Home security is like a game of chess. We have to think before we make a move, otherwise we will pay dearly for our mistakes. Mistakes that could cost us our personal belongings family heirlooms, vehicle or worse yet, our lives.

It's important to arm ourselves with knowledge if we are going to keep the bad guys at bay. I'm talking about real text book information which drives home the importance of good home security practices. Not the storybook security knowledge which exists in many minds and certainly doesn't make any sense to the security professional.

Storybook security that implies your home is secure because you live in a safe neighborhood. I hate to burst your bubble, but the knowledge is important that no neighborhood is safe in to-days world. I'm not suggesting we live a life of paranoia or fear, but rather comfort knowing we have done everything we can to keep ourselves and our families safe.

For the average homeowner it is very difficult to know home deficiencies when they don't know what to look for. That is why educating ourselves on the importance of good home security practices is crucial.

Don't accept a failing grade on your home security report card because your knowledge is low in Home Security 101. Instead take advantage of the free Home Security Check Programs available through your local police department.

These folks are volunteers who have undergone background checks and have attended training seminars to bring them up to speed in the knowledge of good home security practices. These trained volunteers will access your residence, multi-housing complex or business and do a complete security audit, checking for deficiencies in doors, windows, landscaping and lighting just to mention a few.

The Home Security Check volunteers could also offer information on many of the latest security products to help make your home a safer place to live. You will be requested to maintain an inventory list of engraved items to provide to the police in the event of a burglary.

When your home security audit is done (approx.1 hour) you will be left a list of suggested recommendations to put your home into the passing category. When you have completed all the recommendations you simply notify the community police department.

Once notified, your home will be re-checked for compliance with the list of recommendations. Once the proper upgrades are confirmed, you will receive a community police security decal to be displayed at the front of your home as an added crime deterrent.

It's a good feeling knowing there are dedicated volunteers with your best interests in mind living right in your community. Volunteers with unbiased opinions, volunteers that don't benefit in any way by their recommendations, volunteers that don't recommend or represent any security company.

These volunteers only goal is to donate their time for the good of the community in an effort to keep us all safe and secure in the comfort of our homes. Kudos to all the hard working volunteers who help make up community policing!