subject: The Most Secure House In The Country [print this page] Home security in America has become attainable for practically everyone. Being able to secure your home these days is generally an easy, practical thing to do. Protecting your loved ones and belongings from intruders has become an integral part of our society, but theres one home in America that continues to be a cut above the rest in terms of home security.
The White House is, and has been the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States since John Adams, in 1797. Much construction has taken place in and on the White House since the burning of Washington by the British Army in the war of 1812. Today the White House is made up of six stories including the Ground Floor, State Floor, Second Floor, and Third Floor and a two storey basement. The complex itself includes the East Wing, West Wing, Executive Residence, Cabinet Room, Roosevelt Room and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Theres a lot more to this house than your average Americans and rightly so, the security is also a cut above the average Americans!
As with many other American homes, the White Houses perimeter security starts with its fence. Video monitoring and guard stations constantly monitor the property. In 1990-1992 perimeter was reinforced with bollards to prevent vehicle entry. During the Clinton administration, the fence itself was expanded one city block to ensure further prevention of any damage to the White House from possible car bombs.
The White House itself is equipped with bullet proof glass in all windows, advanced alarms and infrared sensors existing both above and below ground. The greatest security feature of the White House may be the generous amount of manpower that is devoted to its integrity and the safety of those residing within. The main force charged with protection of the President of the United States and the White House proper was established in 1922, numbering thirty three men. In 1930, the main force was fully integrated with the Secret Service, increasing the number of men assigned to forty eight. Todays numbers far outweigh that of the past with an estimated 1, 300 uniformed police officers patrolling the White House grounds at any given time with an undisclosed amount of security behind the scenes.
Being the most heavily secured home in America doesnt mean the White House has ceased being the Peoples House. Every year hundreds of thousands of people visit the White House. With tours still regularly conducted official arrival ceremonies and a great many other activities happening regularly at the White House, the security details are constantly being tested on their efficiency and practicality.
