Here is a checklist of things you can do to make your home safer.
- Get to know your neighbors. Alert neighbors are a major help for home security.
- Do not leave a house key under a mat, in the mailbox or in any other obvious hiding area near the door.
- Post emergency numbers by the phone.
- Keep doors locked at all times.
- Know who has keys to your house.
- Change the locks when moving into a new home.
- Change the locks when personnel with keys leave.
- Motion detector lighting is a good deterrent in the yard.
- Plant thick, prickly shrubs close to basement and ground windows to deter prowlers.
- Never let anyone lure you out of your home.
- Your bedroom door should have a lock. You should also have a telephone in your bedroom.
- Make sure your house number is visible day and night-on all streets or alleys.
- Secure roof openings and exhaust systems.
- Bolt window air-conditioning units to wall to prevent them from being easily removed from the outside.
- Make sure all outside doors to your house have keyed knob sets and deadbolt locks.
- Always lock the doors when you leave the house and when you return.
- Use security bars for added protection on sliding patio doors and entry doors.
- Choose padlocks that are highly resistant to weather and the elements if they are going to be used outside.
- Always lock gate, garage, shed, and storage doors.
- If you are unsure of home security products, consult a locksmith or home security specialist.
- Don't leave valuables where they can be seen from the windows.
- Don't keep large amounts of cash or valuable jewelry around the house. Use a safety deposit box or a safe.
- Keep blinds or drapes closed at night.
- Consider installing a security/alarm system in your home.
by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of Service Magic
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