Locking Up Your Place

Posted on: 8 May 2015

Living in a mobile home presents its own set of unique challenges. One of those is security. If you plan to be away from your home for an extended period of time, it is important that you secure it and your belongings.  

Locks

Obviously, the first step in securing your mobile home is ensuring that you have deadbolts on each door. Even though your home might have knob locks, it is imperative you have a locksmith install deadbolts. They are sturdier and more difficult to bypass.  

When you have a locksmith install the deadbolts, he or she can ensure that the frame of your door is sturdy enough for them. If the frame is not, the deadbolts will not hold up to an intruder. The locksmith can choose to install a deadbolt that is reinforced with a strike plate that will ensure the lock cannot be easily removed. 

Safe 

Not only can the locksmith install the locks needed, but he or she can help you with securing a safe to store your valuables while you are away. Considering that fires can be potentially more disastrous to mobile homes, consider getting a fireproof safe. Ensure the safe that you have is large enough to store your valuables. A larger safe is more difficult for a burglar to pick up and take with him or her, so it might be worth considering one. 

Doors

The doors of a mobile home can be another security concern. The doors tend to be hollow, which makes them more susceptible to warping due to heat and water exposure. As a result, the doors will not fit as securely as needed. This problem can even occur with the windows. 

Before leaving on a trip, check the doors and windows to ensure that they are not warped. If so, you will need to have them replaced before you leave. Even if the windows are not warped, you will need to secure them with a dowel rod to ensure that no one can open them from the outside. 

Lighting

While you are gone, you want to deter burglars from attempting to break into your home. One way is to use light timers and motion sensors to make it look as if someone is home. You can use motion sensor lights outside the home and place timers on your lights in the home. Both are cost-effective methods of further securing your home. 

Assess your home carefully before leaving to find any other weak spots in your home's security. Talk to your locksmith about any accessories and equipment that is specifically for mobile homes that can help protect your home while you are away.