Ensuring your home is safe and secure is a top priority for any homeowner or renter. A comprehensive home security checklist can help you identify potential vulnerabilities and take necessary measures to protect your property and loved ones. Below, you will find an essential checklist to help you safeguard your home effectively and immediately.
Exterior Home Security
Installing High-Quality Locks and Deadbolts: Secure all entry points with sturdy locks and deadbolts, making it difficult for intruders to break in. There is no specific brand that stands out above the others, just be sure to test your locks and make sure they are properly installed.
Installing Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated lights around the perimeter of your home can deter potential intruders before they can even reach your home. Studies show** that motion activated security lights will deter up to 50% of intruders due to the abrupt nature of motion activated security lights.
Maintain Landscaping: Keep bushes and trees trimmed to prevent obscuring windows and entryways, allowing for better visibility outside of one’s home. There is nothing worse than being concerned about someone being outside your home and not being able to properly see outside the residence. Properly maintained yards, brush, and trees will allow you a clear sight of potential intruders.
Secure Windows and Sliding Doors: Use window locks and security bars to reinforce these vulnerable points of entry. Most of the newly built homes will have a multitude of drop-down locks or even security bars built in, but if not, these are extremely cost effective and ultra protective.
Interior Home Security
Implement a Home Security System: Install a professional alarm system that includes door and window sensors, motion detectors, and surveillance cameras. Having a readily installed professional security system will allow you to arm your residence any time you leave the house for extended periods of time, and it will also give you an activity log of all motion activated events that will be recorded and digitally saved to a hard drive.
Create Secure Storage Spaces: Store valuables and important documents in a safe or storage lockbox, out of sight and secure. It is very unlikely that someone will be specifically looking for legal documents, but as we all know, these documents are very hard to replace and very important to whoever’s name is on there. It is best to have them safely stored away and secure for worst case scenarios.
Utilize Smart Home Technology: Smart locks, video doorbells, and remote monitoring systems allow for increased control and monitoring of your home. Many people have concerns about their home security systems being connected to a digital server, but not to worry, there are many different types of smart home security systems that are not connected to servers and only stream to your personal connected devices via Wi-Fi.
Establish Safety Practices
Caution with Spare Keys: Avoid hiding spare keys outside your home as they can be easily found over time; instead, provide them to a trusted neighbor or use a secure keyless entry system. Hidden spare keys under objects are a thing of the past and can often be found by potential intruders.
Establish Rapport with Neighbors: Not everyone is going to be fond of their neighbors, much less friends, but being on a first name basis can establish a small relationship good enough to lookout for intruders within the radius of your home. You would be surprised how quickly a community can come together during a potential break-in. If there is not a neighborhood watch program, take the initiation and create one to increase overall security and communication within your community. Also, establishing a Facebook or social media page for your community can keep everyone up to date with possible disturbances or concerns.
Educate Family & Guests: Teaching children or anyone else who is residing within your residence the importance of home security and proper use of security systems can ensure that your home is always secured. Be sure that you are divulging private information to trusted individuals within your family and relay the importance of confidentiality regarding the subject.
Regularly Review and Maintain Home Security
Inspect Locks and Hardware: Regularly check for wear or damage and make necessary repairs or upgrades. If you are stuck and hesitant about the proper steps, reach out to a locally accredited and trusted locksmith.
Test Security Systems: Routinely test and maintain your alarm system and other security devices to ensure they function correctly. Appropriate system checks should be once a month to determine that all of your devices are operating smoothly as they were intended to be.
Conduct a Home Security Audit: Assess your home security measures annually and make necessary adjustments based on evolving needs and threats. New disturbances or concerns can always arise. Adding a small portion of surveillance to a readily installed security system is inexpensive, easy to install and effective.
Conclusion
By following our comprehensive home security checklist, you are now able to enhance the safety and security of your property. Remember that maintaining home security is an ongoing process, so stay vigilant and regularly review and maintain the features you have installed to ensure your home remains a safe-haven for all.
For expert assistance in implementing these security measures, consult Royal Lock’ for those who reside in the Pacific Northwest Region. Our team is dedicated to catering customized home security solutions tailored to your specialized needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our wide range of security products and services.
