Personal Safety & Security
Home Safe Home
Regardless of age, you'll want to make sure your home is a safe place when you're there, and a secure place when you're not.
* Make sure you have a peep hole installed in your front door, as well as an easy-to-use deadbolt system.
* Keep the exterior of your house well lit.
* Do not depend on the automatic garage door closer to lock your garage. Unless locked, overhead doors can be easily rolled up by an intruder.
* If you are a single woman living alone, avoid publishing your first name in the telephone directory or listing it on your mailbox. Use an initial for your first name or consider adding a fictitious name to yours.
* When you're planning a trip, remember to stop delivery of your mail and newspaper.
* Buy a few timers or light-sensitive sockets that will light your house at night when you're not there.
* When approaching your house from the outside, do not fumble with your keys at the door. Make certain you have the key in your hand so that you can enter quickly.
* If you receive suspicious calls, hang up. If the annoyance continues, contact the police and the telephone company.
* When having your car serviced or valet parked, lock your glove department and give the attendant only your ignition key. This prevents someone from making a copy of your full-use automobile key and other keys which may be on your normal key ring. (Remember: your home address is on the registration in your glove box).
