Exterior Doors - Yes or No

• All doors are locked at night and every time we leave the house – even
  if it’s just for a few minutes.
• Doors are solid hardwood or metal-clad.
• Doors feature wide-angle peepholes at heights everyone can use.
• If there are glass panels in or near our doors, they are reinforced in some way so that they cannot be shattered.
• All entryways have a working, keyed entry lock and sturdy deadbolt lock installed into the frame of the door.
• Spare keys are kept with a trusted neighbor, not under a doormat or planter, on a ledge, or in the mailbox.

Garage and Sliding Door Security

• The door leading from the attached garage to the house is solid wood or metal-clad and protected with a quality keyed door lock and deadbolt.
• The overhead garage door has a lock so that we do not rely solely on the automatic door opener to provide security.
• Garage doors are all locked when leaving the house.
• The sliding glass door has a strong, working key lock.
• A dowel or a pin to secure a glass door has been installed to prevent the door from being shoved aside or lifted off the track.
• The sliding door is locked every night and each time we leave the house.

Protecting Windows

Outdoor Security

• Shrubs and bushes are trimmed so there is no place for someone to hide.
• There are no dark areas around our house, garage, or yard at night that would hide prowlers.
• Every outside door has a bright, working light to illuminate visitors.
• Floodlights are used appropriately to ensure effective illumination. Yes No
• Outdoor lights are on in the evening – whether someone is at home or not or a photocell or motion-sensitive lighting system has been installed.
• Our house number is clearly displayed so police and other emergency vehicles can find the house quickly.

Security When Away From Home

• At least two light timers have been set to turn the lights on and off in a logical sequence, when we are away from home for an extended time period.
• The motion detector or other alarm system (if we have one) has been activated when we leave home.
• Mail and newspaper deliveries have been stopped or arrangements for a neighbor/ friend to pick them up have been made when we go away from home for a period of time.
• A neighbor has been asked to tend the yard and watch our home when we are away.

Outdoor Valuables and Personal Property

• Gate latches, garage doors, and shed doors are all locked with high – security, laminated padlocks.
• Gate latches, garage doors, and shed doors are locked after every use.
• Grills, lawn mowers, and other valuables are stored in a locked garage or shed, or if left out in the open, are hidden from view with a tarp and securely locked to a stationary point.
• Every bicycle is secured with a U-bar lock or quality padlock and chain.
• Bikes are always locked, even if we leave them for just a minute.
• Firearms are stored unloaded and locked in storage boxes and secured with trigger guard locks.
• Valuable items, such as television, stereos, and computers have been inscribed with identifying number.
• Our home inventory is up-to-date and includes pictures. A complete copy is kept somewhere out of the house.