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Home security checklist
The following checklist is designed to help you improve
security in your home.
Around your house...
Doors
- Install a wide-angle peep hole.
- Entrance doors should have a solid core.
- Doors should fit tightly into door jambs 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 1 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 hand bills and
mail.
- Arrange to have snow shovelled 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 CGU
policy has coverage assistance to replace lost/stolen
keys.
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