Safety and Security

Fix It Up! : Episode FIX-113 -- More Projects »
Believe it or not, most accidents occur in the home and many of them are preventable! Hosts Pat Simpson and Amanda Rosseter explain how to make your home safe and secure.

Installing a Dead Bolt Lock

When burglar proofing your house, the doors and windows are a great place to start.

Steps:

1. Purchase the type of dead bolts with key entries on both sides. Never leave the key in the lock because the burglar can simply break the glass window panels of the door and reach in to turn the key and open the door. Choose a safe and accessible place nearby to store the key, such as a drawer or on top of the door frame.
2. Most dead bolts are sold in kits that come with a template for determining the set back of the lock. The set back refers to the location of the lock on the door frame in relation to the door knob. A good vertical distance to locate the lock is 6" above the knob.

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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
3. Mark the location with a pencil, and use a 1-1/2" hole saw to drill the hole (figure A).
4. Drill through the door. Chances are the saw will not be deep enough to drill entirely through the door. If so, use a bit to drill all the way through and expose the hole on the opposite side (figure B). Then, use the hole saw from the back side to finish the hole.
5. Use a 7/8" spade bit to drill a hole in the center of the door edge (figure C).
6. Once through, drill an additional 3/8" into the back of the side hole (figure D).
7. Place the bolt into the hole along the edge of the door.
8. Trace around the mounting plate with a pencil and chisel out the area so it fits flush with the surface. Mount the plate in place with two screws.
9. Insert both sides of the dead bolt cylinders in the door making sure the driver bars are engaged and secure in place with screws.
10. Locate the center of the bolt location along the door jam and drill two overlapping 7/8" holes 1 1/8" deep.
11. Trace around the edge of the mounting plate and chisel out the dimensions about 1/4" deep for a flush fit. Secure the plate in place with screws.

Installing a Motion Detector Lighting System

Another great way to detour intruders is a motion detector lighting system. Install the lights in a few key spots around your home to identify any movement. These also serve as a safety tool to light your path in the dark.

Steps:

1. First, turn off the power at the main breaker switch before starting this project.
2. Next, remove the old light fixture and replace it with the new motion sensor lights connecting the white wire to white and black wire to black with the wire nuts.
3. Tuck all the wires neatly into the socket.
4. Make sure the bulbs and the sensor will be pointing in the desired direction.
5. Once the fixture is in position secure it in place with screws.
6. Place water shield gaskets on the base of the bulbs before inserting.
7. Make any final adjustments according to the manufacturers directions.

Additional Security Tips:


  • Most burglaries are opportunistic rather than planned, so remember to change the cylinders in locks when you move into a new home. Someone may have copied the real estate agent's key, and could easily break into your home.
  • Don't leave your phone number on your telephone because a burglar may write it down and call to find out if you are out.
  • Avoid leaving your keys under a door mat, or a plant pot. Remember, if you can think of a good place, so can a burglar.
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Figure E
  • An automatic lighting timer is connected to the interior house lights and turns lights on and off according to your specification to create the illusion that you're home even when your not (figure E).
  • If owning a pet is an option, dogs are great for protecting homes.

    Segment 2

    There are several ways to protect children inside house. The following are a few preventative tips:

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    Figure F
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    Figure G
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    Figure H
  • To keep children safe from dangerous household chemicals, install childproof safety locks like this one along the insides cabinet doors (figure F). Keep in mind that some models work better than others, so shop around for the best design for your needs. For example, another option is the magnetic lock and key method, which requires a special magnet key to disengage the lock (figure G).
  • Place plastic plugs in the electrical outlets to keep small children safe from electrical shock.
  • Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairways. Attach the gates with screws to a strong support like a stair post and/or doorframe.
  • Even when built to code, the balusters along a stairway or hall can still pose a threat to small children. Install a child safety net along the interior of the posts to prevent any accidents (figure H).
  • If you can insert more than two fingers between the crib mattress and the crib side, replace the mattress. A small mattress is a suffocation hazard.
  • Be sure that all cribs have bumper pads around the entire crib interior, attached by snaps, and no less than six straps.

    Segment 3

    Fires are one of the most frightening and damaging hazards in the home. Here are a few ways to prevent and control house fires:


    • The number one cause of house fires is careless smoking.
    • Before purchasing a fire extinguisher, check its intended purpose. Some extinguishers effectively treat a few or all of the following varieties of fires: trash, wood, paper, liquids, grease, and electrical fires.
    • The worst way to fight a grease fire is with water. When cooking, keep a box of baking soda readily available to put out any grease fires or extinguish the flames with a lid.
    • Install the fire extinguisher near the stove but not directly under it. You don't want to be stumbling around beneath the flames of a fire.
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    Figure I
  • Be sure your fire extinguisher is full and ready for use. Mount the extinguisher off center along the interior of a cabinet door to take up as little space as possible (figure I).
  • If you are trying to fight a fire with an extinguisher, you should stand six feet away and sweep the nozzle back and forth.
  • Install fire detectors to notify your family and allow plenty of time to escape during a house fire.
  • Position the fire extinguishers throughout your house and on all levels including along the hallways outside of bedrooms and bathrooms as well as in the kitchen. Be sure to locate the kitchen fire extinguisher away from appliances and the stove so that steam from cooking won't set the alarm off.
  • Remember to check the fire extinguisher batteries regularly. It's a good idea to change the batteries twice a year. Once when you change your clocks in the fall and again during the spring.
  • Develop a family escape plan with evacuation routes from each room.
  • Place stickers or decals on children's windows to help assist firemen identify the children's rooms.
  • Make sure your whole family knows how to set off any home panic buttons to notify the family and authorities of a house fire.
    • Also in this Episode
    Fix It Up! : Episode FIX-113
    •Safety and Security