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HOME SECURITY SURVEY If you answer yes to most or all the questions on the following survey, your home is probably as secure as possible. If you answer no to more than a few questions, you may be too vulnerable. DOORS Does door have 180 degree peephole? Are inside locks at least 40" from glass? Are entrance doors solid core? Do entrance doors have 1" deadbolt locks? Are outside hinge pins non-removable? Does door securely fit jamb? Is door jamb tightly fastened? Is striker plate securely fastened to jamb with 2'/2" screws? Does bolt extend sufficiently into striker plate? Have locks been changed or rekeyed since you've moved in? WINDOWS Have double hung windows been pinned? Do metal windows have auxiliary locks? Can windows left open for ventilation be secured? Do basement windows have auxiliary locks? Do curtains fully cover windows? a a Is window air conditioner secured from inside? GARAGE Does door close tightly? Does overhead door have a quality track padlock? Is hasp of good quality, installed without screws showing? Do you keep overhead door closed and locked when not in use? Do you remove vehicle keys when garage is locked? Can garage light be turned on from inside house? EXTERIORS Do you belong to a Neighborhood Watch Program? Are shrubs cut below window level? Are tree limbs cut above window level? Is residence number visible from street? Is front door well-lit? Is back door well-lit? Are bicycles, mowers, ladders,etc. kept inside? VACATIONS Do you stop deliveries? Do you leave shades and blinds in normal position? Do you notify neighbors? Do you set light timers? Do you have someone take care of your yard? Do you have your mail picked up? ADDITIONAL CHECKS Do you keep most of your cash in the bank? Do you keep a list of all valuable property, credit cards and serial numbers in a safe place? Have you engraved valuable property with your driver's license number? SMALL BUSINESS SECURITY Small
businesses are targets in more than half of the commercial
burglaries committed in Alberta. Many of these burglaries occur
because someone leaves an "open door" for the thief.
Crimes against businesses are usually crimes of opportunity. When
you make it easy for someone to steal from you, chances are, someone
will.
Leave some lights on inside your premises. If the door is wholly or partially made of glass, the doorway should be lit up inside and outside. Clean Up Avoid high displays near windows that could keep a passerby from seeing in. Keep all weeds, shrubbery and debris away from windows and doors. Don't provide concealment or climbing platforms for a burglar. Lock up ladders and all tools that could invite a break-in or make a burglar's job easier. Sound-Off Install an Alarm System. Deal with a reputable alarm company. Do not rely on your alarm system as your only means of security. They are most effective when used in conjunction with other basic security measures. Post signs and stickers that shows you have an alarm system. Be Safe Keep cash to a minimum with frequent, irregular bank deposits. Don't expect a "fire safe" to do the job of a "burglar-resistant" safe. Anchor your safe to the floor in a well-lit, highly visible location. Leave empty cash drawers open after hours to prevent damage. Keep an accurate inventory of all valuables. Lock Up Install deadbolt locks on all outside doors. Check all doors and windows routinely at closing time. Make sure padlocks are solidly mounted and never left open...even on an open door. Unlocked padlocks can be removed and replaced by a would-be burglar, enabling easy access at a later time. Check door and window frames for looseness or rotting. Repair them immediately. Practice good key security. Sign out all keys and collect them when employees leave your company. Never label keys indicating what they're for - use a code. When doors swing outwards, use non-removable hinge-pins. Reinforce rear and side doors with crossbars, and install grating or bars on rear and side windows. Don't neglect roof openings, air ducts, skylights, hatchways, doorway transoms, sidewalk and basement openings. Don't lock a burglar inside when you leave. Inspect all closets, bathrooms and other hiding places.
Despite what some may say, seniors are not more likely to be victimized by crime, but it is important to take a few sensible precautions. WHEN LEAVING FOR A FEW DAYS OR LONGER: Make arrangements for paper delivery and mail to be stopped or picked up. Have neighbors check your house and move some of the curtains daily. Utilize a light timer for radio and lights. Have someone mow your lawn. Consider having neighbors use your driveway to park their car. TRANSFER THE RISK Use the purse and separate wallet system. MEN Carry two wallets - one that is Empty and the real wallet in a less accessible place. Don't leave your purse in a shopping cart. Carry a strapless purse for your physical safety. Don't resist an attacker to keep your purse. Carry your keys in a pocket rather than your purse. Keep items of value at home, not in your purse or wallet. Keep a separate list of credit card numbers, social Insurance, etc. After receiving money, put it out of sight - don't flash it around. Carry only enough cheques to cover your needs for the day. Remember the buddy system - go with a friend. IF YOUR HOME HAS BEEN BROKEN INTO DURING YOUR ABSENCE DO NOT enter the house - the culprit(s) might still be inside. Instead use a neighbor's phone and call the police IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT touch anything - wait until the police arrive. DO have a record of serial numbers of missing items. (Articles without serial numbers should be marked with your own identification number). This is your best chance to get your property back. IF YOU ARE HOME DURING A BREAK-IN Avoid confrontation with culprit's) at all costs. Should a confrontation occur, do not resist. Quietly get out of the house if you can and call 911 from a neighbors. If you are unable to leave your house, dial 911. State your address and your emergency. Do not hang up the phone. Nothing else has to be said, assistance will arrive shortly. STRANGERS AT YOUR DOOR Install a peephole and good door locks. Don't let strangers into your home. If you are home; answer the door (at your descression) - you may prevent a housebreaker who thinks you're not at home, or from inside advise individual you are busy and unable to open door. Always lock your front door when you are in the back yard. DRIVING HABITS Don't pick up hitch hikers. Check your back seat prior to getting into the vehicle. Have the key you need ready as you come to a locked door. It prevents fumbling. Lock your car door as soon as you get in. Keep your doors locked even while driving. Don't put your name or address on your keys. EMERGENCY STOPS Put on four way flashers. Honk your horn if accosted or to attract attention. Roll your window down only enough to talk to a passerby who makes enquiries. ROBBERY Don't resist. Call the police as soon as possible. Don't carry weapons. They can be used against you. Try to recall as much detail as possible about the culprit's). Do not take short cuts through laneways or parking lots at night. Stay on well lighted streets. If walkinq,walk facing the traffic. SAFETY FOR CHILDREN Children should always carry at least 50 cents with them in case they need to make phone calls in an emergency Children who suspect someone is following them should run to a public place such as a mall or restaurant for help. Children should not wear clothing with their name on it visible to strangers. If a stranger calls the child by name, the child may think it's OK to go with them. Develop a code word with your children if you need to have someone else give them a message. Only people directly involved with your child should have the code word, on a need-to-know basis. Teach your child not to use back lanes as a short cut. For babysitters: when unexpected delivery or repairmen shows up, ask them to show their I.D. at the window before letting them in. It is a good idea to double check with the company on the card and the children's parents if they can be reached. DO IT YOURSELF To prevent slider windows from being lifted out, simply add a
few small
Removing the cranks on a crank style window will prevent anyone from open it from the outside. |