OUTSIDE

• Prune lower limbs from trees near house.
• Trim bushes so windows are visible to neighbors.
• High fences shield burglars from sight.
• Lock up your ladders and tools.
• Trellises help a burglar climb to a second story. Porches and entrances should be well lit.
• Your house number should be clearly visible for police and firemen.

DOORS & WINDOWS

• Entry doors should be solid core wood that is at least 1-3/4" thick, or metal.
• Doors should fit tightly. 1/8 clearance maximum.
• Doors with glass panels should have a break resistant plastic panel or a metal grill.
• Sliding doors need special locks or a wooden strip in track to block door from opening.
• Install no door hinges outside where they can be easily unscrewed.
• Use a dead-bolt door lock with a strike plate attached by 3" screws.
• A rim-mounted lock with bolt affords good protection. Attaches to door with long screws
• Police locks on rear and basement doors.
• Padlocks must be sturdily constructed. Hasp must be bolted, not screwed.
• Use special locks for double hung windows.
• Use metal grills on vulnerable windows.

VACATION CHECK

• Advise police that you will be away.
• Have your neighbor pick up packages
• Have a friend pick up mail and newspapers daily.
• Use timers to turn on lights automatically.
• Hide garbage cans in garage or basement.
• Double check locks on all windows and doors.
• Leave your shades and blinds in their normal position.
• Turn bell on telephone low so burglar will not hear it ringing.
• Stop deliveries of papers and magazines.

KEYS

• Never carry identification tags on your keys.
• Don’t hide keys outside.
• Have locks rekeyed or changed when moving.
• Keep daily routines confidential.
• Don’t put valuables where visible.
• Don’t let strangers into your home to use the phone.
• Be aware that wrong numbers or telephone surveys may be used by burglars to "case" your home.
• Avoid listing name or address in newspaper advertisements.
• On the day of a funeral you should always have a sitter in your home.

Mark a special identification number (from Police Dept.) on all valuable possessions. Use an electric engraving pen. Place Operation Identification stickers on your window.

In case your home or apartment appears to have been broken into, don’t go inside. Call the police.

Carefully consider installing an electronic security system if your home contains valuables, is in an isolated area, or if you want more protection in the ’90s.

Copyright 1999 Huronia Alarm & Fire Security Inc.