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Your Home is Your Refuge – 8 Tips for Home Security

We all want to feel safe and secure in our homes, but even our most sacred place of refuge can be a target for criminals who either seek to steal from us or do harm. Residential security concerns are centered on a number of factors – deliveries, (scheduled and unscheduled) extended absences, travel pattern duplication, unawareness of surroundings, and telephone usage.

Here are 8 tips to enhance your security at home:

1. Deliveries– Never accept strange deliveries or allow workers or delivery persons into your home without proper credentials and prior knowledge of arrival. Well -intentioned criminals will find a number of creative means to get inside your home. Don’t make it easy for them. Be proactive with your residential security by being cautious of persons you do not know.

2. Extended Absence – Homes that appear absent of residents for extended periods of time are a prime target for thieves who want to steal your valuable belongings. If you are absent from your home as a result of family vacations or business trips, consider the following:

• Leave your home in a lived-in appearance. This will deter the would-be thief who wants to break in and steal.
• Have mail, newspaper, packages, and trash picked up daily. Criminals look for signs that you and your family are absent from home.
• During vacations, cancel your newspaper and ask the USPS to place your mail on hold until you return. This can easily be requested online at USPS.com.
• Use a lawn service to maintain your yard.  Never allow your yard to appear that it is not well kept because no one is home. A freshly mowed lawn gives the appearance your home is occupied.
• Notify the local police department and alarm monitoring company of your absence.  This will place authorities and your monitoring service on alert in the event anything suspicious is reported around your home during your absence.
• Use electronic timers to activate lights, a radio, or TV at various times during the day or evening. Lights and noise coming from our home give the appearance that someone is present.
• Always advise an associate or family member of your planned destination and intended time of arrival.  With today’s Smartphone technology it is very easy to keep your family informed of your whereabouts while on travel.
• Be Cautious About Absences. Instruct children and babysitters not to give out information about who is at home, who is not at home, and how long they will be away.
• Avoid anything that advertises your absence. Don’t leave notes on your door. Remove solicitor’s material from your doorknob.
• When returning home, if you suspect anything out of the ordinary, or that your home has been broken into, don’t go inside. Immediately leave the area and call 911.

3. Pattern Avoidance – Criminals often conduct surveillance prior to an attack. Repetitive behavior provides needed planning information to would-be attackers.  Varying your behavior patterns elevates the difficulty level in planning an attack, and enhances your security at the same time.  Here are two things you can do to increase your security:

• Alter arrival and departure times and routes used for transit to and from work and home each day.
• Vary routine social activities such as club meetings, sports, and restaurants.

4. Surroundings – Remain observant and report suspicious persons or activities around your residence or neighborhood to your local police. Trust your gut and never feel your suspicions are not worthy of reporting to the police. Again, trust your gut and make the call.

5. Telephone – Family members should be aware of the risk associated with information provided over the telephone.  Here are a few things to remember:

• Limit the amount of information provided over the telephone. Listen more than you talk.
• Always answer the telephone with “Hello” and establish the identity of the caller.
• Avoid giving personal information such as name, address, and who is at home.
• Be suspicious of callers identifying themselves as old friends and business associates, especially if you absolutely cannot recall knowing the person.

6. Neighbors

• Know your neighbors and learn who can be called for assistance.
• Keep a list of neighbor’s phone numbers and share them with your family.
• Use only first initials and last names on mailboxes and in phone address books, Smartphone contact lists, etc.
• Change the locks when you move into a new residence.
• Don’t hide spare keys outside. If you must, don’t place them near the door. Make the hiding location as obscure as possible, and don’t tell anyone outside your immediate family members where the door key is located.
• Always lock doors when doing yard work or otherwise spending time in the yard, especially if you the doors are out of your sight.
• Keep keys with you at all times, as well as your Smartphone in the event you need to call for help.

7. Visitors and Others

• Never hesitate to refuse entrance if something feels wrong. Again, trust your gut.
• If you allow entry and have second thoughts, be assertive. Tell the person to leave or you should leave. Pretend you are not alone.

8. Alarm System

• If you have a residential alarm system, ensure it is inspected annually.
• Set your alarm when you are away from home.
• Ensure family members are trained to arm and dis-arm the alarm.
• Always arm your alarm at night and when home alone.

Elevating your level of security awareness is the most important aspect of home security.  With a proper attitude of awareness and a commitment to following these tips your home will be a safe and secure refuge.

Kathy Leodler Chief Executive Officer Email:kathy.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-2703 PI License #3555

Paul Leodler Executive Vice President Email:paul.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-3397 PI License #4180

We at Rampart Group are committed to your security. Call 1-800 421-0614 or contact us today with your security or investigative needs.