Community safety begins with personal safety and responsibility. Part of being safe is knowing what possible dangers or hazards there are and taking steps to prevent them
Here are a few home security tips that will minimise the risk of you or your family becoming the next victim.
* Know who you allow on your premises, service contractors such as construction workers, gardeners etc can easily use the time they have access to your premises to “scout out” vulnerabilities.
* Light up dark or secluded areas around the house, if you are concern about the impact on your monthly electricity bill, consider investing in a quality solar flood or street lights, some of them can provide light all night (from dust till dawn)
* Leave your FRONT PORCH LIGHT ON through the night.
* Consider getting dog(s)
* Consider getting a security camera system (CCTV) for your home. Prices for these systems have fallen significantly over the years, quality (1080p HD resolution) DIY systems can be had for as low as US$200 on Amazon.com (plus shipping), these systems have motion sensors and allow access to video feed of your property from anywhere in the world over the internet viewable on tablets, smartphones and PCs .
* Consider getting a burglar alarm system – There are a number of excellent burglar alarm systems available w/ or w/out monthly monitoring service. If you feel the level of risk warrants it, consider using them.
* Trim bushes around your home to limit hiding places.
* Know your neighbours, at least the neighbours on each side of your property and exchange cellphone numbers.
* Be aware and alert. Know the cars and the people that are normally on your street.
* Report suspicious activities to the police at 984-3164 (Spanish Town police station).
* Decals are often a good deterrent. Security decals such as “Protected By King Alarm” or “Beware of Dogs”, or even a neighbourhood watch signs can make would-be burglars think twice. Get them even if you don’t have a security service or dogs at home.
* Use interior door hinges – Many homes in our community STILL have exterior door hinges facing outside of the house, an intruder can easily knock out the hinge pin to gain entry. For optimal home security, remove the door and reset the hinges so that they are on the inside of the house or atleast grill those doors.
* Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors, they should have at least 1 inch thick dead bolt locks.
* Give the appearance that your house is occupied – Use automatic timers to turn on and off lights or radio while you are away to give would be burglars the impression that someone is at home.
* This home security tip everyone has heard, but many still ignore, DO NOT leave spear keys in flower pots, under door mats etc, continue doing so at your own peril.
Have some additional tips to share? Feel free to send them.