Burglary Prevention 101 -Two thirds of intruders gain entry through a door. Keep all doors locked at all times, even when you're at home with family or alone.

Always install quality locks on your doors and windows. Window locks that are easily seen from outside may deter thieves because they would have to break the glass and risk attracting attention and cutting themself climbing through a broken window or glass door.

To prevent burglars from entering sliding doors, place a pipe or broom handle in the bottom track of the door slide. The pipe or handle should be almost as long as the track. Unless they already have a multi-locking system, sliding patio doors should also be fitted with anti-lift devices with locks on the top and bottom to stop them from being removed from outside.

Many burglaries happen when a house is empty. If you leave your home for an extended period of time, create the illusion that someone is there. Use timer switches to turn on lights, radios and other appliances. If you're going on a trip, cancel any mail or newspaper deliveries. And, if you can, get a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home. Ask them to collect your mail and draw your curtains at night and open them in the mornings to make your home look lived-in.

One of the most intrusive and dangerous forms of burglary occurs when somebody pretends to be a legitimate worker, for example from a utility company, and tricks their way into homes.  Protect yourself against this by fitting a door chain or bar and door viewer (spy-hole), and use them.

Don't leave spare keys under doormats, potted plants or any other obvious outdoor location. Burglars have experience and know exactly where to look. Find an uncommon place to hide the keys or give a set to a someone that you can really trust, such as a friend or neighbor.

Always keep your garage doors closed, even when you are home.

Develop the habit of performing a security review before leaving your home. Check to make sure all of your doors and windows are locked, that candles and fires are completely extinguished and that any potentially hazardous appliances are turned off and unplugged.

Don't leave notes for service people or family members on the front door, mailbox or garage as these are green lights to potential burglars that you are not home.

Ensure that your street address is clearly visible so that responding emergency personnel can easily identify your home.

Never leave hot irons, or burning stovetops and outdoor grills unattended. Double-check that you've turned them off after use.

Store fire wood and all flammable materials, such as liquids or solvents in metal containers, outside the home at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences.

Install smoke alarms on all levels of your home. Test them monthly and replace their batteries each year.

Don't have deadbolts that lock with an inside key. If a fire starts, having to find a key may prevent you and your family from getting out fast.

Even if you're live in a high crime area, Never nail your windows shut or install outside window bars that cannot be easily opened from the inside. Give your self access to the outside.

Train your family in a fire evacuation procedure. Display the plan in a central area of the house. Find two exits out of every room and choose a meeting place outside. 

You want a prominent and clearly visible street address so that law enforcement and firefighters can identify your home in the event of an emergency.

Never go back into a burning structure. Once Out, Stay Out. 

Keep leaves raked and the roof and gutters free from debris.