Home Security Checklist
- Are your wooden doors solid or reinforced?
- Are the locks on your outside doors of cylinder type?
- Are they of either the deadlocking or jimmy-proof type?
- Are your doors' locks protected from attack by breaking out glass or a panel of light wood?
- Do you use chain locks or other auxiliary locks on all outside doors?
- Do the doors without cylinder locks have a heavy bolt or some similar secure device that can be operated only from inside?
- Can all of your doors (basement, porch, French, balcony) be securely locked?
- Do your basement doors have locks that allow you to isolate that part of your house?
- Are your locks all in good working condition?
- Do you know everyone who has a key to your house? (or are there some still in the possession of previous owners or friends?)
- Are your window locks properly and securely mounted?
- Do you keep your windows locked when they are shut?
- Do you use locks that allow you to lock a window that is partly open?
- Are you as careful of basement and second floor windows as you are of those on the first floor?
- Have you made it more difficult for a burglar by locking up your ladder or similar aids to climbing?
- Do you lock your garage door at night?
- Do you lock your garage when you are away from home?
- Do you have good secure locks on the garage doors and windows?
- Do you lock your car and take the keys out even when it is parked in your garage?
- Do you stop deliveries or arrange for neighbors to pick up papers, mail and packages?
- Do you notify your police department?
- Do you leave some shades up so the house doesn't look deserted?
- Do you arrange to keep your lawn and garden in shape?
- Do you have any light timers or burglar alarms?
- Do you plan so that you do not need to "hide" a key under the doormat?
- Do you keep cash and other valuables in a bank?
- Do you keep a list of all valuable property in two safe places?
- Do you have a list of serial numbers of your guns, TV, VCR, lawn mower, etc.?
- Do you have a description of other valuable property that does not have a serial number?
- Do you have your property marked with your North Carolina Drivers License number?
- Do you avoid unnecessary display or publicity or your valuables?
- Have you told your family what to do if they discover a burglar breaking in or already in the house?
- Have you told your family to leave the house undisturbed and call the police if they discover a burglary has been committed?
- Have you photographed and video taped the contents of your home?
- Have you trimmed shrubbery back to prevent it from being used as a hiding place?
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