Residential Security

Residential security is a critical component of any personal security program. The following guidelines should be used in reviewing your residential security.

❑ All entrances, including service doors and gates, should have quality locks— preferably deadbolt. 

         Check your:

Front Door

Rear Door

Garage Door(s)

Service Door(s)

Patio Door

Sliding Glass Door

Gate Swimming Pool

Gate Guest House Door(s)

❑ Don’t leave keys “hidden” outside the home. Leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor or colleague.

❑ Keep doors locked even when you or family members are at home.

❑ Have window locks installed on all windows. Use them.

❑ Lock louvered windows—especially on the ground floor.

❑ Have locks installed on your fuse boxes and external power sources.

❑ If you have window grilles and bars, review fire safety. Don’t block bedroom windows with permanent grilles if the windows may be used for emergency egress.

❑ If you have burglar or intrusion alarms, check and use them.

❑ Keep at least one fire extinguisher on each floor, and be sure to keep one in the kitchen. Show family members and household help how to use them.

  ❑ Periodically check smoke detectors and replace batteries when necessary.

  ❑ Keep flashlights in several areas in the house. Check the batteries often, especially if you have children in your home. (They love to play with flashlights!)

  ❑ A family dog can be a deterrent to criminals. But remember, even the best watch-dog can be controlled by food or poison. Do not install separate “doggy doors” or entrances. They also can admit small intruders.

  ❑ Choose a location that offers the most security. The less remote, the safer your home will be, particularly in a neighbor-hood close to police and fire protection.

  ❑ Know your neighbors. Develop a rapport with them and offer to keep an eye on each other’s homes, especially during trips.

  ❑ If you observe any unusual activity, report it immediately to your local Law Enforcement.

❑ Establish safe family living patterns. If you understand the importance of your contribution to the family’s overall security, the entire household will be safer.

❑ While at home, you and your family should rehearse safety drills and be aware of procedures to escape danger and get help.

❑ Educate family members and domestic help in the proper way to answer the telephone at home.

❑ Vary daily routines; avoid predictable patterns.

❑ Know where all family members are at all times.

❑ Use these same guidelines while on leave or in travel status.

Establishing a Safe haven

Follow three basic steps in setting up a safe-haven in your home:

❑ Designate an internal room;

❑ Install a two-way communications system or telephone; and

❑ Furnish the safe haven with an emergency kit. It is highly unlikely you would spend more than a few hours in a safe haven; however, the sup-plies listed below are suggested for your maxi-mum safety. Your security officer can tell you more about how to select and secure your safe haven.

The following is a checklist of possible safe haven supplies:

Fire extinguisher

Fresh water

5-day supply of food

Candles, matches, flashlight

Extra batteries

Bedding

Toilet facilities

Sterno stove, fuel

Shortwave or other radio

Medical/first aid kit

Other items for your comfort and leisure—a change of clothing, books, games