Keeping Your Home Safe

Here are some important tips for keeping your home as safe as possible.

1. Make sure your house numbers are clear and visible from the street both day and night. This is important to police officers responding to a call. If they can't find you, they can't help you! Lost minutes can be crucial.

2. Keep shrubbery around doors and windows trimmed back--don't give a burglar a place to hide.

3. Re-key locks when you move into a new home...even a newly constructed one.

4. Don't hide keys under your doormat or around your house. Everyone knows where to look! If keys are an issue (as with kids losing them), you can purchase a keyless entry lock at Home Depot for about $100. You punch in a code which disables the lock, then open the deadbolt.

5. Keep your house, windows, garage, and cars locked at all times. If possible, always park in the garage. Use a padlock to secure your gate. A criminal is less likely to jump a gate to gain access to your backyard.

6. Use security film on windows and door glass to prevent entry if shattered. Follow link for more information: http://www.diywindowsecurity.com/ Security film is also available through most home security companies.

7. Leave your porch light and coach lights (on the front of the garage) on every night. To cut down on electricity costs, install the new compact fluorescent light bulbs (available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Costco, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, etc.).

8. Don't answer the door for strangers! If you're expecting a repair person, ask for company identification. Don't use door chains as a substitute for a peephole or window from which you can clearly see someone at your door. Door chains can be pulled easily from the door with a forceful push.

9. If your garage door has windows along the top, install chicken wire behind them. A thief can easily break one window pane and use a wire coat hanger or other hook to grab the red release handle dangling there and instantly gain access to your garage.

10. Take photographs of all your valuable possessions and keep a log of serial numbers (to TV's, iPOD's, cameras, etc.).

11. Check smoke detectors regularly. Have an escape plan for your family and practice it regularly.