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Home Security And Safety Chekclist
Organization, planning, communication and the discipline of "a place for everything and everything in its place" are the first four rules for home safety and security. Keeping your new home well organized is everyone's job so let's start with that premise to build security and safety in your home. Moving to a new city may suggest new security and safety considerations for you and your family. Moving across town also suggest you recognize the security and safety factors what will differ from those in your current home. Doors, locks, keys, windows, lighting and alarms all play a role in home security and safety. Don't overlook any of the basic elements that contribute to actual security and safety for all family members.
Organization and Communication
- Security and safety involves everyone. Have a family meeting to talk about it as soon as you move in.
- Plan what to do in the event of an emergency, and rehearse the plan with all family members.
- Encourage all family members to help with organization, keep alert, offer suggestions for improvement.
Doors, Locks and Keys
Exterior Doors:
- Have a single key open all exterior doors (at least those used regularly by your family).
- Select a new lockset with a permanent finish at your local hardware store and install it yourself or&
- Make arrangements to have a locksmith change locks and keys on moving day.
- If doors have glass panels or side lights next to them, consider using keyed dead bolt locks.
- Make a list of everyone who has keys.
Sliders and Interior Doors:
- Locking sliding doors securely is covered in the Security article.
- Install keyed, interior lockset on home office door to protect business records, equipment, etc.
- Install keyed lockset on a closet containing cameras and other valuable equipment.
- If you use/serve alcoholic beverages or collect rare wine, install a lock on your storage closet, not only to keep alcohol from children when adults are away, but to protect your investment.
- Bedroom and bathroom doors should have keyless, privacy locksets, which lock from the inside only. (Keep the wire "key" for such locksets in a handy place in the event a door is locked by mistake.)
Windows
- Check the locking operation and fit of all windows, window locks and storms and screens.
- When very tight security is needed, install keyed, locking window locks on first floor windows.
Lighting
- Clean exterior lighting fixtures, replace burned out bulbs, or increase wattage for more light.
- Plan exterior lighting to satisfy your needs (they may be different from prior homeowner).
- Install motion detector light fixtures to light walkways, garage door, all exterior doors or dark areas.
Alarms
Electronic Systems, Some and Fire, Fumes:
- In most regions, whole-house alarm systems are worth investigating, will protect your family and possessions from intruders, fire and smoke, and result in hazard insurance savings every year.
- Minimum home alarm installation should include both fire and smoke and fume alarms on every floor. Make sure to install or have fume alarms installed (separate from most fire and smoke detectors).
- Consider alarms for elderly or sick homeowners requiring only the touch of a button to call for aid.
- Install a wireless intercom system to monitor infants or infirmed family members.
- Alarms, like most systems, work efficiently when monitored, when all family members know how to use and to respond to them and when they are maintained. If battery operated, change batteries twice yearly.
This information provided by Edge Real Estate, 303-681-8888 and Homes & Land Magazine. © S.M.A.R.T. Marketing, Inc.
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This article provided for you by Edge Real Estate, 303-681-8888. Reprinted with permission from Homes & Land Magazine. © S.M.A.R.T. Marketing, Inc.
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