HOME CLAIMS PREVENTION

Select:
1) Home Security Checklist
2) Extended Leave Checklist
3) How Safe is Your House?
4) Advice on Locks
5) Alarm System Purchase Tips

HOME SECURITY CHECKLIST (back to top)

	Are all exterior doors and their frames sufficiently strong to withstand an attack?
	Are hinges on exterior doors either not accessible from the outside or modified so that they don't represent an easy means of access?
	Are dead bolt or equivalent locks properly installed on all doors?
	Are sliding glass doors adequately secured?
	Are all garage doors and side entrance doors secured and kept locked?
	Are basement and ground floor windows (including those in doors) made of burglar-resistant glazing material?
	Are there any inside locks that can be reached and opened (within 40 inches or one meter), should the door glass or any adjacent window be broken?
	Are service accesses such as milk boxes and or cat/dog entrances, small enough to prevent even a child from gaining entry?
	Is exterior lighting installed and operational at all entry points? Is it on during the night?
	Are all windows fitted with security pins or nails or other reliable latching devices?
	Is there a wide-angle peephole in all-exterior doors?
	Is there burglar-resistant glazing on windows and glass in or beside doors?
	If you have burglar bars installed on any windows, are they equipped with quick release devices so people can get out easily in case of fire?
	Are extra keys secure - that is not hidden under a mat or flower pot?
	Do not keep your garage door opener in your vehicle while in your driveway.

EXTENDED LEAVE CHECKLIST (back to top)

	Inform a trusted neighbour of your departure and return dates.
	Cancel deliveries indefinitely and restart once you return. Ask a trusted neighbour to pick up newspapers and mail, and to put some garbage at the curb on garbage collection day.
	Use clock timers to activate lights and a radio at various intervals; mount motion-activated lights over dark areas.
	Have someone check the inside of your house on a regular basis if not daily. This may be a requirement to keep your insurance policy in effect.
	Arrange to have your lawn cut or walkway cleared of snow.
	Do not leave your personal day calendar in your home, since if seen; the intruder could come back at another time when you are scheduled to be away again.
	Lock your garage door.
	Make sure your garage door opener keypad and alarm keypad are cleaned so it is not easily determined what code numbers you use most often.
	Your alarm code should consist of a minimum of four different numbers

HOW SAFE IS YOUR HOUSE? (back to top)

A New lights installed.
B All windows equipped with latches and pins
C Adequate lighting
D Garage door closed and locked with ladder stored inside
E Burglar-resistant glass in and adjacent to doors
F Front and side door locks reinforced
G Low, open fence
H I.D. Stickers clearly displayed
I Trimmed bushes and shrubs
J Secured patio door

ADVICE ON LOCKS (back to top)

	Inadequate From the burglar's point of view: "One common way of breaking into a house is simply to kick in the front door. There's really very little chance of being heard or seen."
	Much Better Without reinforcing, the lock can be pried open by bending the frame, or the door can be simply kicked in. 1. Strike plate costs approx. $20.00 2. 3" or longer screws extend at least 1" into wall stud 3. Any space between doorframe and wall stud should be filled with a hardwood insert. 4. Escutcheon plate.

ALARM SYSTEM PURCHASE TIPS (back to top)

At time of installation enquire about the following options:

Purchase an alarm that is monitored for fire and burglary
Low temperature alarm
Moisture alarm for the basement
Carbon monoxide alarm
Glass breakage sensors in addition to motion detectors
High temperature alarms for garages…smoke detectors may not work in cold temperatures
Extra smoke detectors throughout your home
If you have a side door into your garage have it alarmed

Additionally make sure that your alarm contact phone numbers are kept up to date. Include your cell phone numbers. Take steps to ensure that your phone line is protected from being cut.