Home security, Po angielsku
s
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
HOME SECURITY
No special skills are required, but some experience of
electrical work would be an advantage when fitting a burglar
alarm.
It is estimated that as many as 60% of burglaries are made
by entry through unlocked windows and doors, so it makes
sense to check that you have secured all your doors and
windows before going to bed or leaving the house. An
intruder alarm provides additional peace of mind and a
simple smoke alarm gives advanced warning in the event of
fire. All the equipment you need is available for you to fit
yourself.
Securing your home against burglary is more about common
sense than making your house into a fortress.
It is estimated that as many as 60% of burglaries are made
by entry through unlocked windows and doors, so it makes
sense to check that you have secured all your doors and
windows before going to bed or leaving the house.
An intruder alarm provides additional peace of mind and a
simple smoke alarm gives advanced warning in the event of
fire. All the equipment you need is available for you to fit
yourself.
2
- Basic security
Contact your local Crime Prevention Officer at the nearest
police station for advice on how to protect your home from
intruders.
Most burglars are opportunists looking for lapses in home
security but there are measures that can be taken to
improve home security and make life difficult for even the
more resourceful intruder:
•
Always fit the best-quality security devices you can
afford. Choose fittings that carry a British Standard
Kitemark as recommended by the police and
insurance companies.
•
Always remove the key from a lock and place it out
of sight and reach of an intruder.
•
Leave a light on and the radio playing when you go
out for the evening.
•
Buy one or two time switches and set them to
operate some lights when you are away on holiday.
Remember to cancel regular deliveries such as
newspapers and milk. It is a good idea to inform
your neighbours and the police that you are away.
•
Make an invisible identification mark such as your
name and postcode on your valuables using a
special property-marking pen.
•
Do not rely on ordinary window catches to keep
intruders out - really determined burglars will simply
break the glass and slip the catch.
Special key-operated locks are available to fit most types of
window, from traditional sliding sashes and casements to
modern metal-framed windows and patio doors. Keep keys
out of reach of the window but where you can reach them in
an emergency.
If you are going away,
1.
Leave a key with a trusted neighbour who will check
your house regularly and ask him or her to collect
the post and free newspapers.
2.
Upgrade your windows by fitting locks particularly
to ground-floor and basement windows, and to
others that can be reached easily without the aid of
a ladder.
3
- Windows - Sliding sash windows
Wooden sliding sash windows are often secured with a cam
or fitch fastener placed at the centre of the sash meeting
rails. These look attractive and are reasonably efficient but a
burglar can unlock them with nothing more than a strong
knife, so when choosing locks, look for those that have a
removable key.
Press-locking bolt
Improve your security by
fitting a press-locking bolt.
1.
Fit the keeper to the
outer sash frame
and the lock body to
the inner meeting
rail. Fit a single lock
close to the centre of a small window and fit a pair
of locks to a wider one.
2.
Having screwed the keeper in place extend the bolt
so that you can use it to position the lock body
accurately. Turning a key releases the lock.
Window bolt
As an alternative to a press
locking bolt fit a discreet
window bolt to secure a sash
window. This is a thin bolt
that passes through both
meeting rails, preventing
them from sliding apart.
Fit one or two, depending on
the width of the window.
1.
With the window closed drill a hole for each bolt
through the inner meeting rail into the outer rail.
Mark the drill with tape to establish the depth of the
hole.
2.
Open the window and tap the metal liners (supplied
with the bolt) into the holes until they are flush.
3.
Close the window and insert the threaded bolt using
the special key provided. Unscrew and withdraw the
bolt to open the window.
Keep keys out of reach of the window but where you can
reach them in an emergency.
Sash stops
Sash stops allow you to o
a window partially for
ventilation without
compromising security. Fit a
sash stop on both sides of
the window.
pen
1.
Drill a hole in the
upper sash frame
about 75mm (3in)
above the meeting rail.
2.
Cut a recess and screw the fitting in place.
To open the window fully push back the bolt with the key.
4
- Windows - Wooden casement windows
Wooden casement windows
are hinged down one side a
fastened to the fixed frame
with a lever or cockspu
handle. A casement stay is
often used to hold the
window in the open position.
A number of simple devices are available for securing
casements:
nd
r
Fitting instructions are usually supplied with window locks
and bolts - as each lock differs in detail, it pays to read the
manufacturer's recommendations before you start work.
•
Replace old cockspur handles with new lockable
ones - these are made for left or right-hand
opening.
•
If you want to retain your original cockspur handles
screw a lock (or a pair of locks) to the fixed frame.
A keeper plate, screwed to the casement, latches
automatically when you close the window and is
released with a key.
•
Secure the casement stay with a simple key-
operated lock. A threaded stud, which can be used
to replace the original stay peg, passes through a
hole in the stay arm. Screwing a locknut onto the
stud prevents the stay from moving.
Keep keys out of reach of the window but where you can
reach them in an emergency.
5
- Windows - Metal casement windows
Locks for metal-framed
windows are similar to those
used for wooden casements,
but you will have to drill pilot
holes in the metal for the
fixing screws.
Fitting instructions are usually supplied with window locks
and bolts - as each lock differs in detail it pays to read the
manufacturer's recommendations before you start work.
•
Replace old cockspur handles with new lockable
ones - these are made for left or right-hand
opening.
•
If you want to retain your original cockspur handles,
screw a lock (or a pair of locks) to the fixed frame.
A keeper plate screwed to the casement, latches
automatically when you close the window and is
released with a key.
•
Secure the casement stay with a simple key-
operated lock. A threaded stud, which can be used
to replace the original stay peg, passes through a
hole in the stay arm. Screwing a locknut onto the
stud prevents the stay from moving.
Keep keys out of reach of the window but where you can
reach them in an emergency.
6
- Patio doors
Patio doors are, in effect, large horizontally-sliding windows.
Special key-operated locks
are available to improve
security. Fit one at the top
and one at the bottom to
prevent the glazed frames
being lifted from their tracks.
Fitting instructions are usually supplied with window locks
and bolts - as each lock differs in detail it pays to read the
manufacturer's recommendations before you start work.
Keep keys out of reach of the window but where you can
reach them in an emergency.
7
- Fitting burglar alarms
Your first line of defence against burglary should always be
strong locks on all vulnerable entry points to your home.
However, an alarm siren or bell prominently displayed on an
outside wall will deter the majority of burglars.
There are basically two types of intruder alarm: passive
systems and perimeter systems, but some alarm kits are a
combination of both.
If you are not sure what type of alarm system would best
suit your home ask your local Crime Prevention Officer for
advice.
Many people prefer to have an alarm installed by a
professional but there are numerous alarm packages
designed for self-installation.
Hard-wired systems
Hard-wired systems incorporate individual sensors that
monitor all points of entry:
•
vibration sensors are fixed to glass;
•
contact breakers are fitted to door and window
frames;
•
pressure pads are placed on stair treads and floor
mats.
Passive sensors that detect the presence of an intruder may
also be included. Each sensor is connected by bell wire to a
central control unit that is wired into the mains.
The wire runs are fairly unobtrusive but it is best to conceal
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]