Here's what Station Volunteers look for when doing a security audit. They will point out what problems you should look for.

Contents...

Notes About Doors...
Sliding Glass Windows and Doors...
Outdoor Security Check List...
Personal Safety...
Links...

Suggestions for Making Your Home Safe...

To the end of this Page...

Notes About Doors...

Problems:

• Hollow core doors are weak.
• Plywood doors offer little security.

Solutions:

• Replace hollow core doors with steel skin doors.
• Reinforce weak dors by nailing or screwing metal or plywood sheets over the door.
• If possible, put a peephole in the door.

Problem:

• The gap between the door and the frame.

Solutions:

• Metal Weather Stripping.
• Add a heavy strike plate with three inch screws.

Problems:

• Key in Knob Lock; Windows near doors.

Solutions:

• Some locking mechanisms are in the knob, which is easily pipe wrenched (these knobs are good for bedroom doors, but not on outside doors). Consider:

1. Deadbolts: Use either a single cylinder; or a double cylinder deadbolt. Always consider escape routes in case of fire. These are good locks for areas near windows.
2. For windows near doors, try using lexon grills or security film on the window.

Problem:

• Doors Not Frequently Used.

Solutions:

• Chains and surface-mounted slide bolts are not recommended.
• Stop locks are secure, because they mount onto the floor.
• 2 · 4 in brackets in basement doors.
• Explain the importance of a door viewer.

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Sliding Glass Windows and Doors...

Check to ensure that the window or door cannot be lifted out of the track. Consider:

• Pins in the frame.
• Screws in the track.
• Glue length of wood into upper track.

With Double Hung Windows you should consider:

• Pins or nails in the frame.
• Length of wood glued inside window frame.
• A key locking latch.

With Casement Windows (hinged on one side, swings in or out). Consider, if:

• A wooden frame, nail it shut.
• A metal frame, add a longer screw to obstruct latch.

For General Security, consider examining:

• Bushes.
• Exterior Lighting.
• Using Bars.
• Using Plexiglass; Lexan; Film.
• If your name is on the door or mailbox, remove it.
• Street Signs.
• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

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Outdoor Security Check List

• Are your doors fitted with deadbolt locks?
• Are your doors of solid construction?
• Do your doors fit their frames snugly?
• Do you lock your garage?
• Do you keep your doors locked at all times?
• Do you avoid keeping keys near access doors or windows?
• Are your windows fitted with locks and do you lock them?
• Do you have a bar or secondary lock in the base of sliding doors or windows?
• Do you keep tools or ladders out of access to potential burglars?
• Do you have a peephole in your front door?
• When you move to a home do you have a reliable locksmith to key all locks?

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Personal Safety

At Home, ask yourself:

• Do you ask for an identification badge before letting service people into your home?
• Do you refuse to provide information regarding your home to people conducting surveys on the phone OR at the door?
• Do you avoid keeping valuables or large amounts of cash at home?
• Do you leave more than one light on and a radio on when you are not at home?
• Do you use timers?
• Do you have an alarm system? Does it include motion detectors?
• Do you use the "peephole" before answering your door?
• Is the peephole properly installed at the correct height for you?
• Do you have all your valuables marked with your BC Driver's licence number?

On Vacation, ask yourself:

• Do you have a Block Watch on your street? Can you start one?
• Do you notify Block Watch participants of your travel plans and ask them to pay particular attention to your home during this period?
• Do you leave window shades in the normal position?
• Do you cancel all deliveries?
• Did you make arrangements for another Block Watch participant to pick up papers left at your house?
• Do you use a timer to turn your indoor and outdoor lights on and off?
• Do you have a house sitter or someone who regularly comes in to your house while you are away?

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Links...

The following links are for information purposes only. We are not responsible for any of the content found on any of these links.

• Better Business Bureau: Before you hire anyone to work in your home, make sure you know what they're all about - here's where you can find out how.

• Home Improvement Net Tips: The ultimate source for the latest information that you can use in and around the home.

• Stop: Theft Prevention Security Plate

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