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Home Security Tips

Some tips may be repeated for emphasis..

1. Doors should be locked at all times
2. Good quality deadbolts should be on all entrance doors.
3. Reinforce all strike plates with at least 2.5” screws.
4. Peepholes should be accessible to all residents.
5. Basement windows should have guards.
6. Patio doors should be secured with a stick, or other option.
7. Know any person who has keys to your home.
8. Only put your first initial on your mailbox and in the phone book.
9. Motion detector lighting is a good deterrent in the yard.
10. Get to know your neighbors and become a member of the Block Watch in your community association.
11. Have a safe room with a phone, solid core door, good lock and an escape route.
12. Do not open your door to anybody you do not know.
13. Make sure shrubbery is trimmed away from basement windows and access points to the home.

Exterior Doors

1. Always lock doors at night and every time you leave the house.
2. Doors should be solid hardwood or metal-clad.
3. Doors should feature wide-angle peepholes.
4. If there are glass panels in or near the exterior door, they should be reinforced in some way so they can’t be shattered.
5. All entryways should have a working, keyed entry lock and deadbolt lock.

Garage and Sliding Door Security

1.      The door leading from the attached garage to the house should be protected with a quality, keyed door lock and deadbolt.

2.      The garage door should have a lock.  Do not rely on the automatic garage door opener to provide security.

3.      The garage doors should be locked when leaving the house.

4.      The sliding glass door should have a strong, working lock or use a device such as a security bar for protection.

5.      Always check to make sure the sliding door is locked at night or when leaving the house. 

Protecting Windows

1. Every window in the house should have a working lock.
2. Always lock the windows at night, even if you open them during the day for ventilation.

Outdoor Lighting

1. Trim bushes and shrubs so there is no place for someone to hide.
2. There should be no dark areas around the house, garage or yard.
3. Check all light bulbs in outdoor areas to ensure they are in good working order.
4. Use floodlights to ensure effective illumination.
5. Always turn on outdoor lights in the evening, whether someone is at home or not, or use a photocell motion-sensitive lighting system.

Security Away from Home

1. When leaving home, have at least two light timers that are set to turn the lights on and off in a logical sequence.
2. Activate the motion detector or other alarm system, if one exists in the home.
3. Always stop the mail and newspaper deliveries.
4. Ask a neighbor, friend or relative to tend to the yard and watch your home.

Personal Property and Outdoor Valuables

1. Gate latches, garage and shed doors should all be locked with high-security, laminated padlocks.
2. Always lock gate, garage and shed doors after every use.
3. Grills, lawn mowers and other valuables should be stored in a locked garage or shed, or if left out in the open, are hidden from view with a tarp and securely locked to a stationery point.
4. Every bicycle should be secured with a lock or quality padlock and chain.
5. Firearms should be stored unloaded and locked in storage boxes or secured with a lock.

Be Watchful While Walking Outdoors

1. Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night.  Stay in well traveled areas.
2. Wear clothes and shoes that allow freedom of movement.
3. Be careful if someone in a car asks you for directions – be sure to keep your distance from the car.
4. Have your key ready before you reach the door.
5. If you think you are being followed, change directions.  If the person is still there, head for an open store, restaurant, gas station or lighted home.  (Do not try to make it home.)
6. Do not hitchhike, and do not pick up hitchhikers.

Bike Riding

1. Be sure your children know the rules of the road and follow them.
2. Be sure you know where your children will be bike riding.
3. If you or your children ride at night, be sure to wear reflective clothing and use a light.
4. Trail bikes and mountain biking have become very popular.  Go mountain biking with friends and let another person know where you will be.
5. Do not ride a trail bike alone – you could be without help if you sustain a fall.
6. Mountain bikes are also special targets for thieves.  Be sure to lock your mountain bike.
7. If you ride a bike, always lock it up – even if you go inside a store or your house for “just a moment”.
8. If you carry a pack or water bottle on your bike, take them with you when you stop.

When Traveling on Vacation

Be sure to alert a neighbor that you will be gone and ask them to watch your house.  Also, have them gather mail each day or stop mail delivery until you return.

1. If you will be gone for an extended length of time, be sure your neighbor or a lawn service cuts your grass.  This will give your home a “lived in” look.
2. Reset your light timers.  As daylight lengthens, you’ll need to set the timers later in the evening.  Also, buy two timers so you can alternate the lights.
3. If you rent a car, be sure to keep maps, luggage, and other items that indicate you are a “tourist” out of sight.  Thieves tend to look for out-of-towners and they can be easier marks.
4. In a hotel, do not let strangers in your room.  If someone claims to be from the hotel, call the front desk first to check on their identity.
5. Always keep your room locked – even if you only go out for ice.
6. When traveling, check with the front desk about your destination and be sure you know where you are going.  Avoid areas in the city that could be dangerous.
7. Do not flash money, expensive cameras or jewelry.

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