Would Your House Pass a Police Security Check? 10 Questions (Seniors Living Alone)

A police officer comes to your house with a checklist. In almost every episode I have told you to ask for one - so this time I read the checklists the officers use, from seven towns. Here are ten of the questions, in the departments' own words. Keep count of your yeses. THE TEN QUESTIONS 10. Can the police find your house? Hoover Police (Alabama): "Our house number is clearly displayed so police and other emergency vehicles can find us quickly." 9. A light at every outside door? Hoover: "Every outside door has a bright, working light to illuminate visitors." 8. Can you see who is at the door without opening it? City of Ann Arbor checklist (Michigan): "Chain locks should not be used as a security device as they can easily be broken." 7. A working lock on every window? Hoover: "Windows are always locked, even when they are opened a few inches for ventilation." 6. A deadbolt with at least a one-inch throw? Lafayette Police (Indiana), Ross Police (California) and Prosper Police (Texas) all ask. 5. Three-inch screws in the strike plate and hinges? Ross: "Are the door strike plates and hinges installed with three-inch screws?" 4. Glass near your lock? Prosper: "Is there any breakable glass within 40 inches of a deadbolt lock?" A lock that needs a key from inside can trap you in a fire - Lafayette says to consider egress safety carefully. 3. Do you lock up every time? Hoover: "even if it is for just a few minutes." 2. Could you prove what you own? City of Ann Arbor: photographs "assist with insurance replacement." 1. Do you know everyone who has a key to your house? Ross, word for word. Hoover: "The locks were changed when we moved in." HOW TO GET THE SURVEY Ross, East Brunswick (New Jersey), South Milwaukee (Wisconsin), Marlboro Township (New Jersey) and Rockville (Maryland) police all offer one - East Brunswick's is "based on availability". Call your police department's non-emergency line and ask. In Texas, Prosper and Horseshoe Bay police tie their inspection to a homeowner's insurance premium reduction; I could not reach the Texas Department of Insurance's page to confirm that rule still stands, so ask your insurer. WHAT THIS EPISODE DOES NOT COVER How anybody gets past a door, a window or a lock. No guarantees - in Hoover's words, "there is no expressed or implied guarantee that no criminal activity will take place if these suggestions are implemented."