now!

All homes have entrance doors, or at least those in the Western style do. The front door serves as the entryway to your private residence, whether an apartment or a house. Although we expect legitimate guests, invited or otherwise, to enter via the door by permission from the owners, burglars or criminals may attempt entry through windows or breaking through the door. That's why it is important to make sure your door is secure and will protect your family during rough weather or from unscrupulous prowlers.

First, occasionally check the door's fit to make sure the bolt snuggles into the latch to prevent anyone from wedging a card or tool between the two to force the door open. Does the latch hold, or does it allow the lock to be jimmied? Does the bolt stick? Or does it jiggle in a loose way, providing opportunities for a burglar to rifle the lock and break into the house? If you don't have a deadbolt, should you get one installed? Is the doorknob on both sides secure and stable? Does it need to be tightened? Does the keyhole need to be cleaned of dust or oiled for easier use?

Next, inspect the hinges to ensure they are not rusting or wriggling loose. Check the weather stripping around the door's frame to see if it needs to be replaced in keeping out dampness and cold air. Is the wood frame in good condition, or is it starting to warp or fray? Should it be treated to prevent mold or fungal growth? Are there any decayed areas that should be repaired or replaced? Has the frame been loosened by anyone trying to break in previously, or from age or misuse? Does it need to be secured anywhere?

Then, check your windows or peephole to make sure they work as they should. Does your peephole let you clearly see the face or form of anyone standing on the other side of the door? Is it too small to be effective, or so large that it lets visitors peek in at you? Has it become obscured by dust or cracking, and thus need to be replaced? Are your door windows secured firmly in place? Do they rattle? Are they cracked? Are they large enough so that someone could break one, reach in a hand to unlock the bolt, and then enter by stealth or force? Are the windows weather-resistant? Does moisture become trapped inside? Are they cracked? Are they covered adequately at night to prevent peepers from looking inside your home?

Check for any cracks, fissures, or broken areas where insects can get inside. Make needed repairs at least once a year to keep your door in solid operating condition. Don't let pet dogs or cats scratch at your front door to be let in or out. Teach your children how to open and close the door with respect to avoid damaging it. With proper use and care, your door should last a long time and keep your family safe.

Rate this Article: Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/is-your-homes-door-safe-8965.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
About the Author:
For more information on doors and safety, Visit The Doors and Shutters Directory
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you fix a leaking toilet?
By: Jacoba | 18-10-2007
How do you fix a leaking toilet? Whever I flush the handle never returns fully to its primary position and the water is leaking . The tank does refill itself but the handle stays a bit down.

  What would your dream home look like?
By: JasonRogers | 16-10-2007
 What would your dream home look like?

Can someone out there recommend a good, easy to ...
By: brosen | 10-10-2007
Can someone out there recommend a good, easy to follow manual on Windows XP in English that I can order from Amazon?

Suddenly after powering up my computer I've got ...
By: amitre | 06-10-2007
Suddenly after powering up my computer I've got the message "Reboot and select proper boot device or insert boot media in selected bood device and press a key".When trying to repair my windows XP installation, I've got the message that there is no hard drive recognized at all. What should I do? Is it a virus / HW failure ?

Home security system
By: 911247666 | 29-09-2007
what's a good home security system. Any recommendations. ie. ADT,TMC,Brinks etc

What are your competences and skills that will ...
By: yazid | 25-09-2007
what are your competences and skills that will enable you do the job? Provide evidence.

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Home and Family Articles

Dreaming of a Green Christmas
By: Virginia Ginsburg | 07/10/2008
Green options for the holidays, including tips for decorating, food, drinks and gifts.

Buy a House - 5 Steps to Get You Started
By: Kate Ford | 06/10/2008
Often the most difficult part of buying a house is knowing where to begin. Focus on deciding your housing needs before you begin your search. Then build a wish list too. Both checklists are important. Above all, decide you are going to have fun while buying a home.

Cooking Family Food on a Budget
By: Peter Gallacher | 06/10/2008
This article includes information about how to cook good wholesome food on a budget. Mum of two Kimberley Saunders offers the advice.

Great Expectations are not Always so Great!
By: Holly Cox | 06/10/2008
When we have very high expectations for our children, they start believing they have to achieve them to make us happy. This article relates the author's experiences with her own high expectations for her son, Ryan.

Pumpkin Carving Designs
By: Paul Easton | 05/10/2008
All about the Pumpkin carving designs

Culture Shock: Moving Overseas
By: Jennifer Strong | 05/10/2008
This article provides a short overview of moving internationally. There are many things that need to be done before you can move anywhere, especially another country.

What Happened to Study Skills?
By: Florence Bernard | 05/10/2008
Why is it that kids don't know how to study? Why is this bypassed by education? How can we remedy this? Just very basic study skills would allow kids to enjoy their free time fully and use their work time efficiently.

Hurricane Preparedness the Baja Hurricane Season
By: Anita Mckenzie | 05/10/2008
Hurricane Preparedness in Baja Mexico, become informed about hurricane hazards and gaining knowledge which can be used to take ACTION.

More from Charles Kassotis

Stop Losing Your Hair Now!
By: Charles Kassotis | 16/12/2005 | Health
Treat your hair gently to keep from losing too much of it.

5 Quick and Easy Tips To Prevent That Next Hangover
By: Charles Kassotis | 16/12/2005 | Health
Follow these easy tips to reduce the risk of a head-splitting hangover.

Treat Your Stomach With Kindness
By: Charles Kassotis | 16/12/2005 | Health
Prevent stomach upset and indigestion with tips like these.

Prevent Dental Stains Without Chemicals
By: Charles Kassotis | 16/12/2005 | Health
Follow these easy steps to prevent stains on your teeth.

5 Tips to Eliminating Women's Facial Hair
By: Charles Kassotis | 16/12/2005 | Health
Keep your facial skin soft and hair-free by following tips like these.

Keep Your China Cabinet in Beautiful Condition
By: Charles Kassotis | 15/12/2005 | Home and Family
Don't let dust, grime, or clutter detract from your cabinet's beauty.

Decorative Touches for Your Kitchen
By: Charles Kassotis | 15/12/2005 | Home and Family
Make your kitchen cheerier with a few ideas like these.

4 Tips to Keep Your Eyeglasses Safe and Clean
By: Charles Kassotis | 15/12/2005 | Health
Avoid expensive replacement lenses by guarding the pair you have.

Article Categories






Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below