Home Security Checklist

To most, home is the most important place on earth. It’s where we spend the majority of our time, and a place where family and friends should feel safe and protected. We’ve compiled this home security checklist to ensure your home and everything in it are as safe as possible. Take the following steps to create a safe space:

1. Install Deadbolts on All Exterior Doors

A burglary occurs every 20 seconds in the U.S. Your first defense against an attempted burglary are any exterior doors. With a deadbolt in place, the door becomes much more difficult to kick in.

2. Invest in a Safe

When it comes to personal items such as important documents or valuables, it’s important not only to keep these out of sight but locked away with an in-house safe.

3. Upgrade Doors

Nearly one third of burglars enter homes through the front door. An older wooden door can be kicked in within seconds. It’s important to make sure your doors are updated to help beef up your home’s security.

Along with a solid and secure door in place, we recommend having a peephole in place to ensure you can see what’s going on outside the front door first hand. If this isn’t the best option for you, there are also front door cameras available that will accomplish the same goal.

4. Add Lighting

Create a well-lit barrier around your home to deter any unwelcome visitors. Make sure you’re keeping an eye on outdated lighting and replacing bulbs, as well as brightening pathways with floodlights or decorative path lights. To take things one step further, invest in smart security systems that detect motion and keep unwanted company away.

5. Install Security Cameras

For advanced coverage of what’s going on around your property, set up 24-hour surveillance cameras. Burglars are less likely to target a home with video surveillance in place. If you’re looking to step up your security, cameras can be a strong addition to any strategy.

6. Have an Emergency Plan

Protect yourself and your family from the unexpected by creating and practicing an escape plan. Regularly assess potential safety risks, and make sure everyone knows what to do in case of a break in or other crisis.

7. Routinely Check Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers

Safeguard your home from potential fire danger with regular smoke alarm maintenance. Make sure to install a detector in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every floor for maximum safety. Best practice is to test alarms on a monthly basis and change batteries a couple times annually. Quality fire extinguishers will add an extra layer of security, so have them checked based on type and size needed for your home.

8. Visible House Number

One important aspect that often goes unnoticed is ensuring your home address can easily be seen from the street. Make sure your house number doesn’t get lost in the weeds or fade away – ensuring it’s clearly visible from the street is an easy step to help prepare for emergencies and boost response times of first responders.