Home Security Checklist

Julie Akin • November 6, 2022

You are busy, as usual, and are heading out for the day. A quick scan of the weather shows rain in the forecast. You double back for an umbrella, scoop up your rain jacket, and turn around to nudge the door shut behind you, forgetting to lock it. Glancing back at the house, you notice the window over the sink is still open, but figure it will help cool off the house. You bypass the flyer for landscaping services tucked into the screen door handle and continue on your way down the driveway.

Does that sound like your current three-minute routine before leaving home? It can be hectic getting ready to leave the house, and a last-minute distraction might mean forgetting to properly secure your home. But these steps can be critical in deterring thieves from choosing your home as a target. Coming up with a three-minute home security checklist can help you make a habit out of some important safety practices.

Following are some  SAFE  steps to consider:

Secure your home:

Close and lock all windows and doors, all year long. An open window might offer fresh air, but it is also an invitation. Thieves going door-to-door with flyers sometimes knock and try the door to see if it opens, giving them easy access to your home.

Arm your security system:

Even if you are only running a brief errand, get in the habit of always turning on your home security system. Thieves can break in to your home in a matter of minutes, so it is always better to leave your home protected.

Follow the forecast:

Check the weather forecast in advance, so you can be prepared with appropriate weather gear and leave yourself more time to focus on closing up your home.

Evaluate your exterior:

Before you leave, do a quick scan of your home’s exterior, looking for flyers, newspapers, or anything else that might suggest your absence.

A man in a mask is breaking into a house with a crowbar.

Contact Us!

Our knowledgeable agents, can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give one of our 3 Tucson insurance locations a call. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!
May 9, 2025
To update you on what is happening at the Lukeville/Sonoyta border crossing for our insureds traveling to Rocky Point: Depending on the officer, Mexican authorities (Guardia Nacional) are enforcing the FMM and passport requirements, but not consistently. Some travelers have reported crossing as usual without passports, and officers simply waived them through. Others have reported obtaining FMMs at the border, with all travelers carrying passports. If travelers are transparent and declare any alcohol they’re bringing into Mexico, they are being charged a 114% tax. However, some people reported having alcohol but were waived through by officers and did not pay the tax. It appears enforcement depends on the officer, and tourists are currently taking their chances. It comes down to each traveler’s level of confidence and risk tolerance, as enforcement is not yet consistent. Our company’s recommendation is to follow the law: Process the FMM online Print the form Stop at the INM (Immigration) office at the border to get it stamped Reminder: The FMM tourist permit is only for foreign citizens, not for individuals with dual citizenship. Here is the link to obtain the FMM online (in case travelers ask where to process it before crossing the border): https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html The INM Immigration Office is located in the Aduana building. For your reference, the Gastrak/Sanborn’s location in Lukeville and the Aduana building (just to the left after crossing the border) are highlighted. Additional reminders for this border crossing: All vehicles must have a current, original, valid registration OR the original title/notarized copy. Digital copies or images are not accepted. If the vehicle is not owned by the driver (e.g., a company vehicle, borrowed from family or friends), a notarized letter of permission from the owner is required to take the vehicle into Mexico. Border Hours: U.S. and Mexican authorities have agreed that the Lukeville–Sonoyta border crossing to Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) from March 7 to October 10, 2025.
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