Map of Genoa

© 2010 Village of Genoa
Genoa, Ohio 43430
Greenware Systems, Inc.

There are several factors involved in the selection of a burglar alarm. They include your budget, where you live, which type of alarm system you are most interested in and what other home security devices you already have in place. More Info...

There are several factors involved in the selection of a burglar alarm. They include your budget, where you live, which type of alarm system you are most interested in and what other home security devices you already have in place.

BUDGET
The amount of money you have to spend is also a major element in what type of system you purchase. There are many different alarms available, so you don't have to settle on a model you can't afford just because an "expert" claims it is the one you need. Talk to several alarm companies and find out what they can do for you. Don't be afraid to walk away from a pushy salesperson, or from a product that costs more money than you have in your budget.

LOCATION
The biggest considerations here are do you own your own home, rent or live in an apartment. House owners can install any type of alarm system they want, but renters may not have that option. Talk to your landlord first and make sure they approve of the system you hope to install. A good alarm will increase property value, so the landlord may even offer to help make the purchase.

ALTERNATE SECURITY SYSTEMS
Your home may already have a vast array of security devices, including shatterproof windows, double bolted locks and even metal bars around any exposed glass. Well protected houses may only need a basic alarm, whereas homes with no security in place might require a more advanced system. It all comes down to what will make you the most comfortable. Alarms are intended to scare off criminals so they do not break into your home. Often just a sign or window decal that claims you have this security product in place will be enough to deter them. Consider what type of system will make you feel truly safe, secure and protected.

ALARM TYPES
An alarm that produces a loud noise is generally thought to be the best option for home owners. This will usually cause an intruder to flee, because the noise will attract attention they don't want. Some people may prefer a silent alarm that is only heard by representatives of the security company who will call the police. That allows for the element of surprise if the officers are able to catch the culprit while still in the act.

Most alarm systems also include smoke detectors that can sense the start of a small fire in your home. This is a very valuable feature, but people with several smoke detecting devices installed in their homes may not require it. Although most alarms run on electricity, many are available with back up batteries in case the power goes out or is turned off by a criminal. The back up allows your alarm to remain operational under any circumstances.

Take your time when selecting an alarm. Talk to people at several companies to find out what they have to offer and which one can do the most for you. In the end, the important thing is to choose a system that you can afford, is an effective crime deterrent and makes you feel secure.

There are several factors involved in the selection of a burglar alarm. They include your budget, where you live, which type of alarm system you are most interested in and what other home security devices you already have in place. Hide Info...

Diversion safes are one of the most efficient products for keeping your prized possessions well protected at all times. They are small safes that are designed to look exactly like common household products. More Info...

Diversion safes are one of the most efficient products for keeping your prized possessions well protected at all times. They are small safes that are designed to look exactly like common household products. Each one is also made to feel exactly like the real thing, so if a criminal were to pick one up they would never know the difference.

Law enforcement statistics have proven conclusively that burglars only spend a few minutes in any home they break into. In most cases they will be in and out of a targeted house in less than ten minutes. They know that the longer they spend inside, the greater the chances will be that someone will come home or a neighbor will notice something is wrong and call the police. For his or her own self preservation, a thief will have to move quickly!

Because a burglar only has a short time to look around, they will generally check out a few areas that are well known for being hiding spots for cash, jewelry and other valuables. The law breakers may know all about diversion safes, but they won't have time to look through every product in your home just in case you have one. You might have a safe that is a replica of a soda can, shaving cream, book or even a wall outlet. There is just no way for the scofflaw to look through every item in your home, so you can hide your most cherished items right under their noses. Hide Info...

Burglars break into your home when they believe no one is around so they can take your most valuable possessions. They look for houses that appear to be easy to get inside, either through a window or a door. That makes it imperative for every person to make sure their doors are as secure as possible. There are several ways to do this. More Info...

Burglars break into your home when they believe no one is around so they can take your most valuable possessions. They look for houses that appear to be easy to get inside, either through a window or a door. That makes it imperative for every person to make sure their doors are as secure as possible. There are several ways to do this.

KEEP YOUR DOOR IN PLAIN SIGHT
A burglar won't care if they break in through the front or back of the house, but if they feel the front door is well hidden it becomes an easy target. A house with overgrown trees and bushes can block the view of the front door, giving criminals a perfect spot to hide behind while they make their way inside. Keep any type of plant life trimmed back so thieves can not use them as a hiding place.

CHECK YOUR DOOR
Before adding any security devices to your door examine it to see if it hangs properly and was installed correctly. Make sure there are screws in every hole for each hinge. The more securely a door is attached to the wall, the harder it will be to break down. If the hinges are loose or partially empty, it is important to fix them right away. Create new holes if the wood is rotted out and the screws are barely hanging on. Once the door is on as tightly as possible, you can include new locks and bolts.

DOOR LOCKS AND BOLTS
Some basic door locks are easy to get through. The lock can be pried back with a small instrument, allowing a burglar to open the door and get inside. You can add a Dead Latch door lock quickly and easily to make the entry way far more secure. These locks can not be pried open, so they are an inexpensive and very effective security device.

A rim lock can be installed on the inside portion of a door in just a few minutes. It includes a heavy duty dead bolt to make sure criminals can not pry it open.

