Security Checklist Top tips to keep your home secure

Many homeowners love nothing more than doing a spot of DIY or getting stuck into a home improvement project. When planning your projects around the home, why not consider checking over your home security? 

It can often be difficult to know where to start when it comes to home security, however, using a comprehensive checklist for a full home security audit can help. 

To help provide some guidance on where to start when considering your home security, the experts from Yale have put together a complete security checklist.

 Start with your doors and windows

When beginning your security audit, a good place to start is with your doors and windows. 

• As many burglaries take place as a result of gaining access through a door or window, securing your doors and windows is a simple yet effective way of making sure your home stays safe against any potential attacks. 

• Check all your windows and fitted with locks, it’s especially important to check any ground floor windows as they can be more easily accessible. 

• If you have an alarm system installed in the home, make sure all windows and door contact points are working correctly. Check if any are cracked, broken or defective as we suggest these get replaced. 

• Never leave any valuables next to a window, as an opportunistic burglar passing might spot these and attempt a break-in. 

• If your door handles are starting to become loose, consider upgrading them. Nothing signals to a burglar that you’re skimping on security more than a handle that isn’t properly secure. 

• Attacks on door cylinders continues to be a threat and so it’s important to have the highest quality cylinders installed. 

• If you are considering upgrading your door lock, it might be worth thinking about investing in a smart lock. A smart lock lets you track who has entered your home and are accessed using a smartphone, key fob, key card or PIN code.

• Allowing you to keep a check over your front door from anywhere, a smart camera lets you see and speak to whoever is at your door, all through your smartphone. So you can always know what’s happening at home. 

Keep a check on the outside

Once you’ve checked the inside of your home and updated your door and window security, if needed, it’s time to head outside to check any outbuildings, the garden, and perimeters. Here are some suggestions of what to check upon. 

• If you have gates to your outdoor space, check they’re securely locked with a waterproof padlock. If they aren’t consider investing in one.  

• Where do you keep your ladders and tools? If they’re not in a shed or garage, consider moving them into one. A ladder or toolbox can be used as steps to gain entry to the property. 

• If you keep bikes outside, ensure they’re locked up securely with a maximum-security bike lock or chain. Or consider locking them in a garage or shed. 

• Flat roofs can often provide an easier route of access to the property and so make sure any bins or garden furniture is positioned away from a flat-roofed area. 

• If you don’t have an alarm you may want to consider investing in one. Alarms that have a bell box on the outside of the home can act as a visual deterrent. 

• If you have a large outdoor area that needs to be watched over a smart security camera or CCTV system could be the solution. Choose one with a spotlight, night vision and larger range so you can view the full space. 

Home security is important throughout the year, so whether it’s the colder dark winter months or the lighter summer mornings a security checklist can be useful when it comes to protecting your home any time of the year. 

For information about the full range of security products available from Yale or for more advice on your home security visit www.yalehome.com