General Home Safety and Security tips
10/10/2011 15:44
- If out of the home for an extended period of time, create the illusion that someone may still be there. Leave a TV or stereo on in the room where a burglar would most likely break in. Use exterior lighting and motion detectors to minimize burglar concealment.
- Make sure all exterior doors have good proper locks. Install 1-inch deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
- If you get an unexpected knock at the door, check to see who it is before opening it.
- Do not leave extra keys under doormats, potted plants or any other obvious outdoor location. Thieves will generally find them. Find an inconspicuous place to hide the keys, or give a set to a neighbor you can trust.
- Burglar-proof your glass patio doors by setting a pipe or metal bar in the middle bottom track of the door slide. The pipe should be the same length as the track.
- Keep garage doors shut.
- Keep drapes and blinds shut - especially in rooms where there is expensive equipment. Don't advertise the items in your home.
- Store cash, jewelry and other valuables in a safe or safety deposit box instead of leaving them lying around the home.
- Don't leave notes on the door for service people or family members. These alert the burglar that you are not home.
- If you're going to be away from home for a few days, adjust your telephone ring to its lowest volume setting. An unanswered phone may tip off a burglar that no one is home. Also, have a neighbor or friend collect your newspaper and mail. Never cancel delivery - you don't know who will get that information.