Stay safe with a home-security checklist

I have received many e-mails over the past several months asking for a home-security checklist. So I put together 30 important items that you as a homeowner should check off in order to keep you and your family safe from the bad guys.

Safe practices and proper identification

1. Make sure to join a Block Watch or Neighbourhood Watch Program.
2. Keep a list of all valuable property in a safe place.
3. Keep a list of all serial numbers to your electronic equipment.
4. Keep descriptions of all valuable items that do not have serial numbers.
5. Take photographs of or videotape your jewellery, antiques, or collectibles including paintings.
6. Don't keep excess cash on the premises.
7. Keep heirloom jewellery in a safety deposit box in the bank.
8. Do not hide a key on the premises.

Lighting and landscaping

1. Install motion lighting around the perimeter of your home, out of arm's reach.
2. Make sure all home entry areas are especially well lit.
3. Keep all trees trimmed to help eliminate hiding places.
4. Shrubs and bushes should be kept at a maximum height of 42 inches.
5. Large trees should not have their lowest branches lower than 7 feet off the ground.
6. Keep all ground plants under windows maintained to a height that is below the window sill.

Doors and entry areas

1. Make sure exterior doors are of solid core construction.
2. All exterior doors should have a high-quality deadbolt with at least a 1-inch throw with a beveled cylinder guard.
3. Install door viewers in all entry doors.
4. Make sure that all strike plates (the plate that receives the bolt when in the locked position) are installed with three-inch screws.
5. If you purchase a new home or are not sure who has a key to your home, re-key your locks.
6. All out-swinging doors should have the outside hinges pinned to prevent removing the door.
7. All sliding patio doors should have auxiliary locks with anti-lift shims or screws installed in the header to prevent lifting.
8. Interior doors from garage to home should be of solid core construction with deadbolts installed.
9. Never leave the remote garage door opener in your vehicle (purchase a mini remote and keep it on your key chain).

Windows

1. Windows should be equipped with auxiliary locks or wood dowel in the bottom track to prevent prying and anti shims in the top track to prevent lifting.
2. Install auxiliary locks on garage windows as well as wood dowel in the bottom track and anti shims in the top track.
3. Install security bars (with safety releases) on all vulnerable house windows including the garage and basement.
4. Install window coverings on garage windows.
5. Remove any boosting aids that a burglar might use to access a window - aids like ladders, children's toys, pieces of wood, etc.
6. Keep your drapes drawn at night, don't let the bad guys pick up on your living habits.
7. Don't leave open windows unattended.