Your home should be your personal fortress—a safe, well-lit sanctuary. Creating a home security checklist can help ensure that bad vibes (and bad guys) don’t stand a chance. Many people don’t think about these measures until it’s too late.
In Canada alone, 130,748 break-ins were reported in 2023, making up 15% of the total Crime Severity Index. That’s a stark reminder that no home is completely off-limits to intruders.
The good news? A few key upgrades can make a huge difference. Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply reinforcing your current setup, this ultimate home security checklist will help you build a safer, smarter, and more resilient home.
12 Ultimate Home Security Checklist: Protect Your Family Now
1. Smart Locks: Because Keys Are So Last Century
Ditch the old-school keys that always seem to disappear when you need them most. Smart locks offer keyless entry, remote access, and even temporary codes for guests. No more hiding a spare key under the mat (because, trust me, burglars know that trick).
2. Video Doorbell: See Who’s Lurking (or Dropping Off Packages)
A good video doorbell does more than let you see who’s at your door—it records activity, deters potential intruders, and even lets you pretend you’re home when you’re actually halfway across the world. Bonus: You can also catch delivery drivers yeeting your packages onto the porch.
3. Motion Sensor Lights: Because No One Likes Being Caught in the Spotlight
Criminals hate being seen. A well-placed motion sensor light can make your home a much less appealing target. Plus, it saves energy compared to leaving a porch light on all night.
4. Security Cameras: Your Own Personal Watchdogs
Today’s security cameras are sleek, smart, and sync with your phone. Whether it’s a wired system or Wi-Fi-enabled cameras, having eyes on your home—inside and out—adds an extra layer of protection. Pro tip: Make sure at least one camera is visible. Sometimes, just knowing they’re being recorded is enough to make intruders rethink their life choices.
5. Blare the Alarm: Startling Intruders Before They Step Inside
A loud alarm is like a guard dog that never needs feeding. Modern security systems can send instant alerts to your phone and notify emergency services if something shady goes down. If you don’t already have one, now’s the time.
6. Window Sensors: Because Doors Aren’t the Only Way In
If someone tries to jimmy open a window, you’ll know about it. Window sensors alert you when an entry point is disturbed, which is key since burglars often target first-floor windows.
7. Reinforced Doors: Your First Line of Defense
A solid door is your home’s handshake—it should be firm, strong, and not easy to break through. Upgrade to steel or solid wood doors, and make sure the hinges and locks are just as sturdy.
8. Deadbolts: The OG Security Upgrade
If you don’t have a deadbolt, stop reading and go get one. A standard lock is just not enough. A high-quality deadbolt adds an extra barrier that makes breaking in a lot harder.
9. A Safe: Because Some Things Are Irreplaceable
Even with top-notch security, valuables should be locked away. Invest in a fireproof, waterproof safe to store important documents, jewelry, and emergency cash. Thieves are in a hurry—they won’t waste time trying to crack a heavy-duty safe.
10. Landscaping That Works For You, Not Against You
Bushes and trees that provide cover can also provide, well, cover. Keep shrubs trimmed near windows and pathways well-lit. If you want an extra deterrent, plant some thorny bushes under first-floor windows. Ouch.
11. A Security Sign (Even If You Don’t Have a System Yet)
Sometimes, perception is reality. A simple security sign or fake camera can be enough to make someone move on to an easier target. But ideally, back it up with real security measures too.
12. Professional Monitoring: The Extra Set of Eyes You Need
Even the best security tech needs backup. That’s where professional monitoring services like PoyntGuard Security come in. They provide 24/7 monitoring to ensure your home is protected at all times. Instead of just relying on cameras and alarms, professional monitoring ensures that real experts are keeping an eye on your home, ready to respond if anything goes wrong.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to turn your home into Fort Knox, but layering your security—both physical and digital—makes a huge difference. A comprehensive home security checklist should start with the basics and allow for upgrades as you go. This approach lets you rest easy knowing you’ve made your home a much tougher target. Because peace of mind? That’s priceless.
