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DOs & DON'Ts of Home Security
DO . . .
- Use the security devices you have, eg. lights, locks, alarms, etc.
- Leave lights on inside and out when you go out for the evening.
- Have all emergency (police, fire, medical, poison, work) phone numbers next to your phone(s).
- (Women) If you have to carry a purse, make it a small one and only carry what is absolutely necessary. If you can avoid it at all, do not carry one. Carry money and credit cards in front pants pockets.
- Check with the manager before letting repair personnel into your apartment.
- Close your drapes/blinds in the evening hours.
- Be suspicious of people loitering around your house, apartment complex, or the parking lot. Trust your instincts.
- If it seems suspicious, strange or peculiar, call the police immediately.
DON'T . . .
- Keep large sums of money in your home. If you do, keep it in a locked, fire-proof safe.
- Carry large sums of money while you are out.
- Let strangers in to use your telephone. Have them wait outside and you make the call for them.
- Undress in front of open windows.
- Leave notes on your door saying, "Out, be back soon."
- Hide keys outside near the door. Leave one with a trusted neighbor instead.
- Display expensive equipment (computers, stereo systems, etc.) or items in plain view through your windows.
- Use your name or telephone number on your answering machine message, and do not state that, "We are not home now...."
- Answer personal questions on telephone surveys.
- Give out personal information over the telephone to anyone that you do not know.
- Admit service representatives from utility company's unless you have an appointment or can verify their authenticity, either by identification and/or a uniform they may be wearing.