It often starts with a doorbell ring or a knock at the front door.If no one answers, burglars take that as an invitation to find their way in through one of the most vulnerable entry points of any home: sliding-glass doors.Many homeowners don't realize that what they might consider to be an adequate barrier to protect their families and possessions is "just a piece of glass" waiting to be shattered, said Orlando Police Department Cpl. Kevlon Kirkpatrick.That's what happened last week when three teenage boys broke into a Sanford home while three children were inside.Elsewhere in Central Florida, police in Palm Bay recently issued a warning about burglars smashing their way through sliding-glass doors into homes along the Interstate 95 corridor.Although police could not say exactly how many burglars entered each home through sliding-glass doors, experts agree those are the most difficult places to secure.Officials say homeowners should follow these tips to improve security:'Burglar-proofing your home'"Hurricane-proofing your home is burglar-proofing your home," said Kirkpatrick, a crime-prevention and community-liaison officer.

An alternative to replacing the glass would be fortifying the doors with a window film.Most homeowners can apply the film themselves, Kirkpatrick said.This layered film will not stop a brick from smashing through the glass, but it will hold the shards of glass together and maintain a barrier between the burglars and your possessions. That means a big mess and a huge delay for burglars.Although there are no foolproof safeguards to ensure that a determined burglar won't get in while you're away, anything that makes the job more difficult for time-pressed criminals could increase the chance they will leave empty-handed, Kirkpatrick said.Securing sliding-glass doorsSuch doors are vulnerable even if not smashed.Standard factory locks can be often be opened with relative ease, and even locked doors can be lifted off their tracks for a quieter break-in — one that can be done without tools. A flat-head screwdriver makes the job even easier.Homeowners have several options to fix those problems.

They can be simple: A wooden dowel jammed into the track to prevent the door from opening could slow a burglar.Or they can be a little more elaborate: A sliding bolt can be secured to the frame to prevent the door from moving even if it is lifted off its track.Alarm systemsAlarm systems are popular options. But they can have flaws.indoor door mats walmartIf burglars smash their way through sliding-glass doors, a door-frame alarm won't necessarily go off. shower door glass shatteredThat's why motion and glass-break sensors should be added near sliding-glass doors.garage door hinge bentSuch devices don't have to be hooked into alarm systems that send alerts to alarm companies.roller doors prices darwin

You can buy motion and glass-break sensors that use alarms to frighten away criminals.Some of those devices cost just a few dollars and offer minimal security, and others cost more than $700.Adequate ones cost about $60.Of course, the simplest means of security is a vigilant resident. or 407-420-5447 or @desi_stennett on TwitterFree safety surveyMost law-enforcement agencies will provide free home surveys to residents concerned about crime prevention. chevy tahoe 2 door for sale floridaCall your local law-enforcement agency to learn more about the service and schedule a survey of your home.•Orlando Police Department: 407-247-2461•Orange County Sheriff's Office: 407-254-7000•Seminole County Sheriff's Office: 407-665-6983garage door opener delaware Lottery results for Powerball, Florida LottoLottery results for Powerball, Florida LottoDo your homework before painting or sealing cool deckPuerto Rico birth certificates: How to get a new oneLottery results for Powerball, Florida LottoLottery results for Powerball, Florida Lottobi fold doors catching

During our preview period you may occassionally see this error as we finalize the site.This years’ Annual Florida Hospital’s Medical Staff Dinner theme was Bluegrass, which incorporated a wide range of unique décor accompanied by live music and entertainment. The MKE team had a lot of fun prepping for this event, from whiskey barrels, barn facades, to authentic musical instruments…we had it all! At the entrance stood our repurposed open frame Double Barn Entry. The newly added color scheme of roasted red pepper and off-white brought the barn-like look to life. An assortment of farm tools, hay bales, whiskey barrels, and authentic guitars were added to finish the look The foyer was lined with impressive faux-weathered Barn Board Wall perimeters sporting a collection of country music memorabilia and posters. Custom bluegrass ‘concert’ posters were created with the representatives who were being honored that night. This was a great keep-sake for our client. In the center of the room were our rustic plank Barrel Buffets featuring full sized whiskey barrels.

In the middle of each buffet station sat a larger-than life vignette of country music instruments and mementos. Our Grand Ole’ Opry Stage Set was used as a background for the Bluegrass band that was performing in the foyer.  In the center of the red barn façade, was a bordered marquee light sign, featuring the original title font of ‘Grand Ole’ Opry”. The stage was flanked with 9’ guitar necks of a Fender and Marten acoustic guitar, creating the ideal backdrop. Placed at the main doors of the ballroom was our American Country Double Entry. Rich, honey wood columns were styled with red, white, and blue stars along the top. Each column was topped with faux flame fire effects and highlighted an oversized musical instrument. The entry was completed with drapes of stars and stripes fabric. Elevated vintage Pallet Walls, a new addition to our inventory, were placed on opposing sides of the ballroom. Reclaimed planks of freight pallets were decorated with the corresponding stars and stripes fabric.