Securing Doors from the Outside: Methods and Considerations
The need to secure a door from the outside can arise in various scenarios, such as personal security, child safety, or mental health management. This article explores several methods to keep a door closed from the outside, along with considerations to ensure safety and code compliance.
Types of Door Security Methods
Depending on the type of door and your specific needs, there are several effective ways to secure a door from the outside:
1. Deadbolt Lock
A deadbolt lock is a highly secure method to keep the door closed and locked from the outside. It is a reliable solution for homes and buildings where high security is a priority. Deadbolt locks can be installed in various doors and come in different types, such as Surface-Mounted or Side-Set.
2. Padlock
For doors that have a hasp or similar attachment point, a padlock can provide a quick and simple solution. This method is convenient for temporary or secondary locking situations and can be easily added to existing locks.
3. Door Hook and Eye Latch
Door hooks and eye latches are simple and effective for light security needs. These latches are particularly useful for locking sliding glass doors or small entry points. They are easy to install and remove.
4. Sliding Bolt
A sliding bolt can be added to the door frame to slide into place and secure the door. This method is suitable for doors that can be improved with additional locking mechanisms.
5. Security Bar
Security bars are bracing devices that can be placed against the door and the floor, preventing unauthorized entry. These bars are sometimes referred to as anti-theft devices and can be easily installed in homes and sheds.
6. Wedge or Door Stop
For temporary solutions, a door wedge or a heavy door stop can be used to keep the door closed. These items are lightweight and can be removed easily when not in use.
7. Smart Lock
Smart locks offer the advantage of remote control through smartphone apps. This is ideal for those looking for added security and convenience. They can be programmed to lock automatically when someone leaves and can be unlocked with a code or app notification.
Additional Considerations for Safety and Child Safety
Considering the specific needs mentioned, such as keeping young children safe or individuals with mental health requirements, additional safety measures are recommended:
Childproof Handle Covers
Childproof handle covers are a safe and effective solution for preventing young children from opening doors, especially in scenarios where there is a risk of sleepwalking or other accidental openings. These covers are easy to install and can be quickly removed in case of emergencies, such as fires.
For example, when we installed childproof handle covers on our children's bedroom doors, we left the baby gate unlocked at the top. This ensured that in the event of a fire, the baby gate could not lock us in, while the door handle cover could be bypassed quickly if necessary. Once we were confident that our children no longer had sleepwalking issues and could safely navigate the stairs, we removed the handle covers.
Door Chimes
For environments where there is a need to monitor someone's movements, a door chime can be a valuable addition. A door chime provides auditory feedback when the door is opened, which is especially useful in mental health facilities or homes with individuals who require special attention.
For instance, when my oldest child was around 5 or 6 years old and liked to sneak out at bedtime, we installed a door chime. The chime worked well, and within a week, she learned to stay in her room. The door chime provided an easy and non-intrusive way to monitor her movements.
Conclusion
Securing a door from the outside is a crucial step in maintaining safety and security. By choosing the right method based on your specific needs, you can ensure that doors remain secure while still allowing for safe and easy access. Whether you need high security, childproofing, or monitoring for special circumstances, the options available provide a range of solutions.
Remember to always ensure that your chosen security methods comply with local safety and building codes. Additionally, consider the specific safety needs of individuals in your household, such as young children or those with special mental health requirements, to tailor your security measures accordingly.