Home Security: Your Guide to Protecting Your Family (Better Homes and Gardens Books) (Paperback)

~ James A. Hufnagel (Author), Paula Marshall (Author), Better Homes and Gardens Books (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A person's home is his or her castle and like its historic counterpart is subject to siege from hostile outsiders. Proper defenses can prevent costly emotional and financial losses. The editors of Better Homes & Gardens present a variety of ways to increase a home's security. There is something here for all budgets and abilities; even non-do-it-yourselfers can use this book for planning their defenses. Readers will learn how to evaluate their homes and surrounding property. Numerous means of strengthening doors and windows are shown, and alarm system types, wired and wireless, are evaluated with pointers for installation. Other topics include fire prevention, electrical safety, child-proofing, and safes for valuables. There is no information on home defense using weapons, and dogs are mentioned only in passing. This is a good, reasonably priced guide that will help readers evaluate their home and lifestyle and then determine how to increase their safety. Recommended for all public libraries.AJonathan N. Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., OH
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Feel safe, be safe. Here's how to secure your home confidently and affordable. A security quiz helps you evaluate your home's security needs. Shows how to identify and plug security leaks around and throughout your house. Helps you identify the right system for you home and budget. How to choose, buy and install effective home security devices. Advice on hiring the right security firm.

Product Details

• Paperback: 70 pages
• Publisher: Meredith Books (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0696209349
• ISBN-13: 978-0696209345
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #225,705 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great way for *anyone* to start improving their security, June 19, 2003

By	R. A. Ward "speedbmp" (WV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I confess: I am carpentry impaired. But when I thumbed through this book and then read it thoroughly, I was impressed by the fact that many of the techniques in it are easy and require minimal tools, supplies and skills. "Home Security" also has very good color illustrations (and some photos) that show you exactly what the text is saying. As a visual learner, I appreciated that very much!

The real gold in this guide, however, is the sheer wealth of information. For instance, I personally didn't know one lock from another (other than a deadbolt is better), and "Home Security" has a whole page full of illustrations with pros and cons of each type of lock and where they are best suited for in your home. It gets down to details such as shape of the lock's bolt, and how far into the doorjam it should go. "Home Security" also answered the simple question of which way should the door swing --in or out -- to provide the best security. (It's in.)

This book is a great way to get you started. The information is basic and shows you in which direction to go, and how to think about the most common ways thieves get in and take things. In fact, I am in the research stages of building my own house, and for others like me, this will prove invaluable, because we can build the security in as we go along instead of doing a "quick fix" to badly secured features later.

Subjects covered by the book, in no particular order, are:

Do a home inventory and a "security tour" to determine what you have and the weak spots in the home
Childproofing
Insurance
Alarm systems -- the biggest single section of the book
Securing windows and doors all over the home, including basement
Locks
Fences and lighting
Fire safety, including types fire extinguishers and smoke detectors
Apartment and condo dwellers
Securing special targets (guns, jewelry)
How to convert a regular closet to a security closet
How to get into the habit of security
Vacation security
Security when you are at home
Some thoughts on handicapped-accessible home design

3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Glorified Magazine Article, May 25, 2005

By	Rusty Shackleford (Charleston SC) - See all my reviews

I didn't find this "book" all that helpful. It's more like a high-level overview of security and common practices. I didn't really find any nuggest of wisdom or neat tricks or even recommendataions really.

It's like a fancy "about home security" pamphlet and not really worth the money or shipping.

5 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Basics, January 1, 2002

By	"belzoradon" (Cyberspace, Earth, Milkyway) - See all my reviews

this is the pure basics... they cover everything... doors, windows, BACEMENTs... from locks to clocks and electronics its in here... a very good book... not like the USSR is invading secure but most of you arnt like me... when i liberary got this book (if anyone wants to buy it for me thats cool thanks LOL) i fliped after i read it... it was soooo good... i learned sooo much about my house that i had never thought of.. great book... not the best but all of the basics