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Home Safety
Do This, Not That
Home Security
According to the FBI:
• 13% of homes are burglarized a year.
• A home is invaded every 12 seconds.
• Most home burglaries occur between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• 85% of all break-ins occur through the door.
• 67% of all burglaries involved forcible entry. Door frame failure is usually the cause.
Most home burglaries are the work of amateurs who are looking for a quick way in and out. Follow tips in this section to keep your home as secure as possible. Also, keep others from finding out when you will be on vacation. For example, do not post your whereabouts on social networks. It is best to not leave a spare key under the doormat, in a fake rock, or in a flower pot next to the door. Instead, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or nearby friend.
General Guidelines
Do This
Install a peephole in entry doors or look out a window so you can see who is at the door before opening it.
Not That
Do not open the door for strangers, sales people, or workers you did not contact for service. Ask for ID before letting service people in the house.
Do This
If you do not already have a home security system, consider installing one. Consider installing a movement and sound sensor, too.
Not That
Do not leave doors, doorwalls, and garage doors opened or unlocked. Do not leave an extra key in an easy to find place.
Do This
Keep your doors locked. Teach your children and babysitters to keep doors locked, too.
Not That
Do not make it easy for strangers to enter your house.
Do This
Turn porch lights on at night and/or install motion sensor lights. Preset automatic timers on lights to make it look like someone is home after dark.
Not That
Do not leave shades and curtains open at night.
Do This
Take part in a neighborhood crime watch. Ask a trusted neighbor to look out for your house when you are away. Return the favor.
Not That
Don’t let shrubs in front of windows grow higher than 3 feet tall. High and dense shrubs make it easier for a burglar to hide.
Do This
Arrange for someone to mow your lawn, rake your leaves, and shovel your snow while you are away. If you can, leave a car parked in your driveway.
Not That
Do not let mail and newspapers pile up when you are away. Ask a relative, trusted neighbor, or friend to pick these up.
Do This
If older children are home alone after school or at other times, check on each other with phone calls and text messages.
Not That
Do not allow children to reveal that they are home alone through social media or online.
Do This
Close and lock windows and doorwalls. Put a wood or metal dowel or rod that fits end-to-end in the track of the doorwall or window slide.
Not That
Do not leave windows open. Do not let your purse or valuables be seen from outdoors through windows, doorwalls, or glass doors.
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