The top and bottom of any door can be reinforced with flush bolts. These are bolts that make it impossible for a burglar to open the door for easy entrance. When installing any type of bolt, make sure everyone in the house knows how to lock and unlock them quickly. While they work well for keeping intruders out, they can also lock people inside during an emergency situation if everyone does not know how to operate them.

Your front and back doors are common and easy targets for burglars who may try to get inside your home. Don't let them - take precautions to reinforce every door in your house and make sure they do not provide easy access for criminals. Hide Info...

Windows are a very common entry point for burglars. They are often left unlocked or even wide open. When closed and latched, windows can easily be shattered with a rock, brick or any other heavy object. There are several options available to help secure your windows. More Info...

Windows are a very common entry point for burglars. They are often left unlocked or even wide open. When closed and latched, windows can easily be shattered with a rock, brick or any other heavy object. There are several options available to help secure your windows.

WINDOW ADD ONS
Metal bars can be placed over all the windows in your home. This makes it impossible for a burglar to gain access. Even if they are able to break the glass, there is no way to squeeze in through the bars. The drawback is that some people feel the metal bars make their dwelling look more like a prison than a home.

There are also laminated films that can be placed over every window. The films bond with the glass to make them nearly impregnable. In addition, the film is clear so the window will remain completely transparent. A burglar won't even know the glass is protected until they try to break it.

REINFORCED GLASS
Another option to burglar proof your windows, is to use glass that is strong enough to withstand extreme force. Some window panes are even bullet resistant, so a single shot from most guns will not break them. This type of glass may be more than you need and it is very expensive, but there are other choices.

Some glass contains thick wires all throughout, making it both decorative and functional. Burglars will know right away that this will not be an easy window to get through. After breaking the glass, the wires will still be in the way, and would need to be cut before entry is possible. Criminals will most likely pass on a window like this because getting through them would be difficult and time consuming.

Glass that is tempered has been placed in a very hot oven and then immediately moved to frigid surroundings. This is done to bring the glass to a melting point, and then freeze it back into a solid piece, which makes it stronger. Tempered glass is far more durable than standard window panes, and very difficult to break. A burglar can not shatter it with normal tools of the criminal trade, and will tend to give up and move on to an easier target.

Windows do not have to be made from glass. Plexiglass looks like the real thing, but is actually made out of a thick plastic. It is transparent so it gives the illusion of being a regular window, but burglars will find it is impossible to break.

SLIDING WINDOWS
Some homes have windows that slide open on a track. Burglars may find it easy to gain access through these windows, so it is essential to secure them. By installing latches, such as those found in a "Casement Window" you can make them very difficult to open. You can also find bolts and locking pins for sliding windows, but burglars are often able to pry them open if they are determined to get in.

Ensuring your windows are burglar proof is an essential task for every home owner, but it is important to remember that you may need to use the windows as an escape route during a fire or other emergency. Make sure you have the ability to get out through a window if it becomes necessary to do so. Hide Info...

Picture this. It's late at night and you hear a noise at the back door or a window inside your home. You get up to investigate and find an intruder breaking into your home. What would you do? More Info...

Picture this. It's late at night and you hear a noise at the back door or a window inside your home. You get up to investigate and find an intruder breaking into your home. What would you do?

The first answer is to call the police, but in the time it takes for them to arrive, a criminal may harm you or your family. Chances are the home invader will be armed with a knife or a gun, so the job of defender may be left entirely up to you.

OWNING A GUN
While it's always wise to do everything you can to safeguard your home from a break in, if a criminal is intent on getting into your house, chances are they will. This frightening concept causes home owners all over the country to purchase firearms and keep them easily accessible. Simply having the gun can make people feel safer, but if you own one it is vital to learn how to properly handle, maintain and fire the weapon.

The seriousness of owning a gun must never be forgotten. Every year people are killed by accidental gunfire. It is a deadly instrument that should be treated with care and respect. There are many classes in which new gun owners can learn to handle and fire it correctly. These courses also teach people to clean and maintain their weapons to keep them in top working order.

WHEN CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED
Make no mistake, there are hazards to keeping any lethal weapon in the home, and when children are present the danger is multiplied. All children are naturally curious, and a gun is something that can easily peak their interest, especially when they see them prominently displayed in television shows and films. Adults who own any type of deadly weapon must take every precaution to keep it out of the hands of young kids.

Storing a gun in a locked drawer or cabinet and keeping the key with you is an ideal solution. This will help to ensure that a child can not get to it for any reason. It is also advisable to keep the gun unloaded, just in case. That way if a young one is able to find the weapon, at least it will not be a danger. Try to find places for the firearm and the bullets that are secure but also easily accessible in case you need to get to them in a hurry.

At some point you may feel your kids are old enough to learn about the gun you keep in the home. When this time comes, express how important it is to be very cautious when handling a weapon and how dangerous they are. Have your kids take a gun safety course when you feel they are old enough to handle a firearm on their own.

BEFORE PURCHASING A GUN
Every state has laws that govern gun use and ownership. You will need to find out what they are, and make sure you have the proper permits to legally own a firearm. The laws can vary depending on whether you are attempting to buy a handgun, shotgun or other type of firearm. Most of these weapons have a mandatory waiting period before you may bring them home, and during this time a background check will be conducted to make sure you do not have any felonies and can legally own a gun. Hide Info...