12 Point Home Security Check List

1)   Exterior Doors

2)   Windows

3)   Sliding Glass Doors & Windows

4)   Garage Doors

5)  Entryways & Doors

6)   While You Are Away

7)   Personal Property Identification

8)   Key Security

9)   Padlocks, Hasp & Chains

10) Alarm Systems

11) Automotive

12) When Walking

Exterior Doors Security

Does every door have a deadbolt lock with hardened cylinder guard ring?

Is your deadbolt at least 1" long when extended?

If door has glass panel, does dead bolt lock require key to unlock from the inside?

Do strike plate screws extend into the stud, not just the door frame?

If door opens outward, is it mounted to prevent removal of door from hinges?

Is entrance gate or grill lock-equipped?

Do all locks in your home operate with one key?

Is door equipped with a wide-angle viewer?

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Window Security

Are double-hung windows secured with key-operated sash lock or plunger-type lock on sill?

Are casement window latches in good working order?

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Sliding Glass Doors & Windows Security

Are these doors or windows equipped with key-operated slide bolt, deadbolt, or "Charley BAR" ?

Are they mounted to prevent door or window from being lifted out of track?

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Garage Doors Security

If manually-operated, is the overhead door secured with a padlock or bolt through the hole in each roller track?

Is it equipped with cane bolt or sliding hasp in the center of the door?

Is service door or doors equipped with a deadbolt lock?

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Entryways & Doors Security

Are the entryways well-lighted, especially doors and windows that are recessed or out of sight from street or from neighbors?

Are shrubs trimmed to eliminate hiding places?

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While You Are Away Security

Do you use room lights with automatic on/off timers?

Do you discontinue mail, newspapers and other deliveries?

Do you leave a spare key with a neighbor or friend, not hidden outside?

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Personal Property Identification Security

Is your name or ID number etched on valuables to deter theft?

Have you taken photographs of personal property to aid in their recovery if stolen?

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Key Security

Do you always have locks re-keyed immediately if keys are lost, stolen or subject to possible misuse?

Do you have your locks rekeyed when you move into a new home?

Do you leave only your car's ignition key with parking attendants, repair shops?

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Padlocks, Hasp & Chains Security

Did you remove the code number on the bottom of padlock?

Does your padlock have at least a 9/32 diameter shackle?

Does your padlock have heel & toe locking?

Does your padlock have a pin tumbler cylinder?

Does your hasp hide the mounting screws or bolts when it is in the lock position?

Do you lock your padlock when the door or gate is unlocked?

Do you install your chain high and taunt?

Is your chain equal in equal or greater than the diameter of the shackle of the padlock?

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Alarm Systems Security

Do you have a working alarm system?

Is the alarm system an audible system?

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Automotive Security

While driving your vehicle are your doors locked?

If you parked your vehicle did you conceal all portable devices like Cell Phones, GPS Units, IPOD's, MP3 Players and DVD Players?

If you bought your vehicle new are there no signs left on he car where you purchased it and is there no identification of ownership left in the car?

If you bought your vehicle used are there no signs left of the original dealer and original owner?

Are there no key codes left in the vehicle?

Do you remove keys from ignition and lock vehicle doors when not in use?

Do you park your vehicle under a well lighted area?

When shopping are you sure no one saw you put valuables in the trunk?

When arriving home do you immediately remove all packages from your vehicle?

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When Walking Security

Do you carry your pocket book closed to you?

Do you carry your wallet in front pocket?

When walking at night do you walk in well lighted areas with a buddy?

When a suspicious person approaches you do you stare right back at them?

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AUTOMOTIVE