The Off Duty Network - Public Safety Education

Answering the Door or Phone

• Don't open the door to stranger.  (If someone needs help, don't let them in.  Offer to place a call for them

• If a delivery or repair person arrives without notice, ask for their name and the phone number of their company.  Then check with the company before unlocking the dorr.

• If you are listed in the phone book, use your initials instead of your first name.  Do not list your address.

• If you get prank phone calls, hang up at once.  Call your local phone company for advice.

• Never give information to wrong number callers.  Ask "What number are you calling?"

Protect Your Keys

DO's

• Do give a spare key to a trusted friend or neighbor in case you get locked out.

• Do change your locks immediately if you lose your keys.

DON'Ts

• Don't hide keys anywhere outside.  A burglar might find them.

• Don't put your name or address on your key ring.

Keeping Your Home Safe

• Remove or prune bushes that hide windows and doors.  Don't give someone trying to break into your home a hiding place.

• Light your outside entrances, garage doors, pathways, stairwells and trash and parking areas. 

• Put only your first initial and last name on mailboxes and building directories.  If you live alone, list a fictitious roomate.

• Report any street lamps that are not working to your local utility company.

• Don't leave ladders or tools outside.  A burglar could use them to break in.

Securing your home

• Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer so you can see who is outside.

• Be sure that outside doors are solid metal or hardwood - never glass or mostly glass.

• Use more that a doorknob lock or chain lock.  You should also have a deadbolt with at least a 1-inch throw ( the bolt that sides into the door frame).

• Use dead bolt locks that are "keyed" (not thumb turning on inside) on both sides on doors with glass in them.

• Be sure that all windows have a locking device.

• Check at the hardware store for locks that will work for your type of windows.  Also ask about installing steel pins; they stop some types of windows from opening fully.  Be sure if you use these pins that are easily removed in case YOU need to get out, as in a fire.

• Remember to secure your basement and attic windows.