When it comes to security, houses are somewhat easier to deal with. You usually have a lot more room to work with. The boundary wall can be fortified, cameras can be set up everywhere, things like that, but with apartments, it’s not that easy.
With apartments, you’re more reliant on the security your building provides you. If the area isn’t super secure, and the building managers don’t take security that seriously, you end up being at risk too. The good thing is, you can take a few measures to add to the security of your apartment too!
Here are 5 of the best ways to improve apartment door lock security!
Use a Deadbolt
You can’t really talk about door security, and not start with locks. Locks are the most basic form of security everyone needs to think of. Apartment doors are no different.
Deadbolts provide simple, high security because they do not open unless you have the right key. Not only that, but they also won’t lock unless your door is shut, and then you turn the right key to lock it. Locksmith NYC or a recommended locksmith in your general area can help you source and install a deadbolt within hours! So this is something you could easily do even before moving in!
Door Jammers
Since most Apartment doors open right into the main living space of your home, you need to make sure that the door is always fortified, and this means thinking beyond just a lock. Sash door jammers are a great add-on to try here. These are available at most hardware stores, or you could get them online or at a local locksmith’s office. What’s great about these is that it only takes two screws to install them into the door. Once they’re on, you can just engage them every time you shut the door, and no one would get in without your permission!
Door Alarms
Locking someone out is one thing, but you also need to prepare for the possibility of your door being unlocked and someone taking advantage of it. In that case, you would want something to alert you that the door has been opened. While you could get a smart lock and have it notify you, an easy, cheap, and quick fix is to install a door alarm. These ring very loudly when the door is opened. Not only would that get your attention that someone’s at the door, but it will also most likely scare away whoever is trying to get into your home!
Security Camera
This might sound too fancy, but it doesn’t have to be a whole elaborate security system. You can install an easy-to-use doorbell camera or an inexpensive security camera that just sits on top of your door. Sometimes, you don’t even need an actual camera and get away with just installing a fake one, so it seems like everyone that goes by your door is being recorded. Whichever option you go for, will at least act as a deterrent and make a potential intruder skip your home when trying to find a potential target!
Door Barricade
With most door security tools, you’re relying on the door’s strength to keep you safe from an intruder. However, apartment doors aren’t really known for being the most secure and could break if enough pressure is applied. A portable door barricade would be a great add-on for extra security here. These are attached to your floor and hold the door in place. So even if someone tried really hard to break in, they wouldn’t be able to!
Using any one of these measures would be good for security, but a combination of all of them will make your apartment an impenetrable fortress!