Home safety and protection is too
complex an issue for any one set of guidelines or tips cover every issue
you need to address so don't view these tips as addressing all the unique
safety issues you should consider, but merely as a general guidelines
which serve as a starting point to your home safety and protection.
Consult your local police, fire department, and other professionals
to address all the unique aspects of your specific situation.
* Install a peep hole if you don't
already have one.
* Install a dead bolt. A real dead
bolt should be key operated.
* Install a chain bolt if you like
the ability to speak through the chain locked door, but realize they
don't stand up to strong blows and offer little real protection.
* Install window film. It installs
on the inside and adds strength to the windows.
* Trim back bushes and trees near
the house so that they are small enough that no one can hide behind
them.
* Install a burglar & fire alam.
* Carry a personal alarm and keep
one near the bed--they make lots of noise and while not always working
a loud noise is all that is needed sometimes.
* Install a night watch light in
the back yard or dark areas of the yard.
* Install motion detector lights.
* Use alarm system decals and yard
signs. Even if you don't have an alarm system an alarm system sign makes
the would-be burglar adjust his thinking and reconsider the odds when
looking at your house. Even if he is not sure if you have one--he might
move on to easier prey.
* Use timer controlled lights when
away.
* Put a timer on a stero system when
away. When both the stero and lights come on and go off it gives a more
credible appearance of someone being home.
* Make sure your address prominently
displayed so fire and police can find you easily.
* Don't put your name on your mailbox, it allows criminals to get your name, look up your phone number and call to see if anybody is home and break in if your not home.
* Never leave a message on your answering machine that you are away from home.
* When you leave home for a few days
have the paper and mail stopped or have a neighbor pick them up.
* Never answer survery questions that pertain to your home's security--it could be someone trying to get information about your home to make it easier to break in.
* Check with your local police or sheriff's department to see if they have a program to inspect your home and make recommendations of how to make it safer. Some do perform such a service.
