Homeowner Security Checklist

As a new homeowner, you should consider your home’s security. Below is a homeowner security checklist that will make you feel safe in your new home. After you take possession of your new home, consider doing the following tasks:

  • Use deadbolt locks when re-keying your doors
  • Secure all openings (mail slots, pet entrances, etc.)
  • Install a metal or solid wood exterior door with hinges on the inside of home. (glass should be far away from the lock yet able to be looked through when someone knocks) and install secondary locks on windows and screen doors. This includes the door leading out to the garage.
  • Have a security alarm professionally installed
  • Make spare keys for 1 trusted neighbor and 1 set for a secret spot
  • Join a neighbourhood watch program or start one yourself!
  • Purchase a shredder and shred all documents you don’t need any longer that contain personal information
  • Keep your home well lit, especially entranceways
  • Remove shrubs near entranceways people can hide behind
  • Ensure visibility of your address in case 911 is called
  • Install a privacy fence with a padlock gate
  • Have the City of Windsor or your Essex County jurisdiction install extra street lights if your street is not well-lit
  • Use window coverings
  • Install security bars on lower level windows
  • Lay out a pole to block a screen door from opening
  • Bolt window air conditioner to ensure it can’t be pulled out
  • and finally, Use your cell phone as a back up to landline phone.

Home Security Alarm

  • Choose a reputable company and have a quality home security alarm installed.
  • Sound should alert the alarm company
  • Display the window decals and signs provided
  • Use the alarm every time you leave home
  • Install survaillance cameras

Travelling & Away

  • When you leave, make your house look like you’re always home
  • Inventory your valuables and keep them in a hidden safe
  • Keep medications and valuables away from windows and out of sight
  • Have your neighbour pick up your mail or have it held
  • Set timers for indoor/outdoor lights
  • Install a track padlock on garage door
  • Hire someone for lawn maintenance
  • Ask a neighbour to park in your driveway

Car & Garage

  • Install a solid wood or metal door with a deadbolt between home and garage.
  • Keep your car’s windows up, doors locked and alarm on if you have one. Ensure all valuables are hidden and when parked outside garage, remove garage door openers from car.
  • Have a code system installed
  • Ensure you can turn on garage light from inside the home
  • Add security bars to garage windows

Fires

  • Design a family emergency escape plan but do not include double reinforced doors, or windows with security bars in that plan.
  • Install easy-to-access fire extinguishers