How many times have you heard someone say that they're safe because
they live in a gated community, have an alarm on their car and
home, or live in a nice neighborhood? Some don't even lock the
doors to their home or car. It's understandable that this way of
thinking can result in someone becoming the victim of a crime.
What are the basics? They are the things we've become complacent
about because of alarm systems, security cameras, and high tech
equipment that we rely on to protect us, our home, our families,
and our possessions. We've become vulnerable because we expect
special equipment or someone else to take care of us. As any expert
will tell you, paying attention to the basics is what will help
keep us from becoming victims of crime.
In today's world of modern technology, one would think we would
be safe. However, the basics which we were taught as children are
what we all need to remember. Some of these basics are as follows:
-
Lock the doors and windows to
your home, all of them, including the door to the garage.
We've all heard people say that they don't bother to lock
the door to their home that is connected to the garage because
they think the automatic garage door will protect their home.
A change of frequency on a garage door opener could make
your home an easy target.
-
Keep your doors locked even
when you are at home.
-
Install outdoor lighting to
illuminate doors and windows. Lights with motion detectors
are very effective.
-
Check to make sure all doors
are installed properly, hinges to the inside, locks that
have at least a three-quarter to one inch throw, and a peephole
properly placed in the door.
-
Sliding glass doors should have
special locks mounted or a well-placed broomstick in
the track - - which will make it almost impossible to open.
The sliding doors also need the proper installation. Many
homeowners would be amazed to learn that sliding glass doors
are often installed improperly. All a burglar has to do is
lift the door out of the tracks and he is suddenly inside
your home.
-
Window air conditioning units
give a very easy point of entry if they are not installed
properly. If the A/C is not mounted to the frame, and secured
so that it cannot be easily removed, have it installed by
a professional. Easy points of entry make you a target.
-
Don't hide a spare key! If you
must have an extra key, give it to a trusted neighbor or
family member. Never place it under a front door mat for
a friend, vendor or family member. It's the first place a
burglar will look!
-
Remember to require vendors
to show proof of identification; uniforms are not enough.
Make sure you know who the caller is before you admit him
into your residence.
-
Never admit that you are home
alone.
-
Keep your shades and blinds
down, particularly at night.
-
Never open the door to a stranger.
Remember, no matter how strong a door is, once it is
open by even a crack, you become vulnerable.
-
If there is an emergency and
someone wishes to use your phone, get the phone number and
make the call for them.
-
Don't rely on others to protect
you. Get to know your neighbors, your community and your
surroundings. Be aware of who is in your community and report
any strange behavior. It is better to be safe than sorry.
-
Keep a list of emergency numbers
near your phone in the event they are needed. Never hesitate
to use 911 if you are, or even feel you are, in fear
of your life.
-
Don't leave your garage door
opener in your car. Breaking out a car window or accessing
your convertible with the top down can give a burglar easy
access to your residence.
-
If you have lost your keys,
have the locks changed. The alternative could be far more
expensive.
-
Don't carry your house key on
the same key ring as your car keys. Burglars have been known
to be valet attendants that use clay moulds to replicate
your keys.
Many people are first time homeowners and have always relied on
a landlord to ensure their safety. Others have just become complacent
with their surroundings and forget to double-check their homes.
Go back to the basics by inspecting your home to see what changes
need to be made. Many will be surprised that there is indeed a
point or two of vulnerability into their homes. The simple things
we do to protect ourselves may save our possessions and perhaps
even our lives.
