Front Entrance ... All front entrance doors should be metal clad or solid core wood construction. A deadbolt lock, in addition to the key-in-the-knob lock, is essential. Use a wide-angle viewer rather that a door chain to observe callers. A screen door or storm door offers additional protection is kept locked.

Ground Floor Windows ... All ground floor windows should have key operated sash locks. Keep your windows closed and locked when you are away. Screens and storm windows should be securely fastened to the structure.

Upper Floor Windows ... Keep your second floor secure by trimming tree branches away from the house to prevent access, and do not store ladders where a burglar can use them. Lock all windows while you are away. Take the same precautions as with ground floor windows.

Basement Windows... Close and lock basement windows. If they are not required for ventilation or emergency exit, they should be permanently secured by using nails trough the window frame into the structure.

Garage Door ... The garage door should always be closed and locked. Treat the entrance door from the garage to you house the same as an exterior entrance. A burglar in your garage can work on your house door undetected.

Porch and Patio Doors ... Treat all exterior doors on the rear and sides of your home as possible targets for entry. Since they may be less observable from the street and by neighbors than a front entrance, extra precautions may need to be taken.

Yard Lights... Each exterior entrance, including the garage door, should be well lighted. Post lights in your yard or floodlights mounted under eaves to prevent blind spots where burglars can hide. Low cost controls for exterior lights will turn them on and off at specified times, or motion-sensor lighting can be installed.

Interior Lights ... When you are away from home, whether on vacation or just of the evening, keep some interior lights burning. To create the appearance that someone is at home, use a timer to turn lights on and off at normal times. A radio playing adds to the illusion that the house is occupied.

Landscaping ... When placing trees, bushes, and flowers, remember to keep doorways, windows, and porches clear. Remember that the bushes that provide you with privacy also give a burglar a place to hide. Plan your landscaping with both privacy and security in mind.

Be Neighborly... Share with your neighbors your concern about burglary. Tell them what you are doing to protect your home. Ask them to report any suspicious persons or activities around your home to your law enforcement agency. Good neighbors make safe neighborhoods.