Stay sexy, don't get murdered
October 7, 2016 8:08 PM Subscribe
After listening to too many true crime podcasts, I need suggestions on updating my apartment security.
I am not concerned about burglary but I am worried about waking up with some dude in my apartment. I've googled around but there are so many options and products to choose from; it's a little overwhelming. I have curtains and blinds, standard window and door locks, and will be ordering ADT/security company signs, but beyond that, I'm not sure what I should install. I don't think I need a camera or a security company alarm and subscription, but I am open to changing my mind on that. No to a dog or a gun.
Here are the facts:
- Apartment rental. I would like simple, effective, and non-permanent solutions, but I am willing to sacrifice my security deposit in favor of not getting murdered.
- I live on the second flood of a four unit apartment building.
- If I were to break into my apartment, I would go through one of the back windows because they open up onto a balcony/fire escape that overlooks a secluded parking lot. What should I do to these windows to stop someone from coming through them or at least alert me if someone is on the fire escape? Because a feral cat colony lives back there, I don't want to use a motion detector light.
- I'm also concerned about my front door. It has two deadbolts, but it's old and flimsy. What can I do to reinforce it?
I've also looked at door stop alarms and window alarms on Amazon and will most likely order the best sellers. If you have a specific product to recommend, please do. What am I missing? Thanks, MeFis! (SSDGM!)
I am not concerned about burglary but I am worried about waking up with some dude in my apartment. I've googled around but there are so many options and products to choose from; it's a little overwhelming. I have curtains and blinds, standard window and door locks, and will be ordering ADT/security company signs, but beyond that, I'm not sure what I should install. I don't think I need a camera or a security company alarm and subscription, but I am open to changing my mind on that. No to a dog or a gun.
Here are the facts:
- Apartment rental. I would like simple, effective, and non-permanent solutions, but I am willing to sacrifice my security deposit in favor of not getting murdered.
- I live on the second flood of a four unit apartment building.
- If I were to break into my apartment, I would go through one of the back windows because they open up onto a balcony/fire escape that overlooks a secluded parking lot. What should I do to these windows to stop someone from coming through them or at least alert me if someone is on the fire escape? Because a feral cat colony lives back there, I don't want to use a motion detector light.
- I'm also concerned about my front door. It has two deadbolts, but it's old and flimsy. What can I do to reinforce it?
I've also looked at door stop alarms and window alarms on Amazon and will most likely order the best sellers. If you have a specific product to recommend, please do. What am I missing? Thanks, MeFis! (SSDGM!)
Best answer: For the back windows, window sensors plus screw locks, which are probably the best cheapest thing you can do.
For the front door, a security bar is completely non-destructive, and a well-affixed door guard and/or night deadbolt (locks from inside, has no interface from outside) is probably your best best.
posted by Lyn Never at 8:16 PM on October 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
For the front door, a security bar is completely non-destructive, and a well-affixed door guard and/or night deadbolt (locks from inside, has no interface from outside) is probably your best best.
posted by Lyn Never at 8:16 PM on October 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
Best answer: There are also window sensor type things (work with magnets and batteries) for doors, even some with a key pad and can confirm they are genius. You can set them to go off immediately if the door or window is opened, allowing you to sleep easy at night knowing you won't get surprised by anybody.
posted by jbenben at 9:02 PM on October 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by jbenben at 9:02 PM on October 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
Something to consider. As you make doors/windows less flimsy, you likely make it more difficult for a rescue worker to get inside quickly if, for example, there was a fire and you were trapped in your apartment. Maybe the combination of security theater (i.e., the signs) and alarms would best balance the separate risks.
posted by quiet coyote at 9:37 PM on October 7, 2016 [8 favorites]
posted by quiet coyote at 9:37 PM on October 7, 2016 [8 favorites]
Best answer: install a locking window gate over any window leading to a fire escape
Latching only, please. You don't want to replace losing your stuff with dying in a fire because you couldn't find the key to your second means of egress.
posted by praemunire at 9:38 PM on October 7, 2016 [12 favorites]
Latching only, please. You don't want to replace losing your stuff with dying in a fire because you couldn't find the key to your second means of egress.
posted by praemunire at 9:38 PM on October 7, 2016 [12 favorites]
i don't think ones with keys even exist? it's just a little handle you twist one direction to lock and twist in the other to open? why would there ever be a key?
posted by poffin boffin at 11:46 PM on October 7, 2016
posted by poffin boffin at 11:46 PM on October 7, 2016
I've definitely seen window bars with padlocks on them - possibly a secondary addition by the institution, but either way, super unsafe.
posted by tinkletown at 1:08 AM on October 8, 2016
posted by tinkletown at 1:08 AM on October 8, 2016
I was terrified by that same MFM episode! I'm just reiterating that you want to make sure you don't keep rescuers from getting in, or keep you from getting out if there's a fire.
posted by persona au gratin at 2:03 AM on October 8, 2016
posted by persona au gratin at 2:03 AM on October 8, 2016
Best answer: At one point I mulled over getting a really loud (135db?) alarm, the hope being that it would be too loud for comfort no matter how bold the intruder is. Trouble is, you would be certain to trip it at least once, and the that kind of noise is not the done thing in an apt building.
posted by SemiSalt at 8:51 AM on October 8, 2016
posted by SemiSalt at 8:51 AM on October 8, 2016
i don't think ones with keys even exist? it's just a little handle you twist one direction to lock and twist in the other to open? why would there ever be a key?
There are, unfortunately--there was an entirely illegal one in an apartment I lived in about ten years ago. It always worried me.
posted by praemunire at 3:23 PM on October 8, 2016
There are, unfortunately--there was an entirely illegal one in an apartment I lived in about ten years ago. It always worried me.
posted by praemunire at 3:23 PM on October 8, 2016
Best answer: My husband is on security obsession lately.
We have nightlock but note that if it's engaged and you need someone to come in (say police to help) good luck having them kick a door in.
We also have this slide lock thing
not sure if this helps but perhaps something like this would help
posted by stormpooper at 1:14 PM on October 11, 2016
We have nightlock but note that if it's engaged and you need someone to come in (say police to help) good luck having them kick a door in.
We also have this slide lock thing
not sure if this helps but perhaps something like this would help
posted by stormpooper at 1:14 PM on October 11, 2016
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by poffin boffin at 8:10 PM on October 7, 2016 [1 favorite]