STEP 1 - LIST ALL VALUABLES

• Photograph the articles.
• List the information needed on the back of the pictures.
• Once you have completed the information, store this document with other important papers in a safe place.

STEP 2 - DOOR & WINDOW SECURITY

• Quality single cylinder deadbolt, with 1" throw, for solid doors.
• Quality double cylinder deadbolt, with 1" throw, for glass style doors.
• 190 degree peephole or interviewing grill to view front.
• Hinge studs for the hinges.
• Heavy-duty lock strike with 4" screws.
• All casement and louvered windows should be secured with the following:
  • Casement lock device.
  • Louver window "S" style anti-movement device.
  • Security grill bars.
  
  
• All sliding glass doors should be secured with the following to prevent vertical and horizontal movement:
  • Anti-lift devices.
  • Patio security pin.
  • Keyed patio door lock.
  • Charlie bar.
  
  
• All wood style windows should be secured with the following:
  • Keyed sash window lock.
  • Ventilation window lock.
  • Wood or metal rods in window track.
  
  
• All metal style windows should be secured with the following to prevent vertical or horizontal movement:
  • Anti-lift devices.
  • Thumb turn locking devices.
  • Keyed sliding window locks.
  
  
• All garage doors should be secured with the following:
  • Heavy duty padlock covering.
  • Garage slide bolt.
  • Quality padlock for the garage slide bolt.
  • Cane bolt on the lower inside center into cement floor.

STEP 3 - LIGHTING

For exterior lighting;
• Place 40 watt bulb at the front entrance, 60 watt bulbs at back & side entrances.
• In addition, place flood lights under eave corners.

For interior lighting;
• Place lights & timers in rooms that would give the appearance of normal living habits.
• Radios and TV's can be tied into the timer circuits also.

STEP 4 - SMOKE ALARMS & SAFES

• Place smoke detectors where you and family members can be alerted quickly.
• Secure valuables and important documents in a fire-rated safe, or fire proof safety deposit box.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on each floor of your home and be sure each family member can use it.
• Keep any firearms in a safe vault.

STEP 5 - ADDITIONAL SECURITY STEPS

• Place emergency numbers near phones.
• Lock outside power and fuse boxes.
• Trim shrubbery to provide good visibility.
• Join the neighborhood awareness programs.
• If you live alone, be sure that exterior mailbox name plates conceal that fact.
• Inform a trusted neighbor when you are going to be away for any length of time.
• Also, inform the newspaper delivery service, milkman, post office, etc.
• Never open a door without knowing who is there.
• Do not admit strangers.
• Be alert to strangers in your neighborhood. Jot down license numbers, car descriptions & description of person(s).
• For extra protection, install a burglar & fire alarm system.
• For additional window protection - install wrought-iron bars, but only with panic exit releases.

Preventative Steps 1-5, and a consultation with your local Association Security Professional, will go a long way in keeping you, your loved ones and your property from becoming another crime statistic.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

• 1. Have your vacation planned out. Know where you are going and where you should be at certain times.
  
  
• 2. Take phone numbers of relatives or friends with you in case of emergencies that arise.
  
  
• 3. Make sure you pack flashlights and flares in your travel kit.
  
  
• 4. Inform only a trusted neighbor and police of your travel plans. Then they can watch your home while you're gone.
  
  
• 5. Don't leave extra keys under door mats or flower pots. Instead, give them to the trusted neighbor watching your home.
  
  
• 6. Stop deliveries, such as milk, paper and mail.
  
  
• 7. Make provisions for someone to cut your lawn.
  
  
• 8. Have your neighbors check the inside of your home daily and change the position of window coverings every few days.
  
  
• 9. Keep records of the serial numbers of each major valuable purchased with you or in a safe place. (Photo or engrave)
  
  
• 10. Use electric timers that will automatically turn interior and exterior lights on or off.
  
  
• 11. Double check all windows and doors for total security. Secure all areas of weakness before you leave.

WHILE TRAVELING

• 1. Don't leave your keys with parking attendant.
  
  
• 2. Carry a smoke & intrusion alarm with you while staying in a motel or hotel.
  
  
• 3. Lock car doors at all times.
  
  
• 4. Do not leave valuables (camera, money, jewelry, etc.) in hotel room or exposed in your vehicle.
  
  
• 5. Witness all repair work of your vehicle, if necessary and possible.
  
  
• 6. Don't flash money or valuables around. Carry small dollars and change, etc.
  
  
• 7. Don't let strangers borrow your property.
  
  
• 8. Don't leave children unattended while shopping or when going out for a short time.
  
  
• 9. Carry a portable travel lock for additional security at hotel doors.

WHEN YOU RETURN

• 1. Check all doors and windows to be sure no intrusion attempts were made while you were away.
  
  
• 2. Make sure everything is in its right place.
  
  
• 3. Start deliveries again.
  
  
• 4. Let neighbors know you are home.
  
  
• 5. RELAX!