Safety Tips
Let your light shine
Make sure the outside of your house is well lit. If you need more light in your neighborhood, ask the local city authorities to fix existing streetlights and add new ones. When you're not home, leave some lights on inside as well.
Lock the door
Make sure you have dependable dead-bolt locks for your doors and durable window latches.
Get rid of hiding places
Don't provide a hiding place for potential burglars. Keep tall hedges and foliage trimmed down to the windowsills.
See who's at the door
Install a peephole or door viewer with magnifying lenses. You will be able to see who's at the door without opening it.
Take note
Whether you're at home or away, don't put notes on the door.
On your mark
Mark your valuables to make them easier for the police to identify and return them to you if they are stolen. A driver's license number with a state abbreviation, or other personalizing mark, works best. Keep a record of everything you mark for yourself.
Make your house seem busy
Turn on the TV or stereo when you're away from home. It may help deter burglars if they think someone is home.
Don't let them in
Make sure your garage door and door from the garage to the house are locked to help protect your valuables and help keep potential burglars out.
Leave a car in the driveway
Park your car in the driveway or ask a trusted friend or neighbor to park there. It can make potential burglars think someone is home and help prevent them from using your driveway for easy loading.
Watch where you put the keys
If possible, it's best not to leave spare keys outside. Burglars know all the good hiding places to check - under the welcome mat, flowerpot and on ledges.
Have someone watch your home
Tell trusted friends or neighbors when you will leave and return, and ask them to pick up your newspapers and mail while you're away. If you'll be gone more than a few days, have someone care for your lawn and plants.
Work with your neighbors
Organize a crime watch program with your neighbors. The local police may be able to help you get started.
Crime Facts
- According to the FBI, a burglary happens every 14 seconds. 1
- Burglaries are 2 to 3 times more likely in homes without a security system.2
- 85% of police officials surveyed feel that a monitored security system can help you avoid burglary attempts.3
Fire Facts
- In 2007, the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency reported that 84% of fire deaths happened at home.4
- 65% of home fire deaths that were reported from 2000 to 2004 occurred in homes where there was no smoke alarm or no working smoke alarm.4
Medical Facts
- An injury resulting in death happens in a home every 14 minutes and a disabling injury occurs every 4 seconds.5
- Falls, poisoning, choking, drowning and fires, flames and smoke are the five top causes of fatal injuries.5
References
- Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2007 National Crime Report
- Simon Hakim, Temple University
- International Association of Chiefs of Police
- National Fire Protection Association
- National Safety Council
