How to conduct a Security Risk Assessment

Security risk assessment helps you to formulate the best security plan for your home or office against unwanted intruders, burglaries and forced entry

Home and office security systems cannot be bought off the shelf and expected to meet your specific security requirements without problems. Security systems are available in many configurations to meet versatile security demands, and without proper research you minimize chances of identifying the one system to provide maximum security to your property. Before purchase conduct a security risk assessment to review the vulnerability of your home to burglaries and forced entry break-ins.

Each area of the home poses a different level of risk to forced entry, and therefore each section should be evaluated according to the three zones strategy to effectively secure properties. Here below are listed the stages that should be carried out in a typical home security risk assessment.

Information Gathering:
Locksmith New York recommends beginning security risk assessment with gathering information from the local police and nearby neighbors. The local authorities can provide you with valuable information regarding the variety of crimes committed in your locality. Next street neighbors can supplement more information on suspicious events and persons in your neighborhood that you are unaware of.

Daily Routine:
Select the security system that optimally fits your property's security needs with your household's daily routine taken into consideration. Avoid splashing money on ineffective security systems that do not meet your security requirements, by taking note of daily habits and routines of your household. Only then decide which security systems from home access control to CCTV and burglar alarms, will best fit your life style.

Vulnerable Entry Points:
Examine the outdoor perimeter of your home including, front lawn, back yard and garage for any weak spots that an unwanted intruder can use to break in. Windows should be checked for weathering and wear and tear signs that can weaken this strategic entry point from withstanding forced entry. Garage and basement windows should be properly secured with window gates bars to prevent unwanted intruders from gaining access to the rest of the home. Window security bars can supplement every window with added security to prevent forced entry via windows.

Doors & Locks
All entry doors to the house from garage doors to back yard doors and balcony entry points, should be checked for strength and durability. Worn and easy to pick locks should be replaced with high security locks, but only after you have validated the strength of door. Remember that high security locks are rendered ineffective if the door can be kicked, pulled or smashed open by the unwanted intruder.

A security risk assessment will unveil the vulnerable points through which a burglar can easily break to gain interior access, and will further enable you to secure weak security points to prevent burglaries.