Windows - A Risk To Your Home Security

21 July, 2010

I recently installed an in-window air conditioning unit in my house. When I was done with the task I realized I had a potential security gap in my home security that needed to be addressed.

Since the air conditioner didn't fill the entire window space, I had to add a spacer to fill the gap. I had roughly a 2' by 2' space to fill. Originally, I thought I'd just cut out a cardboard panel the right size to fill in the space. I quickly realized that wouldn't be very secure. I contemplated this for a while to determine how I was going to cut the heat of summer and still ensure my house is protected.

Fortunately, the window in question is a ground-level window with a decent thatch of roses planted in front of it. I decided I'd fashion something out of wood that I could attach to the window sill with L—brackets and screws. It took a little bit of time, and I did have to go to the hardware store for the right brackets, but in the end I feel like I have something in place that will make that window as secure as possible. I even put a dowel in the track so it can't be opened any further.

A monitored ADT home security system is only as good as the physical security of the house. Check each window to make certain they're locked and have something strong in the track to prevent it from being opened from the outside.