Home Security Checklist

August 5, 2022 9:50 am

Jump to Sections

Your home contains your most valuable assets and cherished people. That’s why protecting your family and belongings in emergencies like break-ins, fires and gas leaks is essential. You can defend your home against threats by assessing and improving your home security measures.

In 2019, 62.8 percent of all burglary offenses were at residential properties. Whether you’ve lived in your home for a few weeks or years, you must have the systems in place to ensure you’re prepared in any emergency. When you go over a home security assessment checklist, you can determine whether your residence is adequately protected or if you need to implement some extra precautions.

Get a Free Consultation

Steps to Secure and Protect Your Home

Safeguard your home by following our comprehensive home safety checklist.

1. Secure Garage, Windows, and All Exterior Doors

Unlocked entryways pose a simple means for intruders to enter your home. That’s why it’s crucial to secure your garage, windows and exterior doors any time you leave the house. Even if you step out for a quick trip to the store or a five-minute walk down the street, it’s important to lock your doors.

You should also secure your home at night when you won’t be alert to intruders. Be sure to deadbolt your doors to add an extra layer of protection.

2. Don’t Leave Valuable Items Out in the Open

Any valuables that passersby can see can quickly make your home a target for burglars. To prevent your residence from attracting thieves, keep expensive items like electronics, jewelry, guns and cash out of plain sight by placing them away from windows and doors. You can take this rule further by storing valuable objects in a safe or safety deposit box where criminals cannot see or access them.

3. Give a Trusted Neighbor Spare Keys

While many homeowners see the front door mat as a safe and convenient place to stow their house keys, this is the first place an intruder will look for them. It’s better to entrust a pair of spare keys to a neighbor over using a hiding place. When you give spare house keys to a person you can trust, they can quickly enter your home if there’s an emergency. They also serve as a backup plan for regaining entry into your house if you ever get locked out.

4. Display Yard Signs for Monitored Alarm Services

If a home security company protects you, you can deter intruders from breaking in by displaying their yard signs on your property to communicate that your home is being monitored. You can also place decals on the glass of your windows and doors to ward off any burglars who may attempt to enter there. When people know that you have monitored alarm services, they may refrain from targeting your home.

5. Invest in Outdoor Lighting and Motion Detectors

A well-lit property is great for preventing burglars from trying to enter your home at night. When your house’s exterior, yard, and driveway are illuminated by bright outdoor lighting, intruders don’t have a place to hide. You can also implement motion-sensor lights that spotlight anyone approaching your home. If a burglar sets off this automated lighting, they will likely panic and run away.

You can make your home look occupied from the inside even when you’re away with light timers. These products prevent your home from going dark by activating lights in different rooms throughout the house. Burglars will be less likely to break in if they think someone is home to catch them.

6. Lock Up All Outdoor Belongings

Objects kept outdoors are easy targets for thieves. If you have expensive outdoor items like lawn mowers, bikes, or grills, you should keep them locked away safely when not in use — preferably somewhere onlookers can’t see them, like a garage or shed. If you have to leave these items out in the open, try fastening them to a stationary point like a fence or tree and cover them with a tarp, which will remain hidden from wandering eyes.

7. Invest in Monitored Security Services

You can stay ahead of burglars by investing in home security services from a trusted provider. With 24/7 alarm monitoring services, you will receive around-the-clock surveillance and immediate alerts in the event of break-ins, fires, or carbon monoxide leaks. If an emergency occurs, highly trained monitoring personnel will be on the line with you in seconds and contact the authorities if needed.

8. Add Indoor and Outdoor Security Cameras

Video surveillance cameras are an excellent resource for deterring criminals from your home. With security cameras on your property, you’ll have real-time footage of who’s at your door, in your yard or inside your house. You can even monitor your property remotely using your mobile device, allowing you to see if someone tries to break in when you’re not at home and act fast.

With indoor and outdoor security cameras, you can discourage burglars from entering your home and catch the ones that do.

9. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Regularly

Your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors alert you of fires and gas leaks before it’s too late. It’s crucial to check these systems regularly to confirm that they’re working properly. It’s a good rule of thumb to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.

You can also invest in monitored fire alarm systems, where live personnel will dispatch during a fire or leak. This feature is particularly useful if one of these emergencies occurs when you’re not home to stop it.

Enhance Your Home Security With Lexington Alarm Systems

If you’ve identified any gaps in your security after going through our home safety checklist, you can fill them in by investing in residential security systems from Lexington Alarm Systems. All of our monitoring centers meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL)’s high industry standards. When you work with us, you can expect world-class security solutions paired with white-glove services.

Contact us to learn more about our home security audits and systems today!