Personal Home Security Precautions
- Always stay alert and be aware of personal security. Be self-assured; keep your head up when walking and make eye contact with people approaching you. Don’t look like an easy target.
- Listen to and act on your intuition. It's better to be safe and risk a little embarrassment, than stay in an uncomfortable situation that may compromise your security.
- Have your keys ready when approaching your car or building. Put a security whistle on your key ring and don’t be afraid to use it if you are accosted or threatened.
- If you are in danger or being attacked and want to get help, yell "Call 911!" or give specific directions to onlookers; for example: "You! Get the police!" or "Walk me to the store on the corner, I'm being followed."
- Try to not overload yourself with packages. If you must have your hands full, visualize how you would respond if approached, how you would get your hands free, etc. Ask if the store can help you to your vehicle.
- If you suspect that someone is following you, by foot or in a car, don't go home. Go to a trusted neighbor or to a public place to call police, or directly to police station.
- Be very careful using outside ATMs at night or in unfamiliar surroundings. Check out the surroundings before you leave your vehicle. If you’re uncomfortable, drive away.
- If you wear a purse with a shoulder strap, keep it tucked under your arm when walking. Be prepared to let it go if snatched, otherwise you may be hurt if the mugger knocks you down and drags you while fleeing with your purse.
- If someone approaches you in a parking lot or isolated area… Stay alert, keep walking and prepare to run if necessary, look for others who can help.
- Vary your routine: drive or walk different routes every day.
- If you are mugged, don’t fight to protect property or money.
Security In Your Home
- Have lights in all entrances.
- Have good locks (deadbolt) on all doors and windows.
- Use timers to turn lights and radios on when you are not home (noise is a great security enhancement). Stop mail and newspaper delivery when you are out of town.
- Do not use your first name on your mailbox or in the phone directory – use your first initial. Don’t use a message on your answering machine that says you’re away from home or on vacation, etc.
- Know which of your neighbors you can trust in an emergency.
- Check who is at the door before opening it, and do not open the door to an unexpected visitor. Do not let strangers into your home to use the phone. Offer to make the call for them.
- Don't hide extra keys in easily accessible places. Criminals will find them.
- Never give personal information to telephone solicitors.
Carbon Monoxide Monitors and Safety
Unlike fire and burglary, carbon monoxide can be an invisible, almost undetectable threat to your family and home. If you live in a home with gas logs, hot tub, or other gas-enabled appliances or have an attached garage — you need to be aware of this threat. Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless and causes symptoms — fatigue, nausea, headache, dizziness — that may be confused with flu or other symptoms.
Every year, more than 200 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning and another 5,000 need hospital treatment. The very young and old, pregnant women, unborn babies, and people with heart and respiratory problems are especially vulnerable.
Listed below are some helpful tips to safeguard your family and home from this harmful gas.
- Any fuel-burning appliance can emit carbon monoxide gas, so be sure such appliances are vented directly to the outside and keep fresh air circulating in your home.
- Have your heating system checked for carbon monoxide emissions before the heating season begins and consider installing a carbon monoxide detector.
- Check your kitchen range, fireplaces and water heater for carbon monoxide emissions periodically.
- If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney cleaned and inspected every year, crack a window or door slightly to allow proper airflow, and keep the damper open until the fire is completely out.
- Never run your car engine for more than a few moments in a garage or other enclosed area, even if the door is open.
