Crime is everyone’s concern. While you may never actually be the victim of a crime, it’s important to know your options where crime preparedness and home security are concerned.
When your family and prized possessions are at stake, planning ahead can give you greater peace of mind. Such actions include simple precautionary measures, from purchasing effective exterior home lighting or new home door/window locks to installing a home security system. As winter approaches and the days get shorter, now is the time to make your home a “tough target” for criminals. For starters, take heed of the following advice:
First and foremost, do the obvious. Keep points of entry locked, with deadbolt locks on front and back doors; a Charlie bar for pane glass patio doors; change locks if keys are lost or stolen. Post emergency numbers on refrigerator or by the phone. When you leave, draw the shades and leave some lights or a radio on. Use timers on indoor lighting fixtures when you are away or expect to return home after dark.
Exterior lighting is a must at night. Install motion sensor lights entryways, garage doors and accessible windows. Exterior lights can also be connected to timers that automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn.
Do not conceal windows and doors from public view with trees or shrubbery. Security shrubs made of prickly leaves or thorns act as a natural barrier to would-be burglars.
Never open the door to a stranger, and always use the peephole. A woman who lives alone should never give her name on an answering machine, and should list only her first initial on the mailbox and in the phone book.
Never open the door to a stranger, and always use the peephole. A woman who lives alone should never give her name on an answering machine, and should list only her first initial on the mailbox and in the phone book.
Neighborhood Watch programs work. Get involved and team up with your neighbors. Report suspicious lurkers or activity to the police. Of course, a quality, affordable home security system – like a hard-wired, monitored system – is a good investment you can make in your home security. A home protected by a security system is at least three times less likely to be burglarized than one without.
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