Take these steps to feel secure at home

 7/3/2014

Everyone should be able to feel safe in one’s home, whether living with a big family, roommates or alone.

High-tech security systems might be outside our budgets. Allergies complicate having a dog. What other steps can be taken to prevent burglaries and home invasions?

Here are some good ideas and commonly shared tips we found:

• Do a safety audit of your property or living area. Look for places where someone could hide or use to gain entry without being seen. Ask a friend or trusted neighbor do it with you, as they might spot things you wouldn’t.
• Take DIY security measures. These approaches are low-tech and inexpensive. For instance, plant thorny bushes around windows. Just remember to keep them short so they don’t obscure your vision outside. Curtains are not just for show; they provide easy and instant privacy. Household items can be used as noise makers around entry points, like setting up cups or glasses near the door. Install a set of inexpensive motion sensitive lights around windows and doorways, or use solar lights on walkways. And if you have a home security system, set it when you are home.
• Have a safety buddy. Check in with someone every day at set times. It can be by phone, but an easy way is to also tweet to a private feed or post to group FB page.
• Make locking up routine. Establish a routine where you check all doors and locks before going to bed or leaving the house. And share it with the kids because even the best-mannered children can forget to pull doors closed all the way.
• Wear a whistle. Especially if you are often home alone. Or keep one nearby in case of emergency.
• Create a safe room. Even if it is just a designated place to hide out if necessary. Preferably the room has a phone, maybe a spare mobile phone and another means of exiting the home.
• Be aware. This is by far the most often recommended tip — and possibly the simplest. It’s not being paranoid to know your surroundings. Watch for things out of the ordinary. Assess situations, particularly when you have to interact with strangers. Try to look alert, even if your mind is elsewhere.

This list was put together with information provided by the links below. Visit them for more detailed advice. Local law enforcement and community leaders are eager to answer questions, so don’t be afraid to ask.

National Crime Prevention Council
http://www.ncpc.org/topics/violent-crime-and-personal-safety/protect-yourself-from-violent-crime

http://www.safewise.com/blog/9-safety-guidelines-for-living-alone/

http://hotpads.com/pages/rentersGuide/safety/tips-for-staying-safe-when-living-alone.htm

 

Inexpensive, effective deterrents from MSN.com
http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=23325335

More DIY home security tips from MSN Money
http://money.msn.com/home-loans/article.aspx?post=fc34aec6-4f71-47b8-8e1a-ce01a955c185

Keeping your home safe with landscaping by Security Sign Solutions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00lVuZCE-dA

 

On personal safety and tips for women

From Lori Fulbright and Channel 6

http://www.newson6.com/story/7529954/personal-safety

From blogger Simone Smith
http://hubpages.com/hub/Safety-Tips-for-Women-Living-Alone