Home Security Checklist & Survey For Outside and Inside of Your Home

The following home security checklist will help you keep your home secure from burgulars or intruders. If you have areas that aren't as secure as they could be, consider upgrading the security or putting some new security measures in place. When considering different types of security features for your home, keep in mind your own safety and ability to get out in case of an emergency as well as preventing people from getting into your home uninvited.

Exterior Home Security

Entrance doors to your home are all metal or solid hardwood
Entrance doors have deadbolts
Entrance doors have good lighting so you can view who is outside through the peephole
Doors are kept locked when people are in the home or when you leave home
Windows are kept locked
Motion sensor lighting is installed outside to turn on if someone walks by
House number is clearly displayed for emergency responses
Shrubs and bushes do not create areas for burgulars to hide around your home
Gates are padlocked
Bikes and grills are put out of sight when not in use
Spare keys are not under a doormat, above the door, on window sill, or in mailbox
Garage doors have locks; and you don't rely on just the automatic door opener for security
Locks have been changed if you just moved into a rental property or purchased a new home
Sliding glass doors have metal or wooden dowel in track to prevent break ins
Tree branches of trees close to home have been cut to prevent access to upstairs windows

Interior Home Security

Home security system with alarm has been installed
Home security stickers are on each door and window warning burgulars of security system (whether you have one or not)
Glass panels or windows in doors are reinforced so they cannot be shattered
Valuable home items are inscribed with drivers license number, using an electrical engraver
Home inventory list is up to date and photographs have been taken of the home and copies are stored off-site
None of your security measures will make it difficult to get out in case of fire
Keep valuables in various locations in the home, instead of all in one room or area
Install auxiliary window locks to allow for ventilation but keep windows locked
Avoid saying “we're not home right now” on your outgoing answering machine message
Guns are stored separate from ammunition

Home Security When You're Away From Home

Interior and exterior lights on timers to mimic use when people are at home
Newspaper delivery and mail is stopped while away, or neighbors will get for you
The yard is tended to when you are away to appear that someone is home
Interior motion detectors have been activated

Home Security Checklist & Survey For Outside and Inside of Your Home

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