Without a doubt, the most common threat to your home is burglary. The majority of home burglaries occur during the daytime when most people are away from home. They also occur at night when there are obvious signs that no one is home. Statistics tell us that more than 80% of all home burglars gain access through a door.

Use the following home security tips to keep you and your family safe.

1. Always lock your doors and windows.
2. Locks on doors should be placed at least 40 inches away from windows, glass panels and other openings.
3. Place a metal bar or thick wooden stick the length of the panel in the track of each sliding door.
4. Use a solid core (44mm thick) or metal door for all entrance points.
5. Use a quality, heavy-duty, deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt.
6. Check door hinges to make sure they are sturdy and secure with strong, long screws.
7. Display security decals in a visible location on all doors.

1. Make sure valuables are where they cannot be seen from a window.
2. Secure all accessible windows with secondary blocking devices.
3. Block accessible windows open no more than 6 inches for ventilation.
4. Consider fitting security grilles to vulnerable windows.
5. Display security decals in visible locations on all accessible windows.

1. Use timer switches to turn on lights, radios and other appliances when you’re away from home.
2. Make sure exterior lighting allows 100-foot visibility.
3. Use good lighting along the pathway and at your door.
4. Consider infrared motion sensors on the exterior porch or side door.

1. Have a professional install an alarm system that suits your budget and needs.
2. Make sure your home or business is monitored by a professional monitoring station.
3. All systems need to have an audible siren to be effective.
4. Keep your alarm call list up to date.
5. Make sure all keyholders know how to respond to an alarm call.
6. Don’t display your passcode near the alarm panel.
7. Display security decals in visible locations on all accessible doors and windows.

1. Trim the bushes and trees close to your home to make it difficult for a burglar to hide.
2. Store any ladders and tools in a locked tool shed, garage or basement.
3. Do not display your family’s name on mailboxes or doormats.
4. Do an inventory of all the belongings inside your home. Make a video take of your belongings and store a copy in a safe place - outside your home.
5. Make sure your house number is easily visible from the street so emergency vehicles can quickly find your house.