Tips

Home Security Tips
  • Exterior doors should be strong enough to withstand excessive force.
  • All exterior doors should be secured with a deadbolt lock that has a minimum one-inch throw.
  • All strike plates and frames for exterior doors should be anchored to the home's main construction.
  • All exterior doors should fit snugly against the frame and all frames should be free of warping, cracks, and other signs of wear and tear.
  • The main entrance door should have a doorwide-angle (180 degree)viewer/peephole.
  • Sliding glass doors and windows should be secure against forcing the locks or from being lifted completely out of the frame.
  • High-risk windows (basement, garage, ground-level, partially or totally secluded, latched, etc.) should be secured sufficiently enough to discourage or impede possible intrusion.
  • Double-hung windows should be secured with pins or extra locks to discourage prying.
  • Trees and shrubs should be trimmed to allow visibility along the perimeter (particularly entries) of the house.
  • Timers (both interior and exterior) should be installed to activate lights in your absence.
  • All entrances (doors and windows) to your home should be well lit at night.
  • Your address should be posted on your house and be clearly visible from the street both night and day.
 
Going on Vacation?
  • Check all doors and windows to make sure they are securely locked. If any locks need to be replaced or reinforced, make these improvements before you leave.
  • Use automatic timers on interior lights. A timer can also be used on a portable radio.
  • Use photo electric cells (which screw into the light socket) on exterior lights. These devices will "automatically" turn lights on/off depending on the level of darkness.
  • If you will be gone for an extended period of time, arrange to have your lawn mowed. It is also a good idea to ask a neighbor to park a car in your driveway and to use your garbage container.
  • Make sure that items such as children's toys, ladders, lawn furniture, etc. are put away.
  • A trusted neighbor should be: Informed of your vacation plans; when you are leaving and expected return date. o Left with a key to your home so that the position of curtains, blinds can be changed. Also, ask that the newspapers, mail, etc. be picked up and placed in the house.
  • Inform neighbors on all four sides of when you'll be gone so that a complete look-out is maintained. Be selective, however, in announcing your plans to anyone else.
  • If you have an alarm system, make sure it's activated when you leave. Leave the alarm key with a neighbor and show them how to turn the system on and off.
 
ATM Safety Tips
  • Utilize an ATM located inside an open business whenever possible.
  • Avoid using street ATMs during night time hours.
  • Always be aware of suspicious persons or vehicles in the area of the ATM. Trust your gut feeling. If things don’t feel right, avoid that ATM.
  • Have ATM card out of your wallet or purse before approaching the ATM.
  • Don’t write your ATM personal identification number on your card or keep the number in your wallet.
  • When entering your personal identification number, try to keep the numbers from the view of others.
  • Don’t withdraw large amounts of cash.
  • Secure your money at the ATM. Don’t walk away with money in hand.
  • Always take your receipt with you.
  • If a robber demands your money, don’t argue or fight with the suspect. Note the robber’s description and give the robber the money.
  • Get away as soon as it is safe to do so. Remember the money is not worth getting hurt over.
  • Report all robberies to police as soon as possible by calling 911.
 
Pedestrian Safety Tips
  • Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the roadway, always walk facing traffic.
  • Dress to be seen. Wearing bright/light colored clothing helps drivers see you. Reflective clothing is the best.
  • Cross streets only at marked crosswalks or intersections.
  • If crossing a multiple lane roadway, pedestrians should visually clear each lane as they proceed.
  • If a car is parked where you are trying to cross, look for a driver who may pull out and not see you as he is looking for traffic.
  • Remember telephone poles, utility boxes and parked vehicles block on-coming drivers ability to see you.
    Look LEFT - RIGHT - LEFT prior to entering the street.
  • Give drivers ample time to stop prior to entering the crosswalk.
  • Crossing at locations that have traffic signals helps motorist see you.
  • Turn off your headphones while crossing the street, so you can hear approaching traffic.
  • Always hold a child by the hand while crossing the street and remember, WALK don't run.