This checklist was designed to identify features in the home or in the daily routines of family members that might make an easy target for burglars. The goal is to eliminate any opportunity that invites criminals to the home. The security inspection should begin at the front door, and include an inspection of all doors, windows, locks, lights and landscaping. Each “no” answer indicates a security weakness or hazard. After completing the survey, it will show which areas need to be improved for home security. SECURITY POINTS 1. Are all exterior doors in the house either metal or solid wood? (Check upstairs as well.) 2. Are all exterior doors equipped with single-cylinder deadbolt locks? 3. Are door frames strong enough and tight enough to prevent forcing or spreading? 4. Are door hinges protected from removal from the outside? 5. Are all door locks adequate and in good repair? 6. Are all exterior doors equipped with heavy-duty strike plates with screws three inches or longer? 7. Has the mortis hole (hole in door jamb) been drilled at least one-inch deep on all doors? 8. Can the lock be reached through a mail slot or pet entrance? 9. Is there a screen or storm door with an adequate lock? 10. Are all entrances lighted with at least a 40-watt light bulb? 11. Are outside lights controlled by timers, motion sensors or photoelectric cells? 12. Can the front entrance be seen from the street or public area? 13. Do you know everyone who has a key to your home? 14. Have you had your locks re-keyed or replaced? 15. Does the porch or landscaping provide a place for burglars to hide? 16. If there is a sliding glass door, is the sliding panel secured from being lifted out of the track? 17. Is a “charlie-bar” or broom stick-type auxiliary lock used on sliding glass doors to prevent sliding? 18. Do all windows have adequate working locks? 19. Do all windows have secondary locking devices? 20. Do windows have screens or storm windows that lock from the inside? 21. If you have security screens, grills or bars over windows, do they remove from the inside?
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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM
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