Home Security: Sheds, Garages, and Outbuildings

By: Sean Hattaway
Submitted: 2007-06-13 01:35:37
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In securing our homes, we often forget about our shed, the garage, and other outbuildings that need to be checked and locked. For homeowners and residents, these places may not seem to be targets of burglars and thieves. But that isn’t exactly so.

Our sheds and garages contain materials and things that a burglar will find useful. Garages contain cars, bikes, and tools that a burglar can use for his own means. One might also be keeping valuable metals in the shed or garage. There is a high scrap value for steel, copper, aluminum, and other precious metal, and there just might be some in the shed or garage. In securing the garage, start with the garage door opener. Try to change the electronic combination from the default setting. In making the new combination, choose a complicated one. There is usually a row of switches on your garage door opener. Make a combination that consists of many switches opposing each other. It’ll be hard for a burglar to break the combination when it’s complicated like this. The stability and durability of the garage door should also be taken into consideration. Make sure that there are no loose panels and damaged corners. The garage door has to be strong and durable to hinder a burglar forcing and prying to get in. Make sure that your windows and entry doors adjoining the garage are also locked at all times (when not in use). The garage door has to be locked down; don’t leave it open even for a short time. A burglar could just sneak in, hide, and wait until he can get the opportunity to get in the interior of your home. For sheds and other outbuildings, garden fences would be a great help. Garden gates with strong locks can help deter burglars who don’t want to go through a lot of trouble just to break into a small building. Keep the fences or gate in good shape and make sure it’s strong enough. Thorny bushes and plants can also help!

Don’t forget to use quality locks to seal windows and openings. Make sure that the walls of your shed or outbuilding are sturdy and strong. Installing an alarm for extra protection won’t do any harm, too. Lock away all gardening tools and ladders. They can either be stolen or used to gain access into your house. It would be better if there’s nothing valuable stored in the shed, garage, or outbuilding. In the likelihood that there are valuables in the outbuildings, additional security measures can be employed. Heavy machinery, for example, can be chained down to the floor by using motorcycle-type chains. Of course, it is advisable not to store expensive equipment in the outbuildings. For example, don’t keep your golf clubs or fishing gear in your shed. If there is no other place where these equipment can be stored, then add more security to the outbuilding. Lastly, make sure that your shed, garage, and other outbuildings are marked as your property. Make sure they can be identified clearly and are marked with your postcode and house number. There should be no question that the property is yours. This way, if a neighbor sees a stranger or some suspicious activity going on near or in your outbuildings, the neighbor will clearly see which homeowner owns it and can lead the authorities to the right property.

Sean Hattaway has been an advocate of Home Security for years. He provides vital Home Security tips and information online; teaching families how to protect their family and home. Go to Wireless Home Security System also located at http://www.home-security-company.com

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