Do you really have a home security system?
 

No home can be totally untouched from crime. But, planning and common sense can significantly reduce your the risk.

Use this survey to test your current home security plan. Every "No" answer indicates a weakness that could help a criminal. As you reduce the   "No" answers, you reduce the risk that you will become a victim of crime

Find information about Security products to help you make an informed buying decision. Our database of online security products and complementary search tools can aid you in your task of choosing which security product you need.
Google
 
Go through the questions below carefully. Look over the situation at night as well as in the daytime. Remember, this survey points out weaknesses in your home security systems. You cannot be adequately protected until these are corrected.

Did You Know?

1. Most crimes happen because someone gave a criminal an opportunity to act.

2. No neighborhood (rich or poor) is safe from crime.

3. Most burglars are neighborhood juveniles.

4. Most burglars are never caught.

5. Most stolen property is never recovered.

6. Most home burglaries occur in the daytime.

7. Most burglars enter through unlocked doors or windows.

8. It takes less than two minutes for the average burglar to get into your home.

9. If you can delay his entry for just three minutes, most burglars will give up and leave.

10. Just the risk of being seen or heard will deter most burglars.

11. If you shoot a burglar you may be arrested and/or sued.

12. A cooperative program such as Neighborhood Watch is a strong deterrent to crime.

13. Most burglars will not enter an occupied home.

You’re Lifestyle

1. Do you consider home security an important factor in family life?

2. Is your family constantly aware of the risk of crime?

3. Do you avoid telling strangers your daily routines?

4. Have children been told not to discuss family business with strangers?

5. Do you try to make your home look occupied, even when you are away?

6. Do you stop all deliveries when you're away?

7. Do you always leave a radio or TV on when you're away?

8. Do you leave lights on and use timers when you're away?

9. Do neighbors routinely look out for each other and report suspicious strangers to police?

Building Exterior and Yard

1. Are all vulnerable points well lit at night?

2. Is shrubbery trimmed away from all doors and windows?

3. Is the yard neat and well cared for?

4. If a fence would increase your protection, do you have one?

5. Are all gates in good repair and properly locked?

6. Are driveways, walkways and entrances integrated into your home security?

7. Is shrubbery beside driveways, walkways and entrances trimmed to prevent attackers from hiding in wait?

8. Is all home security lighting protected by vandal-proof housings?

9. If appropriate, do you use "thorny" shrubs and plants to deter access to your yard and vulnerable entry points?

10. Have you trimmed all trees that could provide access to an upper window or the roof?

Other Precautions

1. Have you considered getting a small dog with a loud bark to guard the house when you're away?

2. Have you considered installing or upgrading your home security system?

3. Do you really understand what type of alarm system you require and how it works, its limitations, how it will be monitored, etc?

 

Ralph Winn publishes articles, guides and reviews on security related topics. Ralph Winn has over 32 years of education and experience in the security industry. Your home should be your haven where you feel comfortable and secure. Everybody deserves to feel safe in their own home. The world around us can get hectic at times, and it's important to have a place of safety we can retreat to when times are tough. That's why our goal at the home security store is to help you find the best way to provide a protected environment for you and your loved ones. Ralph has created a user-friendly security forum for you to get answers.