How To Burglar-Proof Your Windows

LAMINATED GLASS is made by a vinyl or plastic interlayer
sandwiched between two layers of glass. This type of glass
adds additional strength to your windows. To gain entry,
a burglar would have to strike the glass repeatedly in the
same spot in order to make a small opening. Most burglars
are reluctant to create this type of noise for fear of being
detected.

TEMPERED GLASS is made by placing a piece of regular glass
in an oven, bringing it almost to the melting point, and
then chilling it rapidly. This causes a skin to form around
the glass. Fully tempered glass is four to five times stronger
than regular glass.

WIRED GLASS adds the benefit of a visible deterrent. Extra
effort will be needed to break the glass and then cut through
the wire located within the glass, in order to gain entry.

PLASTICS: Plastic material is divided into two types :
acrylic or polycarbonate. The acrylics are more than ten
times stronger than glass of the same thickness and are
commonly called plexiglass. Polycarbonate sheets are
superior to acrylics and are advertised as 250 times more
impact resistant than safety glass, and 20 more times
than other transparent plastic.

With SLIDING WINDOWS the primary objective is to keep
the window from sliding or being lifted up and out of
the track. There are many manufactured products available
for securing windows. Here are some of the suggestions:

PINNED WINDOW ANTI-SLIDE BLOCK SLIDEBOLT: It is not
recommended that you lock a window in a ventilated position.
This is an invitation to a prying action which can result
in entry. Key locking devices offer no real security, and
they can be a fire exit hazard.

CASEMENT WINDOWS are the simplest to secure. Make sure
the latch works properly and that the "operator" has no
excess play. If so, replace the worn hardware.

DOUBLE HUNG WINDOW latches may be jimmied open. If a window
is not used, screw it shut (except bedrooms). For windows
in use, drill a sloping hole into the top of the bottom
window, through and into the bottom of the top window,
and insert an easily removable pin or nail.

LOUVRE WINDOWS are bad security risks. Remove and replace
with solid glass or other type of ventilating window. Or
protect with a grate or grille (except bedrooms).

WARNING: One window in every bedroom on the ground and
second floor must be left available as a fire exit,
particularly for children and guests in your home.
At night, the bedroom window may often be the quickest
and safest means of getting out. Because of the danger
of fire, decorative grilles are not recommended on
bedroom windows.