Home Protection Tips
Keep your home secured at all times:
• Change the door locks after moving into a new house or apartment.
• Install and use a peephole in your front door. Never open your door to a stranger.
• Keep windows locked.
• Keeps drapes and window shades closed after dark.
• Leave lights on in two or more rooms to show that people are home.
• When a stranger asks to use your telephone, do not let him into your house. Offer to call emergency help for him.
• Be suspicious of visits by people you didn't call and always ask salesmen and repair men to show you their ID. Before letting them in, call their business to make sure they are supposed to be there. Use the phone book, not a number they give you. (It could be phony.)
• Be alert to protect your neighbours as well as yourself. Never mention to a stranger that a neighbour is away, lives alone, or is home alone.
• Consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch or consider starting one.
If you think a prowler is outside your home:
• Stay inside.
• Turn on your lights.
• Do not call out to him.
• Phone the police right away.
If a prowler gets into your home:
• Get out through another door or window if possible.
• Call the police right away, from a safe place.
Home Protection Tips:
1. Make sure hinge bolts are not exposed on the outside.
2. Have a good quality, properly mounted locks that can be dead-locked.
3. Have a 'peephole' to identify visitors without opening the door.
4. Use door chains that can be locked from the outside.
5. Have chain-type door stops to prevent doors from being pushed open if unlocked.
6. Know where all your keys can be found.
7. Change your locks if keys go missing.
8. Use window locks and catches that are in good working order.
9. Have extra locks on easy-access windows.
10. Minimize objects outside your home such as ladders and garbage bins that could be used to enter. Trellises and low roofs can also be used; plan accordingly.
11. Examine openings that give access to your home.
12. Keep the garage locked to prevent theft and burglars using tools to break in.
13. When leaving for the evening, leave lights on and televisions on in one or two areas.
14. Store valuables in a safety deposit box at the bank or trust company.
15. Keep records of serial numbers and identifying marks on valuables. If they are stolen, you will be able to prove ownership.
16. Give your home a 'lived in' appearance when on vacation. Have neighbours call the police if they see anything suspicious. Stop all deliveries (eg. newspapers) and have neighbours pick up other mail. Also, use an automatic timer to turn lights on and off at designated times.
17. In apartments: Refer unknown persons to superintendents and advise your superintendent on times your apartment is vacant. Report suspicious persons to either your superintendent or the police.
18. In houses: Have a close neighbour know when your home is vacant and report suspicious persons around your home.