Safety at Home

There are many things a person can do to reduce the chance of becoming a victim of crime in their home.
  • Install solid doors and good locks on doors and windows.
  • Close and lock doors when leaving the house.  This includes the garage door.
  • Secure sliding glass doors properly.
  • Don't keep large amounts of cash, jewelry or other valuables in the home.
  • Don't hide a spare key under the doormat or the flower pot.
  • If you just moved into a new home or apartment that had a prior occupant then have the lock re-keyed.
  • Keep outside of home well lighted.  Install motion sensors or day/night sensors to turn lights on automatically.
  • Engrave valuables with your driver's license number.
  • Install peepholes on your outside doors so you can see who is outside.
  • Never open doors to strangers.  Request ID from those who claim to be repairmen.
  • Keep blinds or drapes closed to discourage window peepers.
  • Install an alarm.
When leaving for vacation:
                a.  Use a timer to turn lights on and off as if someone were home.
                b.  Make your home look as lived in as possible.
                c.  Have newspapers, mail, and other deliveries stopped or picked up by a friend or neighbor.
                d.  Arrange to have your yard mowed, raked, or your snow shoveled.
                e.  Don't broadcast your plans but do let your neighbor and the police know that you are
                     going to be gone.
                f.   Turn down the ringers on your phones.
                g.  Have a TV or radio set on a timer to come on and go off at various times.