A 12-point home security audit you can complete this weekend. This checklist is based on real-world insights from locksmiths who handle residential break-in repairs and security upgrades throughout the Seattle area.
DOORS & LOCKS
Your front door is the most common entry point for forced entry. Addressing these four vulnerabilities significantly increases your home’s defense:
Deadbolt Grade: Ensure all exterior doors have ANSI Grade 2 deadbolts at a minimum.
Strike Plates: Secure strike plates with 3-inch screws that reach the door frame stud, rather than the short screws typically provided.
Frame Integrity: Verify that door frames are solid wood or reinforced.
Sliding Doors: Place a security bar in the track of all sliding glass doors to prevent them from being forced open.
Ground-floor and basement windows are frequent targets. Secure them with these steps:
Lock Discipline: Keep window locks engaged whenever the window is not in use.
Smart Monitoring: Connect window sensors to your alarm system or smart home hub.
Landscaping: Trim bushes near windows to under 3 feet to eliminate hiding spots for intruders.
Reinforcement: Consider fitting basement windows with security film or reinforcement bars.
A well-illuminated exterior is one of the most effective and affordable deterrents.
Motion Sensors: Install motion-activated floodlights at every exterior corner of the property.
Smart Lighting: Use porch lights with dusk-to-dawn sensors or smart timers.
Emergency Access: Ensure your house address numbers are clearly visible from the street for rapid emergency response.
Even the highest-quality hardware cannot protect a home if basic security habits are neglected:
Consistency: Lock all doors and windows every time you leave, even for a few minutes.
Digital Privacy: Avoid posting real-time vacation photos on social media.
Occupancy Cues: Use timers for interior lights to make the house appear occupied while you are traveling.
Delivery Management: Pause mail and package deliveries during long absences to avoid signaling that the home is empty.
Community: Build relationships with your neighbors; they are often your most effective alarm system.
