When it comes to protecting your home and ensuring peace of mind, knowledge is half the battle. Specifically, knowing that you have the right security solutions in place, and they’re doing most of the heavy lifting for you. One of the best ways you can do this is through a home security audit. By walking around your home and assessing just how secure it is, against a checklist, you know where your weaknesses are, and what you need to improve.

At Securifix, we believe that safeguarding your home should never be left to chance. So here’s a detailed guide on how to conduct your own home security audit, following the same rigorous standards our professionals adhere to.

Step 1: Assess Your Perimeter Security

Start by inspecting the exterior of your home, as this is the first line of defence against potential intruders. Your perimeter includes fences, gates, hedges, and any other barriers around your property. Take note of the following:

• Fencing: Ensure that your fences or walls are sturdy and high enough to deter intruders. A minimum height of 6 feet is often recommended.
• Gates: Are your gates always locked? Consider upgrading to lockable gates or gates with coded entry systems to limit unauthorized access.
• Lighting: Well-lit exteriors discourage criminals. Ensure there’s adequate lighting around the perimeter, especially near entry points, driveways, and dark corners. Motion-sensor lighting can be an excellent addition.
• Bushes and Trees: Overgrown greenery can provide cover for intruders. Keep hedges trimmed low and ensure trees don’t offer easy access to upper floors or windows.

By maintaining a strong perimeter, you create a psychological and physical barrier that deters opportunistic thieves.

Step 2: Inspect Doors and Windows

Your doors and windows are the most common points of entry for burglars, so securing them is critical. Here’s what to check:

Doors

• Main Entrances: Your front and back doors should be solid, preferably made of reinforced steel or solid hardwood. Hollow doors are easy to kick down.
• Locks: Ensure you have high-quality deadbolts installed on all external doors. Consider upgrading to a smart lock system for added security and remote monitoring.
• Frames and Hinges: Weak frames can be just as much of a vulnerability as poor locks. Make sure the door frames are strong and the hinges are protected or secured with non-removable pins.
• Sliding Doors: These are notorious for being easily breached. Add security bars or rods to prevent them from being forced open. Sliding door locks can also be reinforced with additional latches.

Windows

• Lock Mechanisms: All windows, especially on the ground floor, should have functioning locks. Consider adding additional window locks or security latches for extra peace of mind.
• Glass Strength: Regular glass can be broken easily. If possible, upgrade to laminated glass, which is much harder to shatter. You could also apply window security films that make it difficult to break through.
• Alarms and Sensors: Installing window sensors or contact alarms is a great way to enhance security. If a window is opened or broken, the alarm will be triggered, alerting you immediately.

Step 3: Evaluate Your Alarm and Surveillance Systems

A robust security system is your best friend when it comes to protecting your home. Here’s what to consider:

• Alarm Systems: Ensure your current alarm system is working properly and covers all key areas of your home. Modern systems offer features like smartphone notifications and integration with smart home devices. If you don’t have one installed, now is the time to consider it.
• CCTV Cameras: Strategically placed security cameras provide both a visual deterrent and a way to monitor activity around your home. Make sure cameras are positioned to cover entrances, garages, and other vulnerable areas. Opt for models with motion detection, night vision, and cloud storage for footage.
• Video Doorbells: These allow you to see who’s at your door and communicate with visitors remotely. They can also capture footage of suspicious activity, providing valuable evidence if needed.

Step 4: Secure Garages, Sheds, and Outbuildings

These areas are often overlooked in home security audits but can house valuable items like tools, bicycles, or even cars. Ensure the following:

• Locks: Your garage and sheds should have strong, secure locks. Padlocks can be upgraded to high-security versions to prevent tampering.
• Windows: If your garage or shed has windows, consider applying privacy films or installing curtains to keep valuables out of sight.
• Garage Doors: Regularly check the mechanical functionality of your garage door and ensure the locking system is robust. Automated garage doors should have a rolling code to prevent hacking.

Step 5: Consider Fire and Environmental Security

While protecting your home from intruders is a top priority, don’t forget to consider environmental hazards like fire, flooding, or carbon monoxide.

• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: These should be installed on every level of your home, particularly near sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
• Fire Extinguishers: Keep fire extinguishers accessible in key areas like the kitchen and garage. Ensure everyone in the household knows how to use them.
• Water and Gas Sensors: Smart water leak detectors can alert you to potential flooding, and gas leak sensors provide early warnings of dangerous carbon monoxide or gas leaks.

Step 6: Review Your Security Habits

Technology and physical barriers alone aren’t enough if security habits are neglected. Here are a few best practices:

• Keep Doors Locked: Make it a habit to lock all doors and windows, even when you’re home or just stepping out for a short time.
• Don’t Advertise Vacations: Avoid announcing travel plans on social media, and ask a trusted neighbour or friend to collect mail and newspapers while you’re away.
• Hide Valuables: Don’t leave expensive items like electronics, bikes, or jewellery in plain sight. Intruders are opportunistic and may be drawn in if they spot valuables through windows.

At Securifix, we believe reviewing your home security regularly is an important part of keeping your family and your belongings safe. In fact, we think it’s so important that we offer free security audits as part of our service. So if you aren’t sure how to do this, or you would like a professional to cast their eye over your security, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.