How to Add Security to an Open Porch
Porches can become security risks because there are no natural barriers such as walls or screens to keep intruders away from the porch or the front door. The door going into the house from the porch should always be locked to prevent easy entry to the home, but there are additional considerations in keeping unwanted people off and away from your porch. The way you add security to an open porch depends on your individual resources and property layout. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Keep porch lights on at night. Vandals and thieves are less likely to target a well-lit porch than they are a dark one. To save electricity, use security lighting, which has sensors that will only activate the lights when motion is detected or when it is dark out. This allows the lights to regulate themselves so you don't have to turn them on and off.
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Install a fence around your yard to prevent people from approaching the porch. The fence should be at least 6 feet tall to make it more difficult to climb or scale over. If it has a gate, keep the gate secured with a padlock during nighttime hours.
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Connect a security camera to your porch. The camera is another deterrent since potential burglars do not wish to be filmed. If you can't afford a security camera, a dummy one is cheaper and will still act as a deterrent.
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Utilize a guard dog. If a larger dog like a doberman is not comfortable for you, consider getting a smaller dog that can still alert you to intruders. A barking dog can deter people from approaching your porch while also alerting you that someone is nearby.
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Tips & Warnings
Always keep the door to your home off the porch locked to provide another barrier to home entry.
References
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