Home Security
- Use and maintain adequate outside lighting (front, rear, and sides).
- Keep shrubs trimmed away from house.
- Outside doors should be solid wood or metal.
- Have good deadbolt locks on all outside doors.
- Have a peep hole on doors - especially front doors.
- Use bars and other items to secure and reinforce glass doors and windows.
- Don't hide keys outside.
- Have smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in several areas of the house.
- Have escape ladders for all 2nd floor rooms.
- Have an alarm system or watchdog to help deter criminals.
- Secure outside fuse boxes, utility switches and valves.
- Have a safe room with a solid door and lock, phone and radio (rooms without windows such as bathrooms are best).
- Keep emergency numbers posted by the phone, and program into speed dial (not necessary for 911).
- Use timers for lights, TVs, and radio.
- Stop delivery of mail, newspapers, etc.
- Tell a trusted neighbor or the police that you will be away.
- Don't leave notes on the door.