| If you have read many articles on home security online, | | | | - Are any of the windows accessible from the |
| or spoken to professionals about the safety of your | | | | ground? |
| residence, you may have heard the term "home | | | | - Are the locks on any windows or doors broken? |
| security audit." This refers to an assessment of your | | | | - Does any of the landscaping provide access to the |
| current home security, including the security system | | | | windows or areas that are difficult to see? |
| and the structure and property. A home security audit | | | | - Are all entry points lit with at least 60 watt bulbs? |
| should be performed at least annually to ensure that | | | | - Are all vehicles locked? |
| you have noticed and addressed any changes or | | | | - Is the shed, garage, and/or pool house locked? |
| problems that may arise. | | | | Inside |
| How to perform a home security audit? | | | | The assessment should continue to the inside of your |
| If you have never done one before, or if you are just | | | | house as well. Try to look at your home with new |
| trying to brush up your skills and make sure that you | | | | eyes so that you don't overlook things simply because |
| are doing this process correctly, here are some of the | | | | you see them every day. |
| basics of this kind of audit. | | | | - Check that the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms |
| - Do it with someone else. Two perspectives are | | | | are functioning. |
| more valuable than one, and someone who does not | | | | - Do you leave any expensive possessions in places |
| live in the house may be able to spot things that you | | | | that are easily visible from windows? |
| overlook. Bring a friend or neighbor or even one of | | | | - Are there other entry points to your home that may |
| your children with you as you examine the interior and | | | | not be secured - crawl spaces, skylights, or vents? |
| exterior of your home. | | | | - Create a complete list of your possessions that |
| - Look both at night and during the day. You will notice | | | | would need to be replaced in case of burglary or fire. |
| different things depending on the level of light, so it is | | | | Take digital pictures and record the serial numbers. |
| important to conduct your audit during the day and | | | | This is only an overview of what to look for when |
| once the sun has set to get a complete picture. | | | | conducting a home security audit. Consult a trusted |
| - Take notes. It's easy to forget things, especially when | | | | home security company or the local police for a |
| you are doing a comprehensive review. | | | | complete checklist for your area. Conducting an audit |
| Outside | | | | each year will help you keep your home and loved |
| So what should you be looking for? On the exterior of | | | | ones safe and secure. |
| the house, here are some of the key things to note: | | | | |