HOME SECURITY TIPS

How secure is your home
Have you ever wondered how secure is your home from intruders? Have you considered the possibility that your home may not be that protected and vulnerable to theft and break-in? As far as safety is considered your primary consideration should be the safety of you and your family. When a potential danger exists, take precautions and follow the common sense security guidelines. A good approach is to concentrate on making the home a risky target for intruders, think from the point of view of the intruder, and find out the weak points of your house and instill security awareness into each family member.

First step is to survey your home and life-style
To begin your security surveys look into the lifestyle and habits of each and every family member. Try to find out possible weak spots and think from the angle of the intruder. Take the help and co-operation of each member while doing the survey and suggest ideas to minimize the risks that are identified. The survey can point out the physical and human weaknesses that may put the family in danger. Begin your survey by considering the following points.

If you live in an apartment building check the following points:

• Check the access gates, elevators, and parking spaces.
• There should be limited access to apartment balconies and porches.
• Public access places should be sufficiently illuminated after dark.
• Garage doors should always be kept locked.
• Doors should have peepholes and proper latches.

If you live in a private residence check the following points:

• Install solid core entrance door with iron gates and peepholes.
• Secure sliding glass doors with a bar, pin the frames so they cannot be lifted off the track. Be sure windows are properly installed with locks or pins, grills or bars and shutters.
• Never put identification tags on your key rings.
• Make sure that you get enough clear lines of sight from all windows and doors.
• Illuminate residence perimeters and driveway approaches properly.
• Use sodium vapor and quartz lamps for security lighting for a high intensity output.
• Make sure all entrance door hinges are heavy duty and are made more secure with pins.
• Restrict keys, both home and office, to those who actually need them, don't hide a spare key under the mat or in the mailbox.

The second step is to prepare yourself and your family
It is very essential for your home security planning that awareness be incorporated in the minds of all the family members. Make sure that you never discuss home security and family emergency plans outside the home. Instruct younger family members to be cautious of strangers. Teach them not to open the door to strangers when home alone unless they know the person or there is a scheduled visitor. If forced entry is attempted, lock the door, phone for help, and go to your safe room. Do not attempt to confront or corner an intruder, call for help or get out of the house. Always answer the phone with a simple hello and establish the identity of the caller first before giving out information such as your name and address and who is at home. Children should be instructed to never reveal anything if they are home alone.

Third step is to teach children safety measures
Teach children never to talk to strangers and not to let them touch them and Refuse rides from strangers. Teach them to report suspicious people or incidents and how to call for help and police. Teach your children to never play in isolated areas and to travel in groups. Make it clear to them that they should always inform you when going out and also inform you where they are going and with whom they are going. If possible tell them to give you a contact number if possible.