Home Security - Securing Your Windows

Sometimes we need more than a window latch to secure our windows. Yes, if a thief really wants to get through, the window will be shattered and entrance is inevitable; however, have a simple security lock as an extra precaution will deter the majority of your common thieves. Some thieves are quick yet lazy but with some smarts. There are some locking mechanism out there that may deter home break-ins through your sliding or double-hung windows.

Home Depot has the following locks for your Sliding Windows.



Casement windows can be closed with a door-bolt-like device that operates with a key. Screw the lock to the window and slide the bolt into a metal cup that mounts in the sill.

Key lock



Drive a screw into the top of the upper track to keep thieves from lifting a gliding window out of its track. To keep the window from sliding, drive a screw horizontally through the track.

Screw lock


A stop slip over the window track where you turn the lever one way to lock the window is out there as well.

Key track stop


This is a key track stop that you can attach anywhere on the track, even if you want to have the window cracked for some safety or ventilation (good for those with swamp coolers to include Master Cool systems).

Stop Slip over Window Track Lock












Home Depot has the following locks for your Double Hung Windows:



The lock pin. This has the lock pin go through on sash and into the next to keep thieves from lifting the sash. There are some that screw though a hole you drill. There are others that you drive in and out with a special key that comes with them.

Lock Pin Lock











Ventilating locks. They screw to the side of the top sash an inch or so above the meeting rail.

Ventilating Lock Screw












Hinge wedge lock. It nails in the window track of a double-hung window. Choose a position for the wedge that lets you open the window to your liking. When in place, the window will only rise up to it. When you swing the wedge out of the way, the window opens freely.

Hinged wedge lock












Key turnbuckle. This can be use to replace your normal latch with a key lock one. A child safety latch also replaces the original latch. It is similar to the childproof medicine caps, but easier to use. In order to open the window, a child has to be able to squeeze a lever while turning the latch.

Keyed turnbuckle lock

Carbon Monoxide and Detectors

Very good article from Ann Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. (About.com):

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America . Carbon monoxide detectors are available, but you need to understand how they work and what their limitations are in order to decide whether or not you need a detector and, if you purchase a detector, how to use it to get the best protection.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas. Each carbon monoxide molecule is composed of a single carbon atom bonded to a single oxygen atom. Carbon monoxide results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as wood, kerosene, gasoline, charcoal, propane, natural gas, and oil.

Where is Carbon Monoxide Found?

Carbon monoxide is present in low levels in the air. In the home, it is formed from incomplete combustion from any flame-fueled (i.e., not electric) device, including ranges, ovens, clothes dryers, furnaces, fireplaces, grills, space heaters, vehicles, and water heaters. Furnaces and water heaters may be sources of carbon monoxide, but if they are vented properly the carbon monoxide will escape to the outside. Open flames, such as from ovens and ranges, are the most common source of carbon monoxide. Vehicles are the most common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning.

How Do Carbon Monoxide Detectors Work?

Carbon monoxide detectors trigger an alarm based on an accumulation of carbon monoxide over time. Carbon monoxide can harm you if you are exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide in a short period of time, or to lower levels of carbon monoxide over a long period of time. Carbon monoxide detectors require a continuous power supply, so if the power cuts off then the alarm becomes ineffective. Models are available that offer back-up battery power.

Why is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous?

When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it passes from the lungs into the hemoglobin molecules of red blood cells. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin at the same site as and preferentially to oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin. Carboxyhemoglobin interferes with the oxygen transport and gas exchange abilities of red blood cells. The result is that the body becomes oxygen-starved, which can result in tissue damage and death. Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning cause symptoms similar to those of the flu or a cold, including shortness of breath on mild exertion, mild headaches, and nausea. Higher levels of poisoning lead to dizziness, mental confusion, severe headaches, nausea, and fainting on mild exertion. Ultimately, carbon monoxide poisoning can result in unconsciousness, permanent brain damage, and death. Carbon monoxide detectors are set to sound an alarm before the exposure to carbon monoxide would present a hazard to a healthy adult. Babies, children, pregnant women, people with circulatory or respiratory ailments, and the elderly are more sensitive to carbon monoxide than healthy adults.

Where Should I Place a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and also because it may be found with warm, rising air, detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor. The detector may be placed on the ceiling. Do not place the detector right next to or over a fireplace or flame-producing appliance. Keep the detector out of the way of pets and children. Each floor needs a separate detector. If you getting a single carbon monoxide detector, place it near the sleeping area and make certain the alarm is loud enough to wake you up.

What Do I Do if the Alarm Sounds?

Don't ignore the alarm! It is intended to go off before you are experiencing symptoms. Silence the alarm, get all members of the household to fresh air, and ask whether anyone is experiencing any of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. If anyone is experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911. If no one has symptoms, ventilate the building, identify and remedy the source of the carbon monoxide before returning inside, and have appliances or chimneys checked by a professional as soon as possible.

Additional Carbon Monoxide Concerns and Information

Don't automatically assume that you need or don't need a carbon monoxide detector. Also, don't assume that you are safe from carbon monoxide poisoning just because you have a detector installed. Carbon monoxide detectors are intended to protect healthy adults, so take the ages and health of family members into account when assessing the effectiveness of a detector.

Also, be aware that the average life span of many carbon monoxide detectors is about 2 years. The 'test' feature on many detectors checks the functioning of the alarm and not the status of the detector. There are detectors that last longer, indicate when they need to be replaced, and have power supply backups -- you need to check to see whether a particular model has the features you require. When deciding whether or not to purchase a carbon monoxide detector, you need to consider not only the number and type of carbon monoxide sources, but also the construction of the building. Newer building may have more airtight construction and may be better insulated, which make it easier for carbon monoxide to accumulate

ATM Robbery - No One is Immune

Although this happened years ago, the following video shows a woman robbed at gunpoint while withdrawing a small amount of cash from an ATM at night. Apparently she did not do her near and far security scan, before she pulled up or while waiting for the machine to work.

This shows that nobody,...NOBODY is safe from crime and ATM locations, plus people's ability to access money at all hours present many opportunities for criminals.

First - don't use ATM's at night.
Second - scan as far as you can see around the facility before you drive up to the machine. This is a far cane as you are looking for suspicious vehicle(s) and persons loitering. Dark areas next to corners of building and behind parked cars and garbage dumpsters would be prime hiding locations.
Third - as you pull up to the machine, do a near scan, say within 50 yards and maintain checking this near scan perimeter through the transaction. Some people may tell you keep your vehicle running and engaged in drive, but this is a two edged sword. Better to drive off if you see something suspicious.
To many people park at the machine then go fishing through their wallet or purse for their ATM card, and not scanning - use your mirrors but don't rely on them 100%.
Beware of dark out of the way locations with a vehicle parked in front of you. This could be a ruse to get you to pull in right behind the vehicle in front. It is easy for a person to exit the parked car, or come from a hidden location, and stick a gun in our face, robbing you of your cash and valuables, but your card as well, even your life.

Be aware, Be suspicious, Be safe.