Home Security "Zen" Style, at a Reasonable Price

Article 7

That Old House Meets This New Woman 

by P.K. Costa


With crime at an all-time hight, home security seems to be at the forefront of everyone's mind 
(so how about a little security, and "Zen" some?) 
The home has always been people's sanctuary--a place to go after work, or after they've been out in the chaotic world--their own space, their own home sweet home. Safe, secure and free from crime and the crazy people roaming aimlessly.

These days however the focus is on how to secure a home and also keep it a peaceful place with some balance (since securing a home can actually be frightening to some when just the sight of security equipment can be a constant reminder of the need for the added security in the first place). With the increased crime, increase in law enforcement layoffs --which is ridiculous -- everyone should write their city council and mayor's office by the way). So, how does one create a more peaceful surrounding, a feeling of Zen if you will, in spite of the increased security?

There are a few things people can do if they can't afford major security systems (such as security gates surrounding the property, alarm systems and cameras)--they can look into security deterrents. Some of the deterrents can be things like window and door locks (including rods in the windows), chains on all doors, parking in garage (instead of using it for storage) and using the garage entrance. Motion detector/sensor lights are another great security system as it shines a spotlight on any intruder, scaring them away instantly, and they can be installed rather inexpensively (we can cover that in a future post).

There are also additional things homeowners and renters can do to increase the secure feeling inside the home, when home alone, that can help with feeling safe and secure (which is half the battle of "Zen" -- which in turn creates a balance. And for an extremely reasonable price.

Remember the movie, Conspiracy Theory? In the movie, Jerry Fletcher (played by Mel Gibson) liked to use an empty bottle which he balanced upside down on the doorknob of his apartment, knowing that if someone tried to turn the handle from the outside, it would fall and break on the ground -- which he could hear from anywhere in the apartment (loud enough to awaken someone if they were sleeping) -- a method also used by Alice Sutton (played by Julia Roberts) so she could try to get some sleep one night (after many sleepless nights). (Great movie by the way if you haven't seen it.) This may not work for those with young children or pets, however, the point being that there are many methods to use for reasonable security (or feeling secure) if you don't have $3,500 to fork out for a good system, or just can't find $45 a month in your budget for monitored security system (again, covered later in a future blog).

A suggestion I received was wind chimes, and they can be hung on doors, windows, gates -- pretty much anywhere. The idea behind these is that if hung on on a door, every time it's opened it's a sound easily recognized. There are so many wind chimes out there, decorative, plain, simple--and for only a few dollars. I would definitely choose wisely for different areas (such as a loud one for an area in the backyard, not close to a neighbor's window (as long as you liked them *laugh*) -- but definitely a light, nice sounding one for the front door but one you can hear.

Wind chimes on the back of a door for
a little Zen and added security

Other areas to hang wind chimes is the vertical blinds that cover any window (keeping in mind that we aren't trying to stop a professional--if they really want in, unfortunately they will find a way in)--the idea is to merely find ways to deter the curious, and warn homeowners who may be home alone, but more importantly, create a feeling of Zen in what is supposed to be a safe environment. Wind chimes have a sound that is pleasing and calming, which is the whole idea behind Zen.

Chimes in the blinds are another way to add a little extra security, but more
importantly, a feeling of Zen, to your home or rental unit when living alone

Of course "wild" neighborhood animals can set off wind chimes easily, as can the wind--but that's also another beauty about using wind chimes--it's a sound you (and usually neighbors) can tolerate and it's a peaceful sound. When it's ringing hard and out of tune, you'll know it. This is where security motion lights would be an added help and allow you to see who or what is outside that is setting the chimes off -- and save you from getting up every time you hear a noise. (Just please, don't go calling the authorities every time you hear a chime!)

Here's to a safe and Zen feeling at home :)