Home Security - Steps You Can Take

DOORS: Since most intruders enter a residence by physically compromising a door or frame, strong doors and frames are essential to your security. Lock your doors at all times, even if you are at home.

WINDOWS: Don’t make it easy for a burglar by leaving your windows unlocked. Locks that come with the windows are not effective. Purchase a sturdy lock and keep it locked.

HOUSE NUMBERS: Place your house number on the front of your house and on the fence outside your back gate if you have one. Use 6-inch high letters of reflective material or black on white. You may also consider placing your house number on the back of your home.

STREETLIGHTS: If your streetlights are not working, report it to the Water and Light Department at 875-2555.

LIGHTING: Light the outside of your house. Exterior lights are important, especially near doors, windows and in carports. Criminals do not like light and will avoid it.

LANDSCAPING: Keep the shrubbery trimmed. Thick, tall shrubbery provides cover for a burglar and lets him work undetected. Where possible, place thorny plants under windows and along fences.

DECALS & STICKERS: Mark your valuable possessions and post “Operation ID” decals on your windows. These, and other warning stickers, are deterrents to burglars. Engravers may be borrowed from your police department.

MAILBOX: Your mailbox should be located so it can be seen and observed by your neighbors. Put only your street address on the box, not your name.

WIDE ANGLE VIEWERS: Put a peephole in your front door and USE IT. Never open your door to a stranger. Make sure the viewer gives you at least 180 degrees of visibility. If there are children in your family, consider installing a second peephole at a height the children can use.

GARAGE DOOR: Keep it closed and locked. This helps protect valuable property stored in your garage and prevents access to interior doors to the house. An open garage is an invitation for a burglar.

GARAGE WINDOWS: Garage windows should be locked and reinforced with mesh screening. The should be covered with shades or blinds so a burglar cannot look inside for possible loot or for an indication of someone being home.

ARCADIA DOORS: Secure your patio doors, too. A broomstick, dowel, or finger-operated lock can help. A pintype lock or a key is better. Two or three screws in the overhead track will reduce the chance of lifting the door out of the track.

FENCES: Fences make it harder for a burglar to carry away large items, but are only effective if the gates are locked. Gates should always be locked.

WARNING SIGNS: A sign indicating an alarm system has been installed, that a dangerous dog is present, or other warning signs can be a good deterrent. To be effective signs must be of
sufficient size to attract attention and be in a conspicuous place.

PERIMETER LIGHTING: All sides of your home should be protected by security lighting. Attractive, low-wattage lighting may be an effective way to keep intruders from getting interested.

SIDE AND REAR WINDOWS: Windows that cannot be seen from the street because of location or fences are a favorite place of entry for burglars. These windows must be locked with secure locks. They may require the use of iron bars, grills, or special burglar resistant glass or plastic panes.

ROOF OPENINGS: All skylights, roof vent openings or any other potential ceiling entrance should be reinforced with metal bars or heavy screens.

STORAGE SHEDS: Storage sheds or outside buildings should be securely locked. Any tools or equipment which could help a burglar break into your house should be locked in the shed or in a locked garage.