Safety Tips From Brinks

We are all more aware of security as a whole in our work place, the areas where we play and of course, live. Here are some simple tips that any person can do to help ensure their own home security.

• First of all, trim hedges, trees and foliage away from windows and doors to prevent obvious hiding places for intruders.
• Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
• Turn outside light on after dark near doors, on porches, and in your yard. Strategic lighting is a powerful deterrent.
• Be careful where you leave your spare keys. Intruders check window ledges and under flowerpots and welcome mats.
• Get to know your neighbors. Team up and form a crime watch program. Your local police can help you get started.
• Use timers for lights. Television and sound systems to turn them on and off at different times to give your home a lived-in look while you are away.

If you are going away for an extended period of time, remember to do the following:

• Stop mail and paper delivery.
• Alert your neighbors to watch your home.
• Leave a car in your driveway
• Have someone mow your lawn, rake your leaves or shovel the snow.
• Always ask for identification from repair and service representatives! Never leave them in your home unsupervised.
• Install peepholes in all exterior doors to identify whoever is outside!
• Change your answering machine so it does not indicate that you are not home. Instead, say that “you can not make it to the phone at this time”.
• Permanently mark your valuables in your home. Keep pictures and records of all marked objects in a safe place.