DIY security gear checklist for homes and small businesses

Last updated October 30, 2026

Buy in layers, in this order

Security gear works best in layers, and the order matters. The cheapest improvements are often the most effective, and fancy equipment on a weak door does not help much. We suggest working through this checklist from top to bottom and stopping when the remaining risk is one you are comfortable with.

Layer 1: Doors, locks and windows

• A deadbolt on every exterior door, used every time.
• Longer screws (about 3 inches) in strike plates and hinges, so the screws reach the wall framing, not just the door jamb.
• A security bar or dowel for sliding doors, and pins or locks for sliding windows.
• Door viewers or a video doorbell so nobody needs to open the door to see who is there.
• For businesses: rear and side doors with solid cores, latch guards and secured hinges, since these are often the target after hours.

Layer 2: Lighting

• Motion-activated lights over driveways, parking areas and side yards.
• Dusk-to-dawn lights over every door, including back and side doors.
• Interior lights on timers, or a light left on near the register at a closed business, so the inside stays visible from the street.
• Fixtures aimed down and away from windows and cameras to avoid glare.

Layer 3: Detection

• Door and window contact sensors on ground-floor openings.
• Motion sensors covering main hallways or the sales floor, set so pets or displays do not set them off.
• Glass-break sensors where large windows or storefront glass are the easiest way in.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, tested monthly: safety gear is security gear.

Layer 4: Cameras

Cameras come after locks and lights for a reason: they record and deter, but they do not stop anyone. Cover the approach to each door, the driveway or lot, and for businesses the register and receiving areas. Our guides to wired and wireless cameras, placement and maintenance explain them in detail.

Layer 5: Protecting valuables and records

• A safe rated for what you store: fire-resistant for papers, burglary-resistant for cash and valuables. Bolt it down.
• Photos and serial numbers of electronics, tools and equipment, stored somewhere other than the property.
• Engraving or marking tools and equipment, which helps with recovery and discourages resale.
• For businesses: a drop safe or a routine that keeps cash on hand low.

Layer 6: Signage and personal safety

Camera and alarm signs at entrances add deterrence at low cost. For people who work late, walk to their cars alone or travel, personal-safety alarms and simple check-in routines help. Self-defense sprays and similar products are regulated by state and local law; check the rules where you live and travel and get training before relying on them.

What DIY gear cannot do

Equipment detects, deters and records. It cannot decide whether an alarm is real, walk a property at 2 a.m., or stand at a door during an event. For that, look at alarm response, mobile security patrols or security guards. And if you would rather not install cameras yourself, we offer professional camera installation.