Home Security Safety Checklist
Turn up the lights
• Put bright lights over porches and walkways in the front and back.
Lock it up
• All doors to the outside should have working locks.
• Garage and shed doors need working locks too.
• All windows should have working locks.
• Keep all doors to the outside, sliding doors, and windows locked.
Be able to get out
• Make sure everyone can open all locks from inside your home.
• Don’t have deadbolt locks that lock with an inside key. You need to get out fast if
a fire starts. A missing key could trap you inside.
• Replace inside-key locks with deadbolt locks that have a “thumb turn” instead of
an indoor key.
• Make sure everyone in your family can reach the “thumb turn” latch.
• Have window locks that open from inside. Do not nail windows shut. Make sure
they open easily.
• If you have security bars on doors and windows, have a “quick-release” latch.
This makes it easy to get outside in an emergency.
• Make sure everyone in your family knows how to use the latch.
Don’t help intruders
• Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed under windows so burglars can’t hide.
• Keep ladders stored in a locked shed or garage so they can’t be used to climb
into your home.
• Keep shades or curtains closed over garage and shed windows.
• Keep shades or curtains closed over your home windows after dark.
• Don’t leave toys, tools and equipment in the yard.
When you’re gone a few days
• Make your home look like someone is there.
• Do yard work before you leave.
• Have a family member or friend bring in your mail and newspaper while you are
gone.