Home Security Checklist

  • Are your wooden doors solid or reinforced?
  • Are the locks on your outside doors of cylinder type?
  • Are they of either the deadlocking or jimmy-proof type?
  • Are your doors' locks protected from attack by breaking out glass or a panel of light wood?
  • Do you use chain locks or other auxiliary locks on all outside doors?
  • Do the doors without cylinder locks have a heavy bolt or some similar secure device that can be operated only from inside?
  • Can all of your doors (basement, porch, French, balcony) be securely locked?
  • Do your basement doors have locks that allow you to isolate that part of your house?
  • Are your locks all in good working condition?
  • Do you know everyone who has a key to your house? (or are there some still in the possession of previous owners or friends?)
  • Are your window locks properly and securely mounted?
  • Do you keep your windows locked when they are shut?
  • Do you use locks that allow you to lock a window that is partly open?
  • Are you as careful of basement and second floor windows as you are of those on the first floor?
  • Have you made it more difficult for a burglar by locking up your ladder or similar aids to climbing?
  • Do you lock your garage door at night?
  • Do you lock your garage when you are away from home?
  • Do you have good secure locks on the garage doors and windows?
  • Do you lock your car and take the keys out even when it is parked in your garage?
  • Do you stop deliveries or arrange for neighbors to pick up papers, mail and packages?
  • Do you notify your police department?
  • Do you leave some shades up so the house doesn't look deserted?
  • Do you arrange to keep your lawn and garden in shape?
  • Do you have any light timers or burglar alarms?
  • Do you plan so that you do not need to "hide" a key under the doormat?
  • Do you keep cash and other valuables in a bank?
  • Do you keep a list of all valuable property in two safe places?
  • Do you have a list of serial numbers of your guns, TV, VCR, lawn mower, etc…?
  • Do you have a description of other valuable property that does not have a serial number?
  • Do you have your property marked with your North Carolina Drivers License number?
  • Do you avoid unnecessary display or publicity or your valuables?
  • Have you told your family what to do if they discover a burglar breaking in or already in the house?
  • Have you told your family to leave the house undisturbed and call the police if they discover a burglary has been committed?
  • Have you photographed and video taped the contents of your home?
  • Have you trimmed shrubbery back to prevent it from being used as a hiding place?