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Because of the recent tragic death of football star Sean Taylor due to a home invasion, more people are reading home security articles and are showing more interest in taking precautions to prevent the same happening to them. Many of these people will buy a new home security door lock that is an upgrade from their current lock.

There are several common themes when it comes to home security articles. The universal theme is that a keeping your exterior doors locked and to have a good home security lock. Locks are the obvious first line of defense, but many articles also recommend alarms and other home security devices.

Every family member should be taught to ensure that all doors are locked. An unsecured lock is pretty useless! If you feel the need to hide spare keys for those who lose them or forget to take them along, don't place them under a mat, rock or other such place. Consider leaving spare keys with a trusted neighbor or put them in a coded lock box.

Articles about home security often talk about the various types of locks, including how much safety they provide. Obviously, an antiquated lock that uses a skeleton key is not the safest, but many current locks are also easy to break into. If one person can use a credit card to pick a lock, chances are most people are able to as well.

The box that a security lock fits into is also of utmost importance. The box should be anchored properly in the door frame with 3" or longer nails or screws. The box should be rated as "kick-proof" as well. The security bolt must be one 1.5" long. If there is glass located near the lock, a specialty lock should be used that cannot be opened by breaking the glass and reaching in to open the lock. Be aware of your local building codes and be sure to follow all regulations.

Writers of home security articles might fall back on that old chestnut concerning broken locks and silenced alarms. The typical advice is to hide in an isolated space such as a closet, and attempt to reach the authorities with a mobile phone. Should you be discovered, do not stare directly at the miscreants. However, you should attempt to pay close enough attention to be able to identify unique features or markings such as a tattoo. However, it is best to simply not be in that situation.