Home Security & Safety

Instructions Step 1: Know about Recalls.gov Know about Recalls.gov, representing consumer protection arms of six federal agencies including the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Step 2: Search the CPSC database Search the CPSC database by product type, specific company, product description, types of hazards, and where the product was manufactured. Step 3: Find vehicle product …

Instructions Step 1: Plant drought-resistant plants Reduce your water use in the yard by planting drought-tolerant varieties, mulching trees and plants, and watering your lawn only when absolutely necessary. TIP: Water your yard early or late in the day to prevent water evaporation. Do not let water run off into the gutter. Step 2: Fix …

Instructions Step 1: Think like a burglar Think like a burglar: Walk around the outside of your home, looking for ways you could break in. A burglar’s main criterion when choosing a home is that they can get in quickly without being seen. See if any expensive items are visible through a window. Secure your …

Instructions Step 1: Secure your doors Install solid core doors and secure them with heavy-duty locks. Fasten heavy-duty lock strike plates to the doorframes with 3-inch screws. Install deadbolt locks across from each door hinge. Step 2: Install window locks Install window pin locks to limit the distance the windows can open. Step 3: Install …

Instructions : Always exercise caution when using a power drill. Wear safety glasses at all times. Step 1: Determine your door material Determine whether your door has a steel-clad or wood trim. If your door has a wooden edge, install the lock as you would with an all-wood door. If it has a steel-clad edge, …

Instructions Step 1: Pour vinegar in the jar Pour the vinegar into the clean, dry, empty mayonnaise jar. TIP: You can also use a plastic peanut butter jar. Step 2: Dry the top half of the jar Use a paper towel to dry excess vinegar from the top half of the jar. Step 3: Insert …

Instructions Step 1: Know how fire extinguishers are classified Know how fire extinguishers are classified. Class A extinguishers are for common combustibles like paper or wood; Class B are for flammable liquids; and Class C are for electrical fires. TIP: The Red Cross recommends ABC classified fire extinguishers for home use. Step 2: Inspect the …

Instructions Step 1: Remove the strike plate Using the screwdriver, remove the metal strike plate attached to the doorjamb that the deadbolt slides into. TIP: The doorjamb is the vertical post that forms the side of the door. The doorjamb is the vertical post that forms the side of the door. Step 2: Cut a …

Instructions Step 1: Fit your home with safety features Fit your home with solid doors, heavy duty locks, and window locks. Step 2: Secure your lock plates Secure the heavy duty lock plates in your doors with four three-inch screws. Step 3: Keep doors and windows locked Keep all doors, windows, and your garage locked …

Instructions Step 1: Lock the door Lock the deadbolt while you’re still inside. Step 2: Secure pencil Secure the pencil or pen to the top of the deadbolt’s lever using string or tape. Make sure it is securely fastened to the lever, and then unlock the deadbolt. Step 3: Cut string Cut a piece of …

Instructions : Working with sharp objects and cut aluminum is dangerous. Use extreme caution. Step 1: Cut off the ends Using a straight-edge razor, carefully cut the top and bottom off an aluminum soda can. Step 2: Slice from top to bottom Cut the can from top to bottom using the scissors, and then fold …

Instructions : Grease fires can be very dangerous. Call 911 as soon as you suspect you cannot control the fire. Step 1: Initiate an evacuation Turn off the burner and get everybody out of the kitchen. Have your phone at the ready in case you need to call 911. Step 2: Avoid water Steer clear …

Instructions : Trained guard dogs are not infallible and can be a liability. Be prepared to accept full responsibility for your pet and understand the risks associated with owning such an animal. Step 1: Select the best dog Select a breed that has a calm temperament, good socialization, and will watch your property without being …

Instructions Step 1: Get bids Choose two or three companies from your list who have good customer referrals and get bids. Step 2: Consider type Decide on the type of alarm system you want. Systems can detect motion, temperature changes, and glass breakage, and can alert a monitoring station and neighbors. Choose one with back-up …

Instructions : Place oil lamp in a safe location away from children and pets. Step 1: Prepare the wick holder Coil the wire around the nail several times to form the wick holder. The wick holder should be slightly below can height. Remove the nail, leaving the last coil wider so that it can stand …

Instructions Step 1: Choose a lock Choose a lock that suits your needs. Options include key-track stops, sliding-window locks, and bolts that lock casement windows in place. Step 2: Set lock Choose the position on the window’s track or sill where you’d like the lock. TIP: Set the lock to either keep the window fully …

Instructions Step 1: Cut the top off Use the rotary tool to cut off the top of the switch box, except for a strip along the open face, so you can attach the electrical socket to the box. Step 2: Assemble the compartment Screw the electrical socket to the open face of the switch box. …

Instructions : Working with electricity is dangerous. Be extremely careful and, if you have any doubts, contact a professional. Step 1: Turn power off Turn the power off at the fuse box or circuit breaker. Step 2: Remove existing fixture Unscrew and remove the existing light fixture. Step 3: Connect fixture wires Connect the new …

Instructions Step 1: Eliminate burglar hiding places Clear bushes and shrubs near your house, except for those with thorns. Install motion detector lighting near doors and windows. Step 2: Secure all locks Secure locks on windows and doors. Hire a locksmith to install additional locks on windows and deadbolt locks on doors. TIP: Eliminate outside …

Instructions Step 1: Get a dog Get a dog. Even small dogs will bark and create noise that a burglar will want to avoid. TIP: Sleep with your car keys next to your bed. If you hear someone trying to break in, hit the car alarm button. Step 2: Install motion detectors Install motion detector …

Instructions Step 1: Understand the burglar’s motivation Understand that the burglar has two goals: to find your valuables, and to get in and out of your house as fast as possible. Step 2: Practice diversion with cash Leave a small amount of cash in an obvious spot, so burglars think they’ve found all the cash …

Instructions Step 1: Install and check smoke alarms Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, and test their batteries monthly. Change the batteries annually, even if they’re still working, to make sure they’re always at full strength. Step 2: Install fire extinguishers Contact your local fire department to learn how and when to …

Instructions Step 1: Research detectors Research which kind of carbon monoxide detector is right for your home. There are two popular kinds: Battery powered or AC plug-in powered. TIP: Battery-operated models are preferable because they can be placed near the ceiling, which is important because CO rises. But if you know you’ll never remember to …

Instructions Step 1: Measure your windows Measure each window in your home–including skylights and glass doors–horizontally, from the inside of the exterior trim, and vertically, from the windowsill to the bottom of the top trim. Step 2: Add overlap Add eight inches to both the height and the width to provide a four-inch overlap on …

Instructions : Only do this on your own lock -or you could wind up in a lot of trouble. Step 1: Check the lock Check the lock. A credit card will only open a spring bolt–the kind of lock that comes with a standard doorknob. It won’t work on a deadbolt. Step 2: Choose a …