Keep your home safe with ERA's top ten tips

Tuesday, 9 June 2009

Home security is back in the spotlight with domestic burglary rates reportedly up 4% on last year in England and Wales, according to recent news reports. And it’s no surprise what with the current economic climate, some are resorting to theft and homeowners can often put security on the backburner.

With this in mind, ERA, "The Door Lock People", have put together a list of hints and tips to help keep your home safe and intruder-free:

1) Always identify visitors before you let them in. With ERA’s Access, Multi and Connecta systems, it’s simple! Combining the Access system and the Connecta wireless intercom lets you identify who is at the door from a range of up to 200m, making it ideal for people with mobility issues or the elderly.

2) Ensure you have quality, high-security locks on all entrance doors. ERA offer a wide range that conform to British Standards, including the new Fortress Mortice Lock which now has anti-drill steel plates for extra reinforcement.

3) If you keep valuables in vehicles, sheds, garages and outbuildings, keep them safe with ERA’s Block Lock. Winner of the DIY Industry Silver Award, there is no need for drilling and the improved design means that it will now fit a wider range of vans.

4.) Worried about security in communal buildings, like apartments and flats? ERA’s new Push Button Door Lock allows authorised entry on the input of a five-digit code, which can be changed as often as required to ensure your home remains secure.

5) Make sure external doors are locked at all times to prevent burglary in your home. ERA’s British Standard Nightlatch automatically deadlocks on closing and also prevents against forced entry.

6.) The minimum level of security recommended for external doors is a British Standard 5-Lever Mortice Lock and ERA advises that be used in conjunction with their BS 3621:2004 Nightlatch.

7) Window security can often be overlooked, but with so many easy to fit options available there’s really no reason for this. ERA recommends their range of Snaplocks for wooden and PVCu windows, which automatically locks upon closing, and Staylocks and Swing Locks are ideal for enhanced security on wooden casement, transform and pivot windows.

8) ERA’s Repair Lock is designed to replace most multi point locks in PVCu doors and frames when a replacement lock is not immediately available. Even though it is suitable for doors of up to 2.23m in height, it packs away to a size of 1.6m making it easy to transport in a standard car.

9.) Make changing the locks a priority when moving house. Fitting ERA’s Replacement Front Door Lock is an easy DIY task as the overall footprint is larger than the standard nightlatch thus covering up any previous marks around the edge for a professional finish.

10) And finally, always invest in the best level of security you can afford. Often, the difference in cost is minimal and hopefully this has helped you make the best decision.