This is a list of the procedures you have to apply to plan the security of you residence.

There are procedures in this list that might look exaggerated. Remember that these procedures are considered to plan your, and your family security. If you have a security team, give them this list and put them to work.

(IED: Improvised Explosive Device / RST: Residential Security Team)

• Security in depth
• Communications
• Plane escape routes and when to fight and when to flee.
• Is the residence under surveillance?
• Has the residence been searched for IEDs and electronic surveillance?
• Has the residence a fence or wall? Could it keep out intruders?
• Are there gates to the residence? Can they stop and intruder or a car?
• Are the gates locked at all times?
• Is there any aid to help an intruder climbing the wall or gate such as trees or poles?
• If the residence is in an apartment block, are there any fire escapes or scaffolding that could give an intruder entrance?
• Are there any objects that could conceal an ambush on any of the routes in and out of the residence?
• What security lights are there? Do they work?
• When are the lights turned on? Where is their control switch?
• Consider lights attached to movement detectors especially on the outside of doors.
• Is the residence overlooked? What sniper/surveillance points are there?
• If in an apartment block, is the reception manned 24hrs a day? If yes, are the people manning it competent?
• Do doors to residence have peepholes?
• Peepholes are best positioned at the side of the door or in the wall.
• Consider an Armour layer on the inside of main doors
• Do your RST know their orders?
• Make sure the RST patrols the residence grounds, consider electronic clock points.
• Make sure the RST patrols the inside of the residence and checks all locks?
• If using guard dogs make sure they are always under control of their handler.
• Are all doors to the residence solid? Are the doorframes solid?
• Are the locks of a good quality?
• Use other bolts in conjunction with the normal locks.
• Can the locks be unlocked from the outside if a window is broken etc.?
• Do you have control of all the keys to the residence?
• Do you have a list of everyone with keys to the residence?
• Record all issues of keys.
• If a key is lost, change the lock. Keep spare locks
• Keep keys to a minimum.
• Who long have the locks been on the doors?
• Have all unused entrances been secured?
• What security is on the windows?
• All windows need to be secured on all floors of the building.
• Use laminated glass and heavy curtains.
• Beware of casting shadows against the windows that can be seen from the outside.
• Consider blinds on the windows for extra privacy?
• All skylights and roof doors need to be secured.
• Is the attic of the residence from another roof or attic?
• What alarms are in the residence? Are they working? When were they last tested?
• All doors and windows on the outbuildings need to be secured and if possibly alarmed.
• Are the roofs of the out buildings secured?
• Do all padlocks used have spare keys? Who has them?
• Are the padlocks of good quality?
• Can any of the door hinges be unscrewed?
• Are all weapons in the residence legal? Are they secured when not in use?
• Do those assigned weapons know how to use them?
• Do those assigned weapons know the rules of engagement and the rules for use of force?
• Consider the use of CS / OC gas and respirators.
• What fire fighting equipment is there in the residence? Is it in a serviceable condition?
• Are there any fire alarms? Do they work?
• Is the residence every left unoccupied?
• Are all valuables kept secure?
• Have you pictures of all valuable artwork, jewelry etc.?
• Are all valuables insured?
• Are the serial numbers of all TV, computer, and stereo equipment kept on a list?
• Has the client, their family and staff been briefed on security and emergency procedures?
• Has the client, their family and staff been briefed to report any suspicious activity in the area?
• Do the client, their family and staff knows whom the raise the alarm in the case of an emergency?
• Has the client’s staff been vetted?
• If the residence is in an apartment block, do you know who lives above, below and either side of you? Find out.
• Make arrangements for power cuts, keep spare batteries and bulbs for torches etc.
• Keep several means of communications and check them regularly.
• Keep all security documentation secure and confidential
• Don’t let any of the RST/BGs get over familiar with the staff or client.
• Consider monitoring all phone calls from and to the residence?
• Security personnel rooms should be locked at all times. Keys kept with duty RST.
• If you have a security control room it should be manned 24-hrs a day.
• The security personnel should clean all security rooms. No outside cleaners.
• All contractors must have appointments and must be searched before entering and leaving the residence.
• If suspicious of visitors, turn them away or keep them outside until their credentials are verified.
• Never illuminate yourself in a doorway.
• Contractors should be accompanied at all times.
• All deliveries should go through the RST and be checked for anything suspicious and have a secure area to isolate any suspicious packages.
• Keep a written log of all mail received.
• Use a mailbox address rather than residence address.
• Log the comings and goings of all personnel and vehicles to the residence.
• Consider putting the residence under protective surveillance.
• Always use counter-surveillance drills before entering and when exiting the residence.
• Regularly photograph or video the area surrounding the residence. Keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles, people, etc.
• Don’t let security procedures obstruct escape routes.
• Know the location and routes to safe houses, hospitals, etc.
• Plan for every eventuality.

For more information, you can schedule a free 20 minute consultation with us in our consulting section.