❑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 watchdog 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 neighborhood 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 RSO.

❑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.