Cottage Security

Yes, a cottage is just a house scaled down. However, it is a house that is often in an isolated area where there are few full-time residents. That means criminals do have an opportunity to get in and do what they want long before anyone can respond to an alarm.

That time delay emboldens many burglars. It isn't uncommon for burglars to set fire to a house or cottage after ransacking it. They may be attempting to cover up their actions or they may not be satisfied with just stealing something. Their criminal intent may go beyond stealing a microwave or TV you've left there during the week, or over the winter when you hardly visit at all. They may be more interested in the riding lawnmower, four wheeler or snowmobiles.....

For cottages, you will want to have sturdy secure door locks and a very loud burglar alarm siren that is difficult to disarm. Studies show that burglars do not like loud sirens. The early sounding siren may be enough to discourage them before they actually do break in. Of course, you should never leave anything in your cottage that might tempt someone to break in.

When developing a home security plan, a homeowner must find the right balance between deterrence and detection. For the average suburban home or apartment, detection - in the form of some kind of alarm or monitoring system - is vital.
For cottages or secondary properties, however, deterrence is more important. The distance of a cottage or rural property from neighbors or law enforcement can make securing a second residence a challenge.

Here's a few tips to ensure your property is secure:

Protect Your Windows

Fit with secure locks.
Use storm glazing when possible.
Have dowelling or stop pins in window frames to prevent opening a window more than a few inches.
Fit basement windows and ground floor windows with strong locks and security glass.
Air conditioners in window frames need to be bolted solidly into the framework.
Windows should locked at night and whenever you leave the property.

Protect Your Doors With Secure Door Locks

Use solid hardwood or metal doors with deadbolt tamper-proof door locks.
Do not use double cylinder locks. (If you are locked inside during a fire this can be a hazard and a danger.)
Lock bolts need to extend at least one inch into a well-secured strikeplate.
Use peepholes with a full 180-degree range.
Fit sliding or patio door glass panels with security glass and adjust tracts so doors cannot be derailed.
Use dowelling, rods, or some form of prop to keep sliding or patio doors from opening on the outside.
Doors to garages need to be as secure as outside doors, with solid deadbolt and tamper-proof locks.
Seal up any mail slots in doors.

Protect Your Garage or Shed

Lock up roof and vent openings. Protect chimneys with a cap.
All outdoor sheds and garages need a secure tamper-proof lock.
Never advertise that you are not around. Keep lawn and property well managed.
Unplug electric garage door openers when you leave.

Cottage Security systems
Driveway Alarms
Doors
Monitoring
Camera Surveillance
Temperature/Water Sensors
Installation/Monitoring Certificates for Insurance Companies

Learn more about home alarm systems.