Home Safety
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Home Security
Making your home more secure from intruders protects both your valuables and your piece of mind. Some simple steps to make your home more secure (or to look for when renting or purchasing a home) include the following:
Secure all doors and windows.
Make sure your doors are solid and have at least one dead bolt (that can be opened easily from the inside), safety chains, and peep holes (to see who is at your door.) First-story windows or windows that have a fire escape attached should have safety bars or pins, that can be opened easily from the inside. Secure sliding doors by placing a piece of wood in the track or pins through the frames on the inside. If you have a skylight that can be opened, make sure it locks from the inside.
Keep curtains and blinds closed at street level so people can't see in.
If you are going on vacation, ask a neighbor or relative to look after your home.
Ask a neighbor to pick up mail, water plants, and occasionally turn on lights or change curtains and blinds. An empty home (or a home that looks empty) is often a target for intruders.
Keep entrances to your home clear and well lit.
Whether you live in an apartment or a house, the entrance to your front door should be well-lit so you can see the door an your surroundings. Avoid large obstructions (like boxes or bushes) that can hide an intruder.
Consider an alarm.
Alarms can be a good investment, especially if you have many valuables in your home, or live in an isolated area or one with a history of break-ins. Other alternatives (that cost less, but can also be effective) include motion-detectors and sound-detectors that turn on lights or make noise if the area is disturbed. Simply displaying a sign in your window or yard saying that your home is secure can decrease your chances of being burglarized, as does having a dog.
Join a neighborhood watch.
If your area doesn't have one, you may want to consider starting one. Most local law enforcement groups will help. These can also serve as support networks for people with special needs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you ever notice something suspicious, such as a broken lock or window don't go inside. Go to a neighbor's home and call 911, or your local emergency service. If you are inside your home, leave immediate and go to a neighbor's home and call 911, or your local emergency service.
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