The first step in evaluating an entry door's security is determining its composition. If it's a hollow-core door, replace it; hollow-core doors are just too easy to break through. Also consider replacing a solid-wood door if it's not at least 1-3/4 inches thick, if it's an older door that's seen better days, or if it has floating panels, which will break if kicked. Better choices are:

• Metal-clad doors. These consist of a steel exterior -- plain or embossed to resemble wood -- attached to a solid-wood frame and a fiber core. They're the most secure replacement door you can buy.
• Solid-core wood doors. Newer wood doors combine the security of a reinforced solid core with wood panels or look-alike composite materials. They're the best way to get the protection you need with the beauty of wood.

Once all of your entry doors pass muster, also consider outfitting your bedrooms with solid-core doors and dead-bolt locks. (Or, if there's a single door that separates the living area from your bedrooms, beef up only that door.) It's one more barrier for an intruder, and it buys you time to call the police -- and for them to arrive -- if someone breaks in during the night.