A:Answer  Installing specialized window locks, stronger glass, security screens, bars and alarms can all help you secure home windows.

Home window security is about making it harder or noisier for anyone to break in through a window. Which methods work best for you depends on what kind of windows you have, as well as always being careful to allow for an emergency exit in case of emergencies, such as escaping a house fire. These are the primary options for securing home windows:

Adding window locks  

Whether you have double-hung, sliding glass or casement windows, they come with basic latches that keep them closed. But experts say thieves can quickly pop these latches with a jimmy or pry bar. Adding these common types of locks can help.

• Hinged wedge locks and flip locks are simple mechanisms that block either windowpane of a double-hung window from moving up or down more than a few inches. You can install them to allow windows to open enough for ventilation, and they can be easily moved out of the way to open the window wide. These are inexpensive and simple to install. 

• Pin locks work for both double-hung and sliding windows. A hole drilled in the sash allows you to set a metal pin that keeps the window from opening more than a few inches — or at all. Removing the pin lets you open the window fully.

• Keyed locks can be added to most types of windows and typically work like deadbolts on doors. Locking latches can replace the regular latches on double-hung windows. They can be added to the track or frame of a sliding glass window. One thing, though: you’ll need to keep the keys handy, especially if you need to open a window quickly.  

• A sliding door bar, also known as a Charley bar, slides into the track of your sliding glass window — or door — to keep it from opening. You can buy one or simply use a wooden dowel that fits your window. 

Strengthening your windows 

• Double panes are harder to break — and can also help you save on your energy bills.

• Security film can be installed over your window glass to make it harder to break — and also keep it from shattering.  

• Laminated glass and polycarbonate glass windows are much harder to break than regular glass, but they can be expensive. Laminated glass has a plastic layer between two layers of glass. Polycarbonate glass is a plastic glass. 

Installing screens, bars, alarms 

• Security screens are like regular window screens but stronger, often built from steel instead of lightweight metals and plastic mesh. They’re also permanent, not seasonal. Interior hinges on the screens allow you to exit the windows if you need to. 

• Security bars can help when windows are particularly vulnerable — easy to reach, like basement windows, or shielded from view by shrubs. Most are iron or steel and can be permanent, hinged or even removable.  

• Window alarms go off when they detect a window being opened. They’re wireless now, so there’s no need to run wires through your walls. Usually, window alarms are part of a full home security system that also covers doors and interior motion. Glass break detectors are also available.   

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