As a service to the public, the following checklist can help in preparing for a consultation with your local Locksmith and Security Professional. Just print out this page and use it to evaluate your home or business.

This is a 5 Step Prevention Plan

STEP 1 - LIST ALL VALUABLES

In addition to listing your valuables, it is recommended that you etch all property in two places if your able with your drivers license number and the state abbreviation. For Example: TN 12345678.

For nondescriptive articles such as jewelry, coins, antiques, etc., you should:

Photograph the articles

List the information needed on the back of the pictures along with the date

Once you have completed the listing, store this document with other important papers in a safe place such as a safe or safety deposit box.

STEP 2 - DOOR & WINDOW SECURITY

DOORS

• Install a wide-angle peephole
• All entrance doors should have a solid wood or wood composite core. Not foam or hollow core
• If hinge pins are outside, they should be non-removable
• When closed, sliding doors need a metal bar to fill the inside track or a door security pin
• Sliding glass doors should have anti-lift devices
• Locks on the inside of the door should be at least 40 inches from any glass
• Use deadbolt locks, which extends a minimum of 1 inch into the strike plate
• Re-Key all locks after you move in
• Install heavy-duty strike plates
• Install hinge screws to insure hinge is secured to studs located behind door casing

WINDOWS

• Double hung windows should be pinned
• Metal windows need a lock or metal bar in addition to catch
• Basement windows should be Plexiglass or Polycarbonate 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

GARAGE - STORAGE

• Keep garage/storage doors closed and locked when not in use
• Remove vehicle keys and lock vehicle in the garage
• Have a light inside the garage
• All garage/storage windows closed and locked

STEP 3 - LIGHTING

For cost effective exterior and interior security, the following is recommended

For EXTERIOR lighting

Place 40 watt bulb at the front entrance, 60 watt bulbs at back and side entrances

Flood lights with motion detectors at all corners of house

For INTERIOR lighting

Place lights and timers in rooms that would give the appearance of normal living habits

Some radios can be tied into the timer circuits also. It is Not a good idea to have a TV be turned on when you are not there.

STEP 4 - SMOKE ALARMS & SAFES

For additional self-assurance, the following is recommended

Place smoke detectors where you and family members can be alerted quickly. Check operation monthly. If battery operated, check weekly and change the battery every six months.

Secure valuables and important documents in a fire-rated safe, or fire proof safety deposit box.

Keep a fire extinguisher on each floor of your home and be sure each family member can use it.

Keep any and all firearms in a safe vault. If a safe vault is unavailable, put trigger locks on all firearms and keep all ammunition stored away from firearms and locked up. Never keep a firearm loaded unless you intend to use it at that moment.

STEP 5 - ADDITIONAL SECURITY TIPS

• Place emergency numbers near all phones. Not just in the kitchen.
• Lock all outside power and telephone boxes
• Keep shrubbery trimmed below window level to provide good visibility
• Your house number (or 911 marker) should be visible from the street
• Make sure front and back doorways are well lit and replace burned out lights when noticed
• If you live alone, be sure that exterior mailbox name plates conceal that fact
• Inform a trusted friend or neighbor when you are going to be away for any length of time
• Stop all deliveries before you travel
• Never open a door without confirming the persons identity. Especially at night.
• Be alert to strange vehicles or strangers in your neighborhood. Jot down license numbers, vehicle descriptions and description of person(s)
• If someone asks to use your phone, tell them that you will make the call for them.
• If you have a cellular phone in your car, bring it into the house at night. It will provide you with an emergency back-up phone in case someone or something cuts the phone wires.
• Never give out personal information to persons that you do not know over the telephone.
• Always look inside your car before you open or enter it.
• Never go alone to laundry rooms
• Carry a personal alarm with you when you must travel alone
• When moving into a new apartment have the superintendent re-key all locks
• Join Neighborhood Watch and Operation Identification programs, and display the decals as well as signs on your property

Effecting preventative Steps 1 - 5, together with a consultation with your Local Locksmith and Professional Security Consultant, will go a long way in keeping you, your loved ones and your property from becoming another crime statistic. Call us today for a FREE security evaluation of your home or place of business at (931) 935-5944.

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