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.