An important step in preventing burglary and other crimes is to make sure that a residence is as secure as possible. A careful inspection can indicate features which would make entry either easy or difficult for a prospective burglar.

Chances are good that home security can be improved. Take a hard look at entry points in your residence and determine what steps can reduce vulnerability.

A security inspection begins at the front door and goes on to include side and rear doors, windows, locks, lights and landscaping. Most security modifications that you might consider making are simple and quite cost effective.

Disclaimer: The following recommendations in no way ensure that this residence will be

one hundred percent burglar proof, but these are proven techniques to make your home

more secure and a more difficult target for burglars.

EXTERIOR DOORS & ENVIRONMENT:

Apply these security recommendations to all exterior doors including entrances from garage/ basement to house.

1. Is house address clearly posted and lit to aid

    emergency response? Yes□ No□

2. Is door itself of metal or solid wood construction? Yes□ No□

    (including doors between garage/basement & house)

3. Is doorframe strong enough and tight enough to

    prevent forcing or spreading? Yes□ No□

4. Are door hinges protected from removal from outside? Yes□ No□

5. Are there windows/glass panels in the door within

   40 inches of the lock? Yes□ No□

6. If there are no windows in or near door, is there a

   wide-angle viewer or voice intercom device? Yes□ No□

7. Is door secured by a deadbolt lock with a minimum

   1-inch throw? (including door from garage/basement Yes□ No□

   to home)

8. Are strikes and strike plates adequate and properly

   installed with 2 ½ -3 inch screws? Yes□ No□

   (recommend 2 long screws in each hinge also)

9. Can the lock mechanism be reached through a

   mail slot, delivery port or pet entrance at the doorway? Yes□ No□

10. Is there a screen or storm door with an adequate lock? Yes□ No□

11. Is the exterior of the front/rear entrance lighted

    with at least a 40-watt bulb? Yes□ No□

    (consider motion detection lights)

12. Can front/rear entrance be easily observed from

    street or other homes or a public area? Yes□ No□

13. Does porch or landscaping offer concealment from

    view of the street, other homes or public areas? Yes□ No□

    *Security Tip: Tools, ladders and other equipment should always be

      secured in the garage an not left laying around on premises.

SLIDING GLASS DOORS & WINDOWS:

1. Do all windows have adequate locks in operating

    condition? Do windows/sliding doors close snugly? Yes□ No□

    (particularly ground floor windows)

2. Can the sliding panel be lifted out of the track? Yes□ No□

    (consider drilling & pinning/ screws in the top track)

3. Is there a dowel or “charlie bar” in the bottom of track

    to prevent horizontal movement? Yes□ No□

4. Are exterior areas of windows free from a concealing

    structure or landscaping? Yes□ No□

   * Security Tip: Cover with blinds or curtains

GARAGES

 *Security tips:

   Double-check to ensure garage door is closed when not in use.

   If there are ground-level windows in your garage they should be

   covered with curtain or blind to prevent someone from looking in.

   Windows in an exterior door or glass within 40” of a deadbolt lock

   are good candidates for Security Film. Unplug garage door opener 

   when away from home for vacation or extended period of time.

MISCELLANEOUS HOME SAFETY:

 Smoke Detector:

  Check each one in the home. Test to ensure they are functioning.

  If the device uses batteries, check to see if they need replacing.

  Recommend testing when setting clocks for Daylights Savings.

 Fire Extinguisher:

  You should have one in the garage and a small on in or near the kitchen.

  Consider putting one under your bed. Check the gages to see if they are

  well charged.

  Conducted by______________________date___________