Day-to-Day Safety Tips

• Avoid leaving valuables (coin collections, jewelry, large amounts of cash) at home.
• Be cautious about providing any information regarding yourself or your neighbors over the phone or in person.
• Do not leave keys hidden near exterior doors, under doormats, flower pots, inside the mailbox or other obvious places.
• Don't open your door to strangers. Ask for identification of people such as salesmen, repairmen, solicitors, etc.
• Keep emergency numbers near your phone for quick access.
• Keep tools, ladders, etc., in places inaccessible to potential burglars.
• Lock the doors to your home when working in the yard or a secluded part of your house. Keep your keys with you at all times.
• Make certain ALL doors and windows are locked before leaving (including garage).
• Never leave notes which can inform a burglar that your house is unoccupied.
• When moving to a new residence, hire a reliable locksmith to re-key all exterior doors. If possible, have the locksmith make the key to fit all locks.
• While away, have lights and a radio or television on a timer to give the appearance that the dwelling is occupied.

Safety Tips While on Vacation

• Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway, occasionally place garbage in your garbage can and dispose of any debris that accumulates on your property. If possible, have a neighbor mow your lawn or shovel your sidewalk when needed.
• Don't publicize your vacation plans.
• Have a neighbor pick up your mail daily. Do not discontinue newspaper deliveries. Have a neighbor collect them for you as well as any advertising circulars you may receive.
• If possible, tell a neighbor where you can be reached in an emergency.
• If you have a phone answering machine, do not leave specific information about your absence. Keep the message vague.
• If you return and find a door or window has been forced or broken while you were absent, do not enter. The criminal may still be inside. Go to a neighbor and call 9-1-1.
• Inform your neighbors when you leave and when you plan to return so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor so your house may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary the position of your shades and blinds. If possible, arrange for a friend or relative to "house-sit" for you while you are gone.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked so no one can see if your car is gone.
• Set the bell on your telephone on low so that it can't be heard from the street. If you have call-forwarding, forward your phone to a residence of a friend or family member (with their permission of course!).
• Use automatic timers to turn lights on at dusk and off at your bedtime. Vary the lights to be turned on and have a radio or TV on a timer. Never leave lights or the radio on constantly. Tune your radio to a talk show so that human voices are heard.