It is important to audit your home every few months for potential dangers in regards to security and safety. We have compiled a checklist of things you can do to make your home safer for you and your family. As the saying goes, better safe than sorry!
LOCK UP YOUR HOME
Often a burglar will enter through an unlocked door or open window. Sometimes you just run out for a short time. This creates an easy opportunity for a burglar.
CHECK ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS
Check all your doors and windows to make sure they all close and lock properly.
RE-KEY YOUR LOCKS
MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK OCCUPIED
Having lights, TVs, radios, etc turn on and off automatically will discourage burglars. Your home should appear occupied at all times. There are great light bulbs or plugins that you can purchase to set electrics on a timer.
LIGHTING
Keep porches and patios well lit. Burglars don’t want to be seen. Consider exterior lighting around all windows and doors. Consider motion detection systems.
SHRUBS & TREES
Trim shrubs and trees. They can help hide burglars.
LADDERS & OTHER TOOLS
Don’t store ladders and other tools outside. They can be used by burglars to break into your home.
DOGS
Dogs are the number one deterrent to burglars! They are your built-in security system!
ALARM
Install an alarm and use it. If your alarm doesn’t work properly repair it immediately. Let your neighbors know it’s been repaired. Frequent false alarms make neighbors ignore alarms.
WORK WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS
Talk to your neighbors. Keep an eye out for each other. Report and discuss suspicious people hanging around.
GET ID’S & CREDENTIALS
Don’t let anyone into your home without checking their ID. Burglars are often people that were invited in. That includes contractors, repair people, and even people purporting to work for government agencies. Don’t open your door for someone you don’t know.
THINK LIKE A BURGULAR
Walk around your home. See if you can break-in. Often you will discover some points of entry that make your home vulnerable.
NEWSPAPER & MAIL
Have someone take in your paper and mail. Make sure your home doesn’t look like you are out of town.
KEEP PEOPLE FROM KNOWING YOU ARE AWAY
Posting about that great vacation your on seems harmless, but often burglars monitor social media to see who is away.
BE CAREFUL OF WHO KNOWS YOU ARE AWAY
Even that driver who picks you up and takes you to the airport can have bad intentions. Have someone you know take you The fewer people that know you are on vacation the better.
PEOPLE ASKING FOR HELP
Never let someone in your home that comes to your door asking for help. Often they want to use your phone to call a mechanic or the police. Don’t fall for that. You can make the call for them if you believe them but never open the door.