Every year police investigate countless home invasions and burglaries. Sometimes, the homeowners are hurt or even killed. Other times, valuable items and family heirlooms are stolen and lost forever.
In either case, how many of these scenarios could have been avoided, if the homeowner had just invested $1 to buy new screws for the door plates to their front and back doors? I would venture to say at least half. Why? Because, burglars are opportunists. They like crimes of convenience and a quick entry and exit, making as little noise as possible. If the door is too hard to kick in, or there are obvious cameras and home security measures, they most likely will move on to the next house.
So let’s talk about this inexpensive item, that will probably take you less than 15 minutes to install. First, go to your local hardware store and buy (4) 3-inch wood screws. These screws are going to replace the standard 1/2 inch screws your builder originally used. You may need a drill to get the screws in because you will be screwing these into the frame and attach to the 2×4 studs.
Once these screws are installed, and in combination with a good deadbolt, you have just increased your chances that a burglar will become frustrated trying to kick in your door, if you are ever targeted. Also, if the burglar is stubborn and determined to break in, this will definitely slow them down, draw attention to them, and give you time to call for help, get a weapon, hide or escape through another exit.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t see why anyone won’t run out today and install these screws. Anything I can do to increase my odds of staying safe in my home, is money well spent!
Remember, as my good friend Frank, a retired NYPD policeman once told me, “If you fail to plan, then plan to fail!”
#SafeandUnafraid
