Personal
Safety - At Home
Home
Safety
1. Never
automatically open your front door. Make sure you can see
who is standing there before you unlock the door. If your
door does not have glass sides or a window, then a wide angle
viewer is highly recommended. This will allow you to identify
who is there without risking your safety.
2. If
the person at your door is a stranger, ask for identification
to be passed under the door. If he is unable to do this, do
not admit him.
3. Never
leave a key over a door or under a mat. It simply isn't safe.
Not only will it be found eventually, but the thief may actually
go and have a copy made at the corner hardware store, put
back your original, then wait for the perfect opportunity
to use "his" key, possibly even robbing you multiple
times before you think to have the door locks changed.
4. All
exterior doors in your home should be equipped with a single-cylinder
deadbolt lock. Have all of the deadbolts keyed the same so
you only have to carry one key to lock or unlock all of the
deadbolts.
5. For
interior doors or temporary situations (traveling, etc.),
some type of wedge can be installed to prevent your door from
being opened. You can make a simple wedge from a sturdy piece
of wood, or you can purchase a more elaborate door stop alarm
that not only prevents the door from opening, but also emits
a loud alarm designed to get your attention while scaring
away the intruder.
6. When
you are away from home at night, leave a light on. Better
yet, set a light on a timer so you'll never have to remember
to make your home look occupied. This is especially important
if you plan to be away from home for any number of days because
a thief that is "scoping out the neighborhood" will
easily notice the continued lack of light in your home and
assume it is "easy pickings" for him to plunder.
7. If
you will be away from home for a few days or longer: a) Inform
the post office to hold all your mail. b) Connect a light
to a timer. c) Notify the police that you will be away--they
will keep a closer eye on your property while making their
routine patrols. d) Have a neighbor maintain your lawn, put
trash in front of your home for garbage pickup, and otherwise
make the home look "lived in.".
8. Never
put your name and address on your house keys. If they are
lost or stolen, someone will know exactly where to go to rob
you. The same is true regarding your car keys.
9. Be
a concerned neighbor 365 days per year. If you see a suspicious
person, car, or situation, use sound judgment and contact
the police with the pertinent details.
Safety
For The Apartment Dweller
1. If
you live in an apartment building with an intercom system
to the front door, make sure the landlord keeps it in operating
order.
2. Never
admit anyone unless you are expecting him or know him.
3. Never
admit anyone to the building who is there to see another tenant
or to deliver something to another apartment. Anyone asking
admission to do some work for another tenant should be referred
to the building's manager.
4. If
you see someone in your building who looks out of place or
is acting suspiciously, contact the police.
Also see
Personal Saftey
- Intruders
