HOME SECURITY CHECKLIST

The following checklist is designed to help you improve security in your home.

Around your house

Doors:

- Install a wide-angle peephole.

- Entrance doors should have a solid core.

- Doors should fit tightly into doorjambs and strike plates must be secure.

- If hinge pins are outside, they should be non-removable.

- When closed, sliding doors need a metal bar to fill the inside track.

- Locks on the inside of the door should be at least 40 inches from glass.

- Use deadbolt locks that extend at least one inch into the strike plate.

- Locks should be replaced after you take possession of your new home.

Windows

- Double hung windows should be pinned.

- Metal windows need a lock or metal bar in addition to a catch.

- Basement windows should be Plexiglass or have security bars.

- Windows left open for ventilation should be secured.

- Curtains or blinds should fully cover windows.

- Air conditioners should be secured from the inside

Exterior

- Keep shrubs cut below window level.

- Your house number should be easily visible from the street.

- Make sure front and back doorways are well lit or spot lit.

- Keep bicycles, lawn mowers, and other gear inside and out of sight.

- Join Neighbourhood Watch and Operation Identification, and display the decals on your front and back doors.

Garage

- Keep your garage door closed and locked when not in use.

- Remove vehicle keys and lock vehicles in the garage.

- Have a light inside the garage.

Around your apartment

- Open the lobby door only for people you know. Unknown or suspicious persons should be reported to the building superintendent.

- Use your initials and last name to identify yourself on the lobby list.

- When moving in, have the superintendent change the locks.

- If you are out, arrange for deliveries to be received by the building superintendent or a neighbour.

- Check the elevator before you enter it and stay near the control panel.

- Do not go into laundry rooms alone.

- Check your car before entering it.Keep your car locked and remove any valuable portable items.

- Do not store valuable items in an apartment locker.

Alarms

- Alarms monitored 24 hours by a Central Alarm Station service are recommended and may qualify for an insurance premium discount.

- Alarms should protect the full perimeter of your residence.

While on vacation

- Stop delivered items such as newspaper subscriptions.

- Store valuables in a safety deposit box.

- Use timers to automatically turn lights on and off.

- Have a neighbour or friend pick up handbills and mail.

- Arrange to have snow shoveled and the grass cut.

Your personal security

- Do not open the door until you confirm the person's identity.

- If somebody asks to use your phone, have them wait outside while you make the call for them.

- Do not give out personal information to telephone solicitors.

- If you arrive home and suspect a break-in, leave and call the police.

- Never indicate that you're not home on your telephone answering machine.

- If you lose your keys, change your locks. Your Aviva policy has coverage assistance to replace lost/stolen keys.