How to conduct a security check to protect your home and family

June 3, 5:21 PMOklahoma Child Safety ExaminerTamara Walker, R.N.

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Did you know home security experts recommend conducting a home security check at least twice a year to best protect your home and family from a thief or burglar?

Brent Buxton, owner of All American Security Systems, Inc., a company dedicated to protecting Oklahoma families, explains how to perform a security check of your home.

"You have probably heard it before: 'You have to think like a thief to catch a thief.' You should not only think like a thief to catch a thief, you should think like a thief to stop a thief before he enters your space.

At least twice a year you should do a security check. Walk around your home with a friend. Your friend will probably see things that you may miss because they aren't familiar with your home. Of course you should do a walk around with your friend at their home as well.

Start off with your home's exterior . You want to secure your home, so it is safe while you are at home and while you are away. Of course one of the best things you can do is have a monitored burglar alarm system and use it when you are away from your home and when you are home - even in the daytime.

You should be on the lookout for many things. While you walk, bring with you a list of things to check and also take notes as you walk. Remember, you and your friend should think like a thief as you are walking around your home."

Buxton recommends asking yourself the following questions as you do the security check:

• Is your yard well lit?
• Are there places for thieves to hide?
• Are your doors secure, including your garage door and sliding doors?
• Are your windows secure?
• If you aren't home, is it obvious?
• If you have a fence, is it secured?
• Are there signs to deter a thief like security alarm sign or neighborhood watch sign?
• Are there trees or anything else that helps thieves get to a second floor. Is there a ladder left outside?
• Are your doors locked - now?

If you discover anything that needs to be corrected, take action quickly to prevent would-be thieves from gaining access to your home and family. Another good idea is to make a note on your calendar to perform the security check again in six months.

If your family needs a home security alarm or a fire alarm system, please consider Oklahoma's own All American Security Systems, Inc. to help you protect your property and loved ones. For a daily tip on home safety, Brent Buxton invites you to follow him on Twitter, where he sends out a daily safety tip tweet.