Safety Tips
Don’t leave a key outside your home even if you
think it’s well hidden. Instead leave one with a trusted neighbor or
friend. Most places you might hide a key can be uncovered by an
experienced intruder. Make sure you close and lock all doors and
windows that are accessible from outside your home.
Leave a light on in your home at night after you retire.
Lighting is a deterrent to intruders and should be used when you’re
away from your home. Timers are inexpensive and can make potential
intruders wonder whether the home is occupied. A radio should be
controlled by a timer when you’re away as well.
Deadbolt locks should be used on all doors. Windows should be
well secured with latches available from your local hardware store.
You might also consider shatterproof glass.
Make sure you replace the batteries in your smoke detectors on a
regular basis. A good time to do this is when you set your clocks
forward in the spring. You should periodically check your locks to see
if they’ve been tampered with.
Don’t admit anyone to your home that you’re not expecting. In the
event that a person represents themselves as an official employee of a
utility or public agency, ask for identification and don’t be
reluctant to refuse entry if you can’t verify by telephone that they
are who they say. Use a chain and peephole whenever answering your
door.
Test your alarm system at least monthly, WATCHDOG recommends
weekly.
Make sure to have a friend or neighbor pick up your mail and any
newspapers or packages when you leave your home unattended.
Arm your alarm system, whenever you leave the home and when you retire
for the night.
© 2006 by 911 Inc; Used with permission.
