Frederick Police Department

Frederick, Maryland

Home Security Checklist

The Frederick Police Department wants to keep our city safe and secure for all those who work and live in our communities. If we work together, we can achieve this goal.

As a service, the Department is providing you with this two-sided “Home Security Check List.” If actively followed, it should serve as an effective crime deterrent because the list will help identify areas of your residence where security needs improvement. Using the list as an initial guideline, it can also assist you in determining other areas of your home that may warrant further security considerations. If you would like to schedule a free, personal home security survey conducted by one of our officers, please contact our Community Services Division at 301 694-2138.

The men and women of the Frederick Police Department thank you for your support in keeping Frederick a great place to live and work.

Kim C. Dine

Chief of Police

Answer these questions about your home:

Yes	No	Doors
		Are all your locks in good working order?
		Do exterior doors have a wide-angle viewer?
		Do you keep your garage door locked?
		Are all exterior doors of solid core or metal construction?
		Do all exterior doors have cylinder-type deadbolt locks, heavy-duty bolts, or other secure device that can be operated from the inside only?
		Are all door strike plates and hinges installed with three-inch screws?
		Do all doors that swing out have non-removable pins?
		Are all doorframes of sturdy construction?
Yes	No	Home’s Exterior
		Are lights installed around the outside of your house?
		Do your exterior lights have bright bulbs?
		Are your trees, shrubs and or bushes trimmed so entry areas are not obstructed and don’t allow hiding places?
		Do you leave lights on at the exterior entrances at night?
		Is your house number clearly visible from the street day or night?
		Are your ladders securely locked away to prevent second floor access?
Yes	No	Home’s Windows
		Do you keep windows locked or pinned whenever you shut them or open them slightly for ventilation?
		Do you have locks that allow you to lock a window that is partially open?
		Do you have garage windows covered?
		Are garage window’s locks secured?
		Do you make sure second floor windows are as secure as first floor?
		Are all windows equipped with auxiliary locks or pinned, and are the locks properly and securely mounted?
Yes	No	Your Safety Habits
		Is there a neighborhood watch in your community?
		If there is a neighborhood watch do you participate?
		Do you keep a list of your valuable property to include serial numbers?
		Do you engrave or mark your valuable property with a personal identifier?
		Do you have photos and/or videotapes of your home and property?
		Do you keep excess cash and valuables in a bank?
		Does your family know what to do if someone tries to break into your home, or if they come home and find a burglar?
		Do your children know how to properly use 9-1-1?
		Do you keep your doors locked at all times?
		Do you always lock your car and take the key out?
		Do you always shut your car off and take the keys out if you will be leaving it, even if others are in the car?
Yes	No	Vacations
		Do you arrange to have your mail and newspapers stopped or picked up by a friend or neighbor while you are gone?
		Do you make arrangements to have your lawn mowed/ snow shoveled?
		Do you notify a neighbor that you will be gone, and how to reach you or a responsible person in an emergency?
		Do you put lamps on timers?