YOUR HOME SECURITY & SAFETY CHECKLIST . . .

At Prudential Biros Real Estate, we pride ourselves on being your full service real estate company and part of that is service above and beyond the actual sale. With this in mind, we offer the following information.

Communication, planning, organization and the discipline of "a place for everything and everything in its place" are the basic rules for your home safety and security. Keeping your new home well organized is everyone?s job so let's begin with that foundation to build security and safety in your home.

There may be new safety considerations for you and your family when moving to a new city ? this can be true when just moving across town as well. Look at the security and safety factors that will differ from those in your current home.

Don?t overlook any of these basic elements that contribute to the safety and security for ALL of your family: Windows, doors, locks, keys, alarms, and lighting all have their place in home security and safety.

COMMUNICATION & ORGANIZATION:

• Security and safety involves all family members. Have a family meeting to discuss ASAP.
• Have a plan in case of any emergency. Rehearse the plan on a regular basis.
• Encourage all family members to keep alert, help with organization, and offer suggestions.

DOORS, LOCKS, & KEYS:
Exterior Doors, Locks and Keys:

• Have one key that will open all exterior doors (or those used on a regular basis by your family)
• Rekey all the locks, or replace them, on moving day.
• Glass paneled doors should have keyed dead bolt locks (not throw bolts)
• Keep a list of everyone that has a key

Sliders and Interior Doors:

• Install keyed lock on home office door to protect business/personal records, equipment, etc.
• Install keyed lock on a closet containing cameras or other valuable equipment or tools.
• Install keyed lock on collections (wine cellars, closets containing gun safes, etc) ? not only to keep from children when adults are away, but to protect your investment.
• Bedroom and bathroom doors should have keyless, privacy locksets, which can be locked from the inside only. (Keep the ?wire key? in a handy place, such as above trim, in case door is locked by accident).

WINDOWS:

• Check the locks and fit of all windows ? including storms and screens.
• If very tight security is needed, install keyed, locking window locks on 1st floor or lower level windows.

LIGHTING:

• Replace burned out bulbs, clean exterior fixtures, or increase wattage (never more than UL label recommendations) for more light.
• Plan exterior lighting strategically (previous owner may not have thought through).
• Install motion detector light fixtures to light walkways, garage door, and all exterior doors or dark areas.

ALARMS: Electronic Systems, Smoke & Fire, Fumes:

• A whole house alarm system is worth looking into. It will protect your family and property from intruders, fire and smoke, and may lower your hazard insurance premium annually.
• At a minimum, the home alarm installation should include both fire and fume (carbon monoxide) alarms on every floor and within 15 feet of sleeping areas.
• Consider push button alarms for elderly or sick homeowners requiring only one touch to call for help.
• Install a wireless intercom system to monitor infants or infirm family members.
• Make sure all alarms are properly maintained, and all family members know how to use and monitor. If battery operated, change batteries twice a year.