Home Security Checklist

On the first day of National Safety Month, we're covering some home security basics. For those of you who aren't as familiar with National Safety Month, it "focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities" (www.nsc.org).

In order to optimize your home security, it helps to be armed with stats and information. For instance, if you know that over 50% of break-ins occur through first floor entryways, you'll know to keep these entry points visible to passersby so that thieves are easily spotted.

Here's your home safety/burglary prevention checklist:

• Don't let flyers, newspapers or mail pile up while you're away, as this signals to criminals that your house is unoccupied
• Take care of your yard - this includes mowing your lawn and keeping bushes pruned, especially around doors and windows (otherwise shrubbery provides a good hiding spot)
• "If you go out of town, have a neighbor leave tracks in the snow"
• If it's within your budget, install a home security system
• Don't hide your extra key under a rock or flower pot - the typical burglar knows where to look
• If you're out of the house, make it look like you're home with a TV Light Simulator
  

To keep home security top of mind, download a printable PDF and hang it in a cupboard.

Stay tuned throughout the month for more tips on home security and personal safety.