Basic Rules For Keeping Your Home Safe

¤ Make sure that all doors to the outside are metal or solid (1 3/4" hardwood).
¤ Make sure doors have a sturdy deadbolt lock, with a minimum of 1 1/2" bolt.
¤ Always lock up your home when you go out.
¤ Secure glass doors with commercially available bars or locks.
¤ Make sure all windows, especially at ground level, have good locks.
¤ Make sure all entrances are well lighted.
¤ Trim bushes or trees that hide doors and windows.
¤ Don't hide your house keys under the door mat or in a flower pot.
¤ Keep a written record of all the furniture, jewelry, and electronics.  If possible, video record your property and note serial numbers and other helpful information.  Place these items in a safety deposit box or in a secure place.

When You Go Away

¤ Ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers, and offer to return the favor.
¤ Leave word about when you're leaving, when you'll return, and how you can be reached in an emergency.
¤ Put automatic timers on at least two lights (and possibly a radio) to help your home look and sound lived-in.

Residential Reference Guide

A watchful neighbor who looks out for you, as well as themselves, are a front-line defense against crime.

Security Habits

1. Keep shade or draperies closed. Being open helps a burglar spot items of value before a
   burglary.
2. Leave a radio on with the volume turned low to create a source of noise when leaving
   your home.
3. Never leave a note telling someone you are not home or when you plan to return.
4. Always close and lock your doors and windows and never leave your garage doors
   unlocked.
5. Secure automatic garage door openers in your glove compartment of your car.
6. Always leave lights on in one or more rooms when away at night. It is a good idea to use
   a timer that automatically changes the room where the lights are turned on.
7. Keep your landscape properly maintained to allow for good visibility from the street.
   Additionally, a well-maintained yard says the residence is occupied.
8. Do not indicate your sex, martial status or name on your mailbox.
9. Re-key locks when moving into a new residence. Never leave a key hidden outside.
   Burglars are experts in finding “hidden” keys.
10. Never give out personal information to a stranger on the phone.
11. Never let a stranger use your telephone when you are home alone.
12. Babysitters should never tell anyone who calls that they are alone with your children.
13. Children should be educated never to let anyone know they are home alone. Teach them
    to say that you can’t come to the phone and offer to take a message.
14. When you leave on vacation, make arrangements for your mail and newspaper to be
    picked up, have someone open and close your shades or draperies daily and store your
    valuables. Or have a friend “house sit” for you.
15. Let the police know the dates you will be gone.
16. Leave cars in your driveways or ask a neighbor to park in your driveway.
     

Get into the habit of surveying your home as you approach it. If you find evidence that someone has broken in DO NOT ENTER and CALL THE POLICE! Should you confront a burglar GET OUT OF THE WAY! Do not get between the burglar and the exit and do not attempt to stop him. Your life is more valuable than anything that is being stolen!

If someone is prowling around outside your home, do not let them know you are alone. Call out to a companion in the house, “Honey, I think someone is outside.”

Dial 911 immediately.

Turn on the outside lights.

If you are in your home and hear someone in your home, get out as quickly and safely as possible. Or put as many doors as you can between you and them. A dead bolt in an interior door is a good idea. Dial 911 immediately.

If the intruder is armed and you cannot escape, do as he says. Instruct your children do as he says. Remain calm. A burglar is more interested in taking your property than your life.
Memorize a description of the intruder and write it down. Do not rely on your memory. Dial 911 immediately.

When making a report to 911, give the operator your name and address, the reason for your call, the location of the activity and a description of the suspect and any vehicle involved.

More can be found in the Residential Reference Guide.