🚪 Front Entry (Highest Risk)

• ☐ Deadbolt on front door (Grade 1 or 2 ANSI certified)
• ☐ Door frame reinforced — most kick-ins exploit the frame, not the lock
• ☐ Strike plate with 3-inch screws (standard 3/4-inch screws snap easily)
• ☐ No spare key hidden outside (under mat, fake rock, etc.)
• ☐ Peephole or video doorbell camera with motion alerts
• ☐ Porch light on timer or motion sensor

🪟 Ground Floor Windows

• ☐ Window locks engaged on all ground floor windows
• ☐ Window sensors installed (door/window sensors are lowest-cost security upgrade)
• ☐ Shrubbery trimmed — overgrown bushes provide cover for break-ins
• ☐ Sliding doors: security bar in track + pin lock

📹 Cameras & Monitoring

• ☐ At least one visible exterior camera (deterrence is the primary value)
• ☐ Camera covers front door, driveway, and back entry
• ☐ Cloud or local backup storage (SD card cameras lose footage if stolen)
• ☐ Motion alert notifications active on your phone

💡 Lighting

• ☐ Motion-activated lights at all entry points
• ☐ Interior lights on smart timer when away (not the same schedule every day)
• ☐ Garage area lit — attached garages are the third most common entry point

🔔 Alarm System

• ☐ Entry sensors on all exterior doors and ground floor windows
• ☐ Siren audible from outside (most burglars leave within 60 seconds of alarm activation)
• ☐ Professional monitoring OR self-monitoring with reliable push notifications
• ☐ Alarm sign or sticker visible from street (deterrence value is high)

See Our Best Home Security Systems 2026 →