- Restrict possession of house keys and
maintain accountability of all duplicates.
- Do not hide keys outside.
- Lock all entrances, especially at night.
- Install double cylinder dead bolt locks if
doors have glass panels nearby. Ensure all other doors have dead
bolt locks. Consider auxiliary locks.
- Keep shrubs and trees near the house trimmed
low, below the window level, and keep windows locked.
- Destroy all envelopes and/or any item that
reflects your name and personal information.
- Maintain friendly relations with neighbors.
- Arrange for an unlisted telephone number.
- Be alert to probing telephone calls.
- Be alert to persons (e.g. utility company
employees, etc) that request to gain access to the residence.
Check identification through the peephole.
- Be cautious of any salesman or strangers in
your neighborhood.
- Write down license plate numbers of
suspicious vehicles, note vehicle and occupants’ descriptions.
- Report all suspicious activity to the local
police.
- Never eat candy or food items delivered to
the residence from an unknown source.
- Treat with suspicion all inquiries about the
whereabouts or activities of other family members.
- Never accept the premise of coincidence or
innocent accident involving strangers.
- Be alert to the unexpected in and around
your home. Be suspicious if something has been moved, left
unlocked, or does not look right.
- Familiarize yourself with neighborhood
vehicles, noting normal parking arrangements.
- Vary your route when coming to and going
home.
- Refuse unordered package deliveries – no
exceptions, and do not open suspicious mail.
- Participate in a neighborhood watch program
if available.
- Install and maintain good exterior
lighting. Consider motion sensor activated lights.
- Use timers for inside and outside lights
when away from residence.
- Install and use a home alarm system, and
test it quarterly.
- Position flashlights throughout the house.
- Keep portable fire extinguishers handy and
in good condition. Install smoke/heat detectors on every level
and near sleeping areas, and check them quarterly. Conduct fire
drills.
- Keep a cell phone in the bedroom. Consider
establishing a “safe room” to go to in emergencies.
- Memorize emergency telephone numbers, and
have them prominently displayed near telephones.
- If weapons are in the house, secure them,
use trigger locks, and keep them separate from the ammunition.
- Do not have your name on the mailbox.
- Stop mail and newspaper service when you are
away. Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway.
- Notify police of any extended absences from
the residence.
- Keep a cell phone with you when you are in
your vehicle.
- Do not use vanity plates. It helps identify
your car if you are being followed.
- Do not put bumper stickers or decals on your
car for the reason above.
- Park in well lit areas.
- Be alert to the possibility of being
followed. If you suspect you are being followed, make three right
turns. If the vehicle is still there, do not drive home, but call
the police and drive to a police station or public place.
- Do not stop for stranded motorists or
hitchhikers.
- Always maintain at least one half tank of
gas.
- Leave ample room between vehicles when
stopped to provide an escape route.
- Avoid leaving your vehicle on the street
overnight.
- Always check for suspicious persons before
getting out of your vehicle. If in doubt, drive away.
- Leave only the valet key for the parking
attendant.
- Know locations of safe havens on your
established route of travel.
- Always travel with a companion when
possible, especially when taking public transportation.
- If using a taxi, if possible, specify the
route you want the driver to take.
- Be constantly aware of your surroundings.
- Take responsibility for your own safety and
that of your family members.
- Discuss these issues with family members,
especially children.
- Remain vigilant! Don’t fall for the myths
that “It can’t happen to me”, “It’s not worth the hassle”, and “I
don’t have the time”.
|
|
