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Apartment safety? — Brooklynian

Apartment safety?

anonymous
anonymous
edited November -1 in Park Slope
Considering all the discussion on this board lately about muggings and crime, I wondered if anyone had specific recommendations on keeping their apartment as safe as possible?

For instance, I have two windows that open onto fire escapes. (I live on the 4th floor.) I don't have gates or anything for these. In fact, one of the windows doesn't even lock. What do others do in this situation? And what about in the summer time, when windows are often open? Should I be talking to my landlord about this, and asking for something specific?

Also, what kind of locks should I have? I have one deadbolt only. Is that enough?

I'm just wondering if anyone has any input. I'm sure the chances of my apartment being broken into are slim to none, and I'm not looking to be paranoid. But as I live alone and I think it might give me better peace of mind to feel safer.

Comments

  • mypasswordwontwork
    mypasswordwontwork
    unfortunately, the chances of your apartment being broken into are NOT "slim to none". You absolutely must get the window lock fixed. Please! Do it today! It is up to your landlord to foot the bill for that. Do they realize the lock is broken? If so, they ought to be ashamed of themselves.
  • anonymous
    anonymous
    Well, it's not the lock that's broken, it's that the window doesn't shut all the way so the lock can't close in the latch. My landlord just says the windows are old... I guess I'll press him on it.

    What do you do in the summer though? One of those windows that leads to a fire escape is in my bedroom. If I don't leave it open, it's so hot. Do I get a gate or something?
  • idlewild
    idlewild
    A gate is fine as long as it can be opened easily (so to speak) if there is a fire and the only way out is through your fire escape you need to make sure you can hustle out on the fire escape quickly. As far as summer goes, maybe an A/C that is screwed on to the pane?

    The lock question: Get a Medeco or Multi-Lock. Tubular dead bolt or a drop lock is fine. If you have a mortise on your door you can install a Medeco or Multi-Lock cylinder. You should also consider an alarm system on your windows.
  • mypasswordwontwork
    mypasswordwontwork
    Yes, get an AC if you can for the summer. It'd be better to bake than to get attacked. Why don't you get the cops to come in and give an appraisal of security levels in your home?
  • anonymous
    anonymous
    Guns. Big ones!
  • veggiequeen
    veggiequeen
    We make sure the window to the fire escape is closed and locked when we are either out or asleep. And putting an AC unit in this window won't keep the bad people out... they'll just push it in!
  • mypasswordwontwork
    mypasswordwontwork
    Anonymous wrote: Guns. Big ones!
    I have a gun, I'm licensed, and know how to use it. But it's not big.
  • norbal
    norbal
    Michelle,
    First, Welcome to the neighborhood! I wouldn't live anywhere else!

    Now, for your issue(s):
    Be firm with your landlord. Working windows, including locks, are a basic right. This is your safety (and his responsibility).

    Yes, fire escapes are a favored access point. We had a problem years ago in the North Slope with a burglar who went across roofs until he came to our apartment's fire escape. If you don't want to go the full window guard route another trick is to put a heavy eye-bolt into the upper sash. You can make 2 holes, one for window closed position, another allowing it to be open a few inches. My favorite hardware store is Joe Leopoldi's on 5th ave between 7th and 8th streets. You can get good advice there, too.
  • anonymous
    anonymous
    Thanks for the replies everyone!

    Norbal, thanks for the eye-bolt suggestion. Is this something I can do myself, or do I have my landlord send someone out? It sounds like this could be a good fix for me, especially if the regular locks aren't that great.

    But first I need to make sure I can even get the windows to open and close into the proper position. They are so old, and warped, and they stick. They're almost impossible for me to use! (And three open to fire escapes.) Can I force my landlord to replace my windows if need be? I know he's going to tell me it's too expensive...
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