Page 4 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - September 2017 - 24-09
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Page 4
Senior Times - September 2017
STAYING SAFE IN YOUR HOME
By: Kristi Angelo, Community Service Trooper, MSP
the door. The local utility provider may be able to install exterior lighting for a nominal fee.
Know your neighbors: It is great to know your neighbors and for them to know you. Neighbors are great for the buddy system, as there is an increase in the number of neighbors watching out for each other’s safety. This is both true for suspicious activities or for noticing that you may have a health issue and need a welfare check. Let you neighbor know
if you are going to be gone for a while or reassure them that it is appreciated if they call if something or someone looks suspicious. We would prefer to error on the side of caution.
Home alarm system: Consider a home alarm system. Many types are available. Select one from a reputable dealer who meets your individual needs. Some systems also provide fire and medical alarm features.
Do Not Hesitate to Call 911 if you see, hear or experience something suspicious around your home. People are the most effective eyes and ears for our local law enforcement. You are not bothering the police officers when you call 911; you are actually helping them do a good job.
Other Ideas and Considerations:
• Display one or more reflective house number signs.
• Engrave your driver’s license number on valuables (TV, VCR, tools, golf clubs, etc.).
• Trim exterior trees or shrubs to create a clear view from the street.
• Have a phone available by you bed at night in case of emergency.
Remember if you see something suspicious or hear something suspicious report it immediately. Don’t wait or hesitate. If you see something say something.
Personal safety and security is a responsibility we should always take seriously. Residential burglary is a common problem with one break-in occurring every fifteen seconds in the United States.
Breaking and Entries are more common during the day when homeowners are away working or running errands.
They are usually crimes of opportunity with little preplanning.
Often times it will be someone just knocking on the door or watching the neighborhood for a short time to get an idea of homeowner’s daily routines. To keep yourself safe and alert, here are some commonsense reminders, things easy to become complacent about.
Always use your locks: This includes locks on your residential doors and windows as well as on your vehicle. Remember to close the overhead garage door. Many of illegal entries take place by
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way of unlocked doors and windows with no force used. Consider installing deadbolts and special locks for sliding doors and windows. Install new locks after moving. Don‘t hide a key outside.
Know who is at he door before opening:
A peephole works well. Make sure to have a phone closely available in case you need to call 911. Do not open the door to strangers. If they claim to have an emergency, call 911 for them, but do not let them in your home. Door-to-Door Sales in many counties need a license and have restricted hours of conducting business from 9am-8pm. Make sure to always see their license and I.D. prior
to opening the door. Do not let the sales person use aggressive techniques. If you feel uncomfortable ask them to leave. Tell them you don’t have the time and ask for their contact information and tell them you will call them when you have time.
You may wish to obtain a dog:
Dogs can be a deterrent for break-ins. Even smaller dogs can provide some deterrence. If you don’t want to own a dog you can place dog dishes, or a dog chain with a Beware of Dog sign placed outside or
in your window.
Outside lighting: Outside lighting is
a good idea for your safety and for the safety of others visiting your home.
For convenience, choose automatic photocell lighting; it eliminates the need to flick a light switch on. Motion lights are great for areas that don’t always have lighting, such as a shed or garage area.
You should make sure you have a porch light or doorway entry lighting to make it easy to view who is outside
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