Safety & Security Tips

What is your Security Risk Factor?

• Have you had your home rekeyed since you moved in?
• Do you know how many keys to your new home are in existence and exactly who has them?
• Do all the locks in your home operate with a single key?
• If you have windows in or near your doors, are your locks at least 40 inches from any glass or do you have double cylinder deadbolts?
• Are all outside doors made of metal or solid wood?
• Do you have reinforced strikes and hinge pins secured to the frame of each exterior door to prevent them from being kicked in?
• Do you have door viewers (peep-holes) on all exterior doors?

Residential Security Tips

In these days of increasing incidents of crime it is not unnatural for any responsible home owner to feel some concern about the possible threat of burglary. While it is important to recognize such concerns, it is also important that they are kept in perspective. Remember, when they occur, almost 80% of burglaries are carried out by opportunists, not professionals, and almost when the house is empty. The vast majority of burglaries are therefore made where there is vacant, easy access and where the burglars can get in and out quickly. If they have to take time getting in or risk being seen then the chances are that they will not bother. By adopting simple and affective security precautions for your home you can deter and discourage such burglars and ensure added protection and safety for your home and family.

• Join a Neighborhood Watch One of the most effective and inexpensive ways to secure your home at the property line is to turn on the eyes and ears of your neighborhood. Community policing programs, like Neighborhood Watch, have shown great success in reducing property crime around the world. Burglars know when they're being watched. And they don't like it.
• Don't advertise your absence Put away items like sports equipment, lawn mowers, portable grills and bicycles. If you leave your possessions outside, burglars may start to wonder what you have inside.
• If you go on vacation Have your mail and newspaper delivery stopped and arrange to have your yard maintained and your driveway shoveled.
• Notify a neighbor or friend that you will be out of town and ask that they keep a watchful eye on your house. Ask them to park in your driveway or parking space to make it appear that you are home.
• Lock your car while it's in the driveway Always lock your car when it's in the driveway or parked in front of your house. Not only will you protect your car, you will prevent anyone from stealing your garage door opener, which would give them easy access to your home.
• Make sure that you include a deadbolt on the door leading from your garage to your house, in case anyone gains entry to your garage.
• Secure your windows. A common entry point for burglars is a ground level window at the side or rear of the house.

Commercial/Business Security Tips

When you go to work, don't leave your crime prevention sense at home. Almost any crime that can happen at home or in your neighborhood, can happen in the workplace. Here's some tips to prevent office crime.

Help Prevent Office Theft

• Keep your purse, wallet, keys or other valuable items with you at all times or locked in a drawer or closet.
• Check the identity of strangers who are in your office - particularly service people. Be sure they have a badge or other identification from the company they represent.
• Always let someone in the office know where you will be going and when you will be back--even if you are just leaving for lunch.
• If you bring personal items to work, such as CD player, be sure to mark them with your name or initials.
• Report any broken or flickering lights, doors that don't lock properly or broken windows. Do not assume someone else has already done it.

Security & Safety Tips Automotive

• Choose bright, visible areas to park your car.
• Have others accompany you to your car in unfamilar places.
• Have your car key in hand before getting to your vehicle.
• Check under your vehicle and in the back seat before entering your vehicle.
• Roll up all the windows and lock all the doors, when leaving your vehicle.
• Use a steering wheel lock to deter auto thefts.
• When stopped in traffic, leave space for a get away should anything suspicious happen.