Neighborhood Crime Watch
Program
HOME SECURITY INSPECTION CHECKLIST
An important step in preventing burglary and other crimes is to
make sure that a residence is as secure as possible. A careful inspection can indicate features which
would make entry either easy or difficult for a prospective burglar.
Chances are good that home security can be improved. Take a hard look at entry points in your
residence and determine what steps can reduce vulnerability.
A security inspection
begins at the front door and goes on to include side and rear doors, windows, locks, lights and landscaping.
Most security modifications that you might consider making are simple and quite cost effective.
Disclaimer: The following recommendations in no way ensure
that this residence will be
one hundred percent burglar proof, but
these are proven techniques to make your home
more secure and a more
difficult target for burglars.
EXTERIOR DOORS &
ENVIRONMENT:
Apply these security
recommendations to all exterior doors including entrances from garage/ basement to house.
1. Is house address clearly posted and lit to aid
emergency response? Yes□ No□
2. Is door
itself of metal or solid wood construction? Yes□ No□
(including doors between garage/basement & house)
3. Is doorframe strong enough
and tight enough to
prevent forcing or spreading? Yes□ No□
4. Are door hinges protected from removal from outside? Yes□ No□
5. Are there windows/glass panels in the door within
40 inches of the lock? Yes□ No□
6. If there
are no windows in or near door, is there a
wide-angle viewer or voice
intercom device? Yes□ No□
7. Is door
secured by a deadbolt lock with a minimum
1-inch throw? (including door
from garage/basement Yes□ No□
to home)
8. Are strikes and strike plates adequate and properly
installed with 2 ½ -3 inch screws? Yes□
No□
(recommend 2 long screws in each hinge also)
9. Can the lock mechanism be reached through a
mail slot, delivery port or pet entrance at the doorway? Yes□ No□
10. Is there a screen or storm door with an adequate lock? Yes□
No□
Look at your Home from the Outside-In
11. Is the exterior of the front/rear entrance lighted
with at least a 40-watt bulb? Yes□ No□
(consider motion detection lights)
12. Can front/rear
entrance be easily observed from
street or other homes or a public
area? Yes□ No□
13. Does porch or landscaping offer concealment from
view of the street, other homes or public areas? Yes□
No□
*Security Tip: Tools, ladders and other equipment
should always be
secured in the garage an
not left laying around on premises.
SLIDING GLASS DOORS
& WINDOWS:
1. Do all windows have adequate locks in operating
condition? Do windows/sliding doors close snugly? Yes□ No□
(particularly ground floor windows)
2. Can the sliding panel be lifted out of the track? Yes□
No□
(consider drilling & pinning/ screws in the top track)
3. Is there a dowel or “charlie bar” in the bottom of track
to prevent horizontal movement? Yes□ No□
4. Are exterior
areas of windows free from a concealing
structure or landscaping?
Yes□ No□
* Security Tip: Cover with blinds
or curtains
GARAGES
*Security tips:
Double-check
to ensure garage door is closed when not in use.
If there are
ground-level windows in your garage they should be
covered
with curtain or blind to prevent someone from looking in.
Windows
in an exterior door or glass within 40” of a deadbolt lock
are good candidates for Security Film. Unplug garage door opener
when away from home for vacation or extended period of time.
MISCELLANEOUS HOME SAFETY:
Smoke Detector:
Check each one in the home.
Test to ensure they are functioning.
If the device uses batteries, check to
see if they need replacing.
Recommend testing when setting clocks for Daylights
Savings.
Fire Extinguisher:
You should have one in the garage and a small on in or near the kitchen.
Consider putting one under your bed. Check the gages to see if they are
well
charged.
Conducted by______________________date___________
