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Home Security Checklist
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Secure all windows. Consider using window stops on sliding windows.
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Secure all patio doors. Use through-the-door pins and/or a secondary blocking device to prevent jimmying the door from the exterior.
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Do solid exterior doors have wide angle door viewers installed (peep holes)?
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Are exterior doors made of solid core wood or metal?
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Do all exterior doors have a security lock, such as a deadbolt with at least a one inch throw?
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Display “Beware of Dog” signs on the lawn of your property.
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Affix “Beware of Dog,” “Protected by ____ Security Alarm System,” “Protected by Neighborhood Watch” and similar stickers on windows and doors. Dogs and security systems help to deter burglars.
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Secure garage doors. Use slide locks on the existing garage doors or purchase securing mechanisms that lock the doors to the door tracks.
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Trim all bushes and trees near the house, particularly near and around window and door areas.
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Keep areas around the house well lit. Install automatic lights to come on at night while you are on vacation.
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Never leave house keys “hidden” outside. Fake rocks, door mats, mailboxes and similar areas are all obvious places for burglars to check. Install keypad locks or electric locks if keys are an issue.
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Place your house keys and car keys on different key rings. Do not label keys. Do not provide service people or valets with your house keys.
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Install a security alarm system. Consider video cameras that permit remote web access to allow real-time monitoring of your home while away.
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Create a detailed inventory of your personal property and video tape your house, including all rooms, cupboards, drawers and closets.
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Use an engraving pen to inscribe your current driver’s license number on valuable electronics and other property.
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Be wary of wrong numbers and instruct your children what to say (and not say) to strangers on the phone. Similarly instruct house sitters how to handle calls while you are away.
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Organize a neighborhood watch program and encourage all neighbors to participate. “Nosy” neighbors can be a good thing and interested neighborhoods deter crime.
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Initiate discussion among yourself, your spouse, and your children. The plan should include where each person should go for protection and how to handle the invaders should they “capture” members of the family.
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Install deadbolt locks requiring a key (on each side) for bedroom doors. Should a break-in occur while you are at home, securing yourself in the bedroom is positive.
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Be sure each bedroom has a phone extension that can be used in the event of an emergency.
