“Your Safety lies in your hands”
The Home Security Council released the following Home Security Safety Checklist for families to be aware of:
When we are at home, most of us usually neglect some important things before we sleep at night or before leaving our house for work or vacation.
At night, we should turn up lights in some areas of our house like porches and walkways and see to it that all doors and windows are locked up
In case of emergency, be sure everyone can open any door or window
* Make sure everyone can open all locks from inside your home.
* Don’t have deadbolt locks that lock with an inside key. You need to get out fast
if a fire starts. A missing key could trap you inside.
* Replace inside-key locks with deadbolt locks that have a “thumb turn” instead of
an indoor key.
* Make sure everyone in your family can reach the “thumb turn” latch.
* Have window locks that open from inside. Do not nail windows shut. Make sure
they open easily.
* If you have security bars on doors and windows, have a “quick-release” latch.
this makes it easy to get outside in an emergency.
* Make sure everyone in your family knows how to use the latch.
Don’t help intruders
* Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed under windows so burglars can’t hide.
* Keep ladders stored in a locked shed or garage so they can’t be used to climb
into your home.
* Keep shades or curtains closed over garage and shed windows.
* Keep shades or curtains closed over your home windows after dark.
* Don’t leave toys, tools and equipment in the yard.
When you’re gone a few days
* Make your home look like someone is there.
* Do yard work before you leave.
* Have a family member or friend bring in your mail and newspaper while you are
gone.
