Crime Prevention Month Home Security Checklist for Las Vegas and Phoenix

October is Crime Prevention Month, a good time for Las Vegas and Phoenix homeowners to walk their property and confirm their security still fits how the household lives. This checklist covers doors, windows, garage access, lighting, landscaping, access codes, and the settings on smart locks, sensors, and cameras. Sort each finding into working, adjust, repair, or upgrade so the review ends with a plan.

The National Crime Prevention Council uses the October observance to encourage crime prevention and personal safety. For homeowners, that work starts with what you can inspect yourself. Locks wear, landscaping grows, access codes stay active, and alert settings fall out of step with new schedules.

Review doors, windows, and garage access

Start with every entrance that can be reached from outside, including the door between an attached garage and the house. Confirm each exterior door closes squarely, the lock engages fully, and the frame, hinges, and strike plate show no looseness or damage. If a door shifts in its frame or the deadbolt does not extend smoothly, add it to the repair list.

Check accessible windows and sliding glass doors too. A slider should have a working primary lock and, when appropriate, a secondary device made for the track or door. Pay extra attention to windows near the ground or a roofline. Any added device must still let people get out in an emergency.

If your household uses keypad locks or garage keypads, review who has access. Remove codes that are no longer needed and give each person their own code when the system supports it, so you can change one person's access without resetting everyone's.

Check lighting, visibility, and address numbers

Walk the property after dark. Look at the front door, garage, side gate, patio door, and the path from the driveway or sidewalk. Replace failed bulbs and note any entry point that is still hard to see.

Trim landscaping that blocks the view of doors, windows, walkways, or cameras. The goal is clear sight lines around entry points, not removing every plant. Also make sure your house number is readable from the street at night so responders can find you.

Review smart locks, sensors, and cameras separately

A smart lock, a door sensor, and a camera each provide different information, so review each one on its own.

• Smart locks: with a compatible smart lock, the Alarm.com app can lock or unlock the door remotely. Lock activity notifications report when it is locked or unlocked, and a "left unlocked" rule can alert you after a set time. These must be turned on, and options depend on your equipment.
• Door and window sensors: a contact sensor reports when an opening changes state. It is separate from the lock. Confirm each alert rule covers the right door or window and reaches the right people.
• Cameras: confirm each connected camera is online and the view is useful day and night. Review activity zones, recording rules, and notification schedules so routine traffic does not flood you with alerts. If the app reports outdated camera firmware, follow the update steps or call us.

The checklist

• Exterior doors close securely and locks engage fully.
• Door frames, hinges, and strike plates show no looseness or damage.
• Accessible window locks and sliding-door security devices work.
• Garage entry doors, side gates, and rarely used entrances are included.
• Exterior lighting covers entry points after dark.
• Landscaping does not block entry points, lighting, address numbers, or cameras.
• Old access codes are removed and current codes belong to the right people.
• Smart-lock batteries, connections, and notification rules are checked.
• Door and window sensor alerts are reviewed separately from lock alerts.
• Cameras are online and their views, activity zones, and schedules still work.
• Alerts reach the household members who should get them.
• Every repair, setting change, or equipment question is written down for follow-up.

For a deeper look at how burglars choose a home and the mistakes that leave it exposed, read our guide on how to protect your home from burglars.

Talk with Sting Alarm about your home security

If your checklist turns up a coverage gap or a setting you are unsure about, Sting Alarm can help you review smart home security options, including locks, cameras, sensors, and app alerts. Call (702) 737-8464 in Las Vegas or (602) 431-1300 in Phoenix, or request a free quote.