Home Safety

Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding Glass Doors
are a common point of entry, to help secure your sliding glass door:

  • If your sliding glass door opens on the outside of the frame, install anti-lift guards (small L-shaped brackets) in the frame above and below the closed sliding patio door to prevent the door from being lifted out of the frame.
  • If your sliding glass door opens on the outside, Install a patio locking bar at waist level to prevent prying (see photo below). Patio locking bars are available at all home hardware stores.


 

  • If your door opens on the inside of the frame, install a wooden stick in the bottom of the frame to prevent prying.
  • When installing additional locks on your sliding door, ensure the locks do not prevent you and your family from exiting your home quickly in the event of an emergency. 
  • Do not install additional locks on your sliding door that require a key to unlock the door. Locks with keys may be difficult to use in an emergency.
  • Ensure your family members know how to properly use the locks on your patio doors and practice using them! Make this part of your home evacuation plan.
  • Always lock your patio doors at night and when not using them.  

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