Home security isn’t just about installing an alarm. Protecting your home starts with taking a closer look at the places where problems are most likely to occur, your doors, windows, exterior areas, cameras, lighting and other safety systems.
Whether you’re reviewing an existing security system or wondering where your home may have gaps in protection, this home security checklist can help you identify areas worth a closer look.
For homeowners throughout Louisville and the surrounding Kentuckiana area, here are seven important parts of your home to review.
1. Check Your Exterior Doors and Locks
Your exterior doors are some of the most important points to consider when reviewing home security.
Walk around your home and inspect each exterior door, including front and back doors, side entrances, garage entry doors and doors leading to patios or decks.
Look for loose hardware, damaged frames, locks that no longer operate smoothly and doors that do not close securely. Sliding doors should also close and lock properly.
And avoid hiding spare keys under mats, planters or other predictable locations.
A smart lock can provide another option for controlling access to your home. Instead of relying on hidden keys, homeowners can use personalized access codes, remotely check whether a door is locked and provide temporary access to family members, guests or service providers.
Smart locks can also work alongside other home security and automation features, including video doorbells, cameras and smart lighting.
2. Inspect Your Windows
Windows are easy to overlook during a home security review, especially in older homes where locks, frames and hardware may have worn over time.
Check accessible windows throughout your home and make sure they close completely and lock securely. Pay particular attention to first-floor windows, basement windows and windows that may be partially hidden by landscaping.
A professionally designed home security system can add another layer of protection with devices such as:
- Door and window contact sensors
- Glass-break detectors
- Indoor and outdoor motion detection
- Security cameras
- Instant mobile alerts
Instead of relying on a single device, these components can work together as part of a larger security system designed around the layout of your home.
3. Review Your Security Camera Coverage
Having security cameras does not necessarily mean every important area of your property is covered.
Walk around the exterior of your home and consider what your current cameras can actually see.
Important areas may include your front entrance, driveway, garage, back door, side entrances and other frequently used access points.
Look for potential blind spots, objects blocking the camera’s view and areas where nighttime visibility may be poor.
Modern home security cameras can offer features such as 4K video, person and vehicle detection, night viewing, recorded video and remote access from your phone.
A video doorbell can also provide a clear view of activity at one of the busiest areas of most homes: the front door. With compatible systems, you can see and speak with visitors even when you aren’t home.
The goal isn’t necessarily to put a camera everywhere. It’s to position cameras strategically so the areas that matter most are covered.
4. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Home security should also include life safety.
Take time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and make sure none have reached the end of their recommended service life.
Smoke alarms should generally be installed on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed on each level and outside sleeping areas. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation and replacement instructions for the alarms in your home.
If you haven’t checked your alarms recently, add it to your regular home maintenance routine rather than waiting until there is an emergency.
5. Look for Water and Leak Risks
Security isn’t the only threat that can damage a home.
Water heaters, washing machines, plumbing fixtures and other water sources can develop leaks that cause significant damage before anyone notices.
Inspect these areas periodically for moisture, corrosion, staining or other signs of leakage.
Depending on your home’s technology, water or leak detection may also be incorporated into a broader smart-home strategy so you can receive alerts sooner when something unusual happens.
The earlier a leak is identified, the better the chance of limiting damage.
6. Review Outdoor Lighting and Visibility
Good exterior visibility is another important part of home security.
Walk around your property after dark and pay attention to entrances, walkways, driveways, garages and areas alongside or behind the home.
Are important areas well lit? Are there burned-out fixtures? Do overgrown shrubs create dark areas near doors or windows?
Trimming landscaping and improving outdoor home lighting can make entrances and pathways easier to see while also helping security cameras capture clearer images.
Smart lighting provides additional control. Homeowners can create lighting schedules, turn lights on or off remotely and create routines for times when the house is unoccupied.
Your street address should also be clearly visible so emergency responders can quickly identify your property when needed.
7. Consider the Safety Needs of Everyone in Your Home
Home safety looks different for every household.
Families with children may have different concerns than homeowners who live alone or families with an older relative living independently.
For someone who may benefit from another way to request assistance, a personal emergency pendant or medical alert system can provide access to help without requiring the person to reach a phone.
Laswell’s personal emergency pendant includes features such as two-way communication, cellular connectivity, GPS location services and automatic fall detection.
Considering the individual needs of the people living in your home is an important part of building a security and safety plan that works for your household.
Should Your Security Devices Work Together?
One of the biggest changes in home security is the ability to connect multiple devices through one system.
Instead of managing separate cameras, locks, lights and sensors individually, smart home automation can allow compatible devices to work together and be controlled from a central app.
Depending on your system, you may be able to check cameras, arm or disarm security, manage locks, control garage access, adjust lighting and receive alerts from your phone.
The right setup depends on your home, your priorities and how much automation you actually want. A professionally designed system should be built around the way you live rather than forcing your home into a standard package.
How Often Should You Review Your Home Security?
It’s a good idea to walk through your home security setup periodically and anytime something significant changes.
You may want to review your system after moving into a new house, completing a renovation, adding an exterior door, changing your landscaping, installing a new garage or outdoor space, or when your household’s needs change.
You should also check camera views, door and window sensors, smart locks and other devices periodically to make sure everything continues to operate as expected.
Home Security Checklist FAQs
What should be included in a basic home security checklist?
Start with exterior doors and locks, accessible windows, outdoor lighting, security camera coverage, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and any existing security sensors. You should also consider whether your security system provides adequate coverage for your home’s specific layout.
Where should security cameras be placed around a home?
Common locations include front entrances, driveways, garages, back doors and other frequently used access points. Camera placement should be based on the layout of the property and potential blind spots rather than simply installing the greatest number of cameras possible.
Are smart locks worth adding to a home security system?
For many homeowners, smart locks provide both convenience and greater control over access. They can allow you to check lock status remotely, create individual or temporary access codes and integrate door access with compatible home security and automation systems.
Can home security systems be controlled from a phone?
Many modern security systems allow homeowners to use a mobile app to arm or disarm the system, view cameras, receive alerts and control compatible devices such as smart locks and garage doors.
Have Questions About Your Home Security?
From smart security cameras to professionally monitored systems, Laswell helps homeowners throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana find solutions that fit their needs.
