Security Checklist

            In these modern times of uncertainty, we can no longer rely on simple neighborhood watch programs or a family dog to protect our homes from intruders.  Now more than ever, we are applying state-of-the-art technology to ensure our home safety.  Motion-sensor lights and alarms are often part of a normal home.  In lieu of the technology that keeps us safe, we must remember some standard safety measures we need to apply daily to our lives.  Use the list below (consider printing it and posting it in your home) to make sure you’re doing what you can to keep you and your family safe at night.

·         Make sure all entrances to your home are locked.  If your doors have multiple locks, use them all.

·         Close any mechanical garage doors and entrances into your garage and lock them.

·         Close and lock all windows.  If you own a second story home and sleep with the windows open at night, you should be safe to do so, as long as there is no lattice or latter readily available for intruders to scale your home.

·         Draw all curtains or blinds.  If an intruder cannot see what is in your home, they are less likely to be interested in entering.

·         Make sure all your vehicles are secure.

·         If you have motion detectors or security lighting, make sure it is functioning properly.

·         Set any home security system you may have. 

Even the safest of homes can be the target of a break in.  Do all you can to make it difficult for criminals to gain entrance to your home.  If it’s time consuming and tricky to get in, the perpetrator knows that his time is better spent elsewhere. 

Now that you’ve made sure your home is safe from the outsiders, go through your house and make sure there aren’t any safety issues on the inside.

·         Check to make sure your stove is turned off.

·         Unplug anything that doesn’t need to be plugged in.  This could be a coffee maker or toaster.

·         Turn off all unnecessary lights to conserve energy.

·         Pick up any objects left on the floor that could cause a tripping hazard.

·         Make sure nightlights are working.

These simple checklists can help organize your nightly safety routines.  Post your routine where you can easily see it and remember to utilize it. 

This entry was posted on Friday, June 6th, 2008 at 10:35 pm and is filed under tools. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.