To ensure proper security, it is important that you make regular checks of your perimeter. From a personal safety standpoint, for most folks this will refer to you house and property. Your home is your primary base of operations. It is here that you want to be able to relax and have the freedom to reduce your situational awareness. In order to do that while maintaining appropriate security levels, you should complete a perimeter check.
First, start on the boundaries of your property. If you have a fence, make a thorough check of its condition. Do you need to make any repairs or upgrades? The hazards to your yard vary. It might be a criminal element, a stray dog, or a wild animal. Consider the variety of risks that you might face and make sure the edges of your property are properly set up to reduce them. Repair the fence. Mow the grass. Inspect the ditch. Check for poison ivy.
Second, move inwards to your house. Do a survey of all windows and doors. Make sure they all function properly and smoothly, even if you don’t regularly use them. Check to make sure that all your locks work and are engaged when they need to be. Make sure you have spare keys and if you hide a spare, make sure it is not easily discoverable, ie under the welcome mat or plant pot, or in a spare shoe near the door. Check all outside lights. Replace any burnt out bulbs and verify that any motion sensors still work properly.
A regular home perimeter check allows you to spot repairs that may need to be made and provides you a strong working knowledge of all entry and exits points in your house. It also allows you to feel comfortable and confident that your home is a safe place to relax and let your guard down.
Take some time this week to complete a perimeter check.
