N.C. Lock Service LLC Personal Security
Residential security is a critical component of any personal security program. The following guidelines should be used in reviewing your residential security.
- All entrances, including service doors and gates, should have quality locks -- preferably deadbolt.
Check your:
- Front Door
- Rear Door
- Garage Door(s)
- Service Door(s)
- Patio Door
- Sliding Glass Door
- Gate
- Swimming Pool Gate
- Guest House Door(s)
- Don't leave keys hidden outside the home. Leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor or colleague.
- Keep doors locked even when you or family members are at home.
- Have window locks installed on all windows. Use them.
- Lock louvered windows--especially on the ground floor.
- Have locks installed on your fuse boxes and external power sources.
- If you have window grilles and bars, review fire safety. Don't block bedroom windows with permanent grilles if the windows may be used for emergency egress.
- If you have burglar or intrusion alarms, check and use them.
- Keep at least one fire extinguisher on each floor, and be sure to keep one in the kitchen. Show family members and household help how to use them.
- Periodically check smoke detectors and replace batteries when necessary.
- Keep flashlights in several areas in the house. Check the batteries often, especially if you have children in your home. (They love to play with flashlights!)
- A family dog can be a deterrent to criminals. But remember, even the best watch-dog can be controlled by food or poison. Do not install separate doggy doors or entrances. They also can admit small intruders.
- Choose a location that offers the most security. The less remote, the safer your home will be, particularly in a neighborhood close to police and fire protection.
- Know your neighbors. Develop a rapport with them and offer to keep an eye on each other's homes, especially during trips.
- If you observe any unusual activity, report it immediately.
- Establish safe family living patterns. If you understand the importance of your contribution to the familys overall security, the entire household will be safer.
- While at home, you and your family should rehearse safety drills and be aware of procedures to escape danger and get help.
- Educate family members in the proper way to answer the telephone at home.
- Vary daily routines; avoid predictable patterns.
- Know where all family members are at all times.
- Use these same guidelines while in travel status.
Security Do's for Children
- Teach children never to admit strangers into the home.
- Teach children local emergency phone numbers. Make sure younger children know their name, address, and phone number.
- Caution teenagers about blind dates or meeting anyone they do not know.
- Teach younger members of your family not to open mail or packages.
- Teach young children how to answer the telephone so that they do not give out personal information, such as home address, absence of adults, etc.
- Teach children how to say no to strangers.
- Teach children how to exit the house in case of emergency.
More Security Tips
- Be alert. Don't assume that you are always safe. Think about your safety everywhere. Your best protection is avoiding dangerous situations.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, leave.
- Always walk, drive, and park your car in well-lit areas.
- Walk confidently at a steady pace on the side of the street facing traffic.
- Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys.
- Wear clothes and shoes that allow freedom of movement.
- Walk to your car with keys in your hand.
- If you have car trouble, raise the hood and stay inside your car. If a stranger wants to help, have him or her call for help. Don't leave your car.
- Keep your car doors locked and never pick up hitchhikers.
- Make sure all windows and doors in your home are locked, especially if you are home alone.
- Never give the impression that you are home alone if strangers telephone or come to the door.
- If a stranger asks to use your phone, have him wait outside while you make the call.
- If you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, don't go in. Go to the nearest phone and call your local law enforcement authorities.
