Home Security

Apartment security is shared. Residents control their own door, windows and habits, while the building owner or manager controls the entrances, hallways, lighting and keys. Most break-ins and package thefts in multi-family buildings exploit the gap between the two, so this guide covers both sides. Read the part that fits you, then share the rest with your landlord, neighbors or residents' association. Start with a quick security audit Walk the building and your unit and write down what you see. Check that every lock on doors and windows works. Look at hallways, stairwells, parking areas and entrances at night to find dark spots. Note any signs of forced entry or tampering around doors, mailboxes and the lobby entrance. An audit gives you something specific to report and fix. For residents: what you can do Use a deadbolt and a solid strike plate. If your lease limits changes to locks, ask the landlord to upgrade them or to approve your upgrade in writing. Our door security gu...

When children live in the house, the biggest risks are rarely burglars. They are open windows, doors that lead outside and systems that are too hard for the whole family to use. This guide covers what the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends for windows and how to set up doors, alarms and cameras so they protect children without creating new hazards. It is part of our room-by-room home security tips . Windows are the biggest household risk In April 2026 the CPSC reported an estimated 5,600 children aged 12 and under treated in emergency departments in 2024 after falling out of a window, and about one in three of those cases needed hospitalization. It knew of at least 25 deaths among children 12 and under from window falls between 2021 and 2023, and eighty percent of those deaths happened between May and October. What the CPSC recommends Install window stops so windows open no more than four inches. Use window guards with bars no more than four inches apart. On lo...

Many people buy a home security system hoping it will pay for itself through lower insurance premiums. Sometimes it does, partly, but the discount is rarely the main reason to buy. This guide explains what insurers actually discount, how to ask for it, what the numbers look like and when a system is worth it for the discount alone. It is part of our guide to choosing a home security system . Do insurers discount security systems? Often, yes, but not all of them and not by the same amount. Consumer Reports says that if you install a burglar alarm or a more sophisticated home security system tied to an outside monitoring service, your insurer could reward you with a lower premium. The Insurance Information Institute's spokesperson told Consumer Reports the discount will likely be higher with a monitored system than with a simple alarm. The Hartford, which offers AARP homeowners insurance, says its savings depend on factors such as the type of device you install and what your carri...

When it comes to securing high-risk locations, such as banks, government buildings, or sensitive corporate offices, it is crucial to implement the best practices to ensure the safety and security of the premises. In this article, we will discuss some key strategies and measures that can be taken to enhance security in high-risk locations. Conduct a Risk Assessment Before implementing any security measures, it is important to conduct a thorough risk assessment of the high-risk location. This involves identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities, evaluating the likelihood of these threats occurring, and assessing the potential impact they could have on the premises. By understanding the risks, security professionals can develop a comprehensive security plan that addresses the specific needs of the location. Conduct interviews with key stakeholders to gather insights on security concerns and vulnerabilities. Evaluate the physical layout of the location to identify weak points that ma...