The best home security for your family is to practice caution.  Any law officer will tell you that vandals and thieves look for a speedy entry and one that does not attract attention.  Positive parenting skills will lead parents to be diligent in their efforts to prevent every offending entry into their home.  

Parents will especially wish to stop a break-in rapist or stalker.  The following list is extensive, although it is not by any means complete.  

Doors and Entrance:

• Do you have double cylinder locks opposed to doorknob locks?
• Do you have doors with glass, sliding glass doors or French doors?
• Your chain locks need screws >1.5"?
• Do you keep exterior doors locked?
• Do you have lighted or unlighted entrances?
• Do you park in a garage and does it lock on closing?

• Is you phone line ground level, within reach or buried?
• Are you listed in the phone book?
• Do you know your neighbors phone number?
• Are your children trained about answering the phone?
• Do you listen for background noise first?
• Do you answer phone surveys or credit applications?
• Do you have caller ID, caller trace or call return?
• Does your answering machine or voice mail  say you are out or ask for messages?
• Do you get 2 + hang-up calls/week?

• How many visitors per mo/yr do you have?
• Are your visitors babysitters, servants, repair/remodeling, or friends?
• Do you open the door without knowing the visitor?
• Do you know if sexual offenders live in your area?
  

• Do you have any of the following high thief valuables: coins, stamps, antiques, jewelry, solid silver service, TV, VCR, video movies, computers, video game system, a visible liquor closet?

• Has your home interior been highlighted?
• Are your vacations or plans to attend ceremonies, funerals or sports events publicized?
• Are you in a company or church directory or other publications?
• Is your mane on your?

• Do you continue regular AC schedule?
• Is you home empty for > 8 hrs?
• Do you use timer lights, leave the radio on, or leave mail in your car with your address?
• Do you leave workmen notes?

• Do you hide extra keys outside?
• Is your name and address on your key ring?
• Does your house key separate from your key ring for attendant parking or car service?
• Do you loose keys to your home?

• Is your home monitored 27/7?
• If the alarm sounds and it is monitored, do you receive a security call immediately?
• Do you have a 30-watt + siren and a 10 hr > backup battery?
• Do you have a perimeter alarm alert or driveway notification?
• Does your dog warn you of all visitors?

• How far is the nearest neighbor?
• Do you know your neighbors phone number?
• Does your neighborhood have a watch program?
• Is the neighborhood crime rate, high or low?
• When was the last burglary reported in your neighborhood?