Home Security Procedures

Introduction

Our home has been described as our castle. It is often the most valuable asset we possess. The privacy of our dwelling is a value which is guarded and defended strenuously, but often we fail to provide the security it requires.

Whether at home or abroad, security awareness must permeate through every member of the family, including children.

The aim is not to create anxiety but to generate security-minded attitudes and habits whereby every family member will benefit.

Your spouse or partner should be oriented and trained in proper procedures to take in all emergency situations and will greatly assist in providing security awareness to other family members.

At Home

One of the major concerns of all families at home or abroad in an ever increasing violent society, is the protection of the family and the home. For security measures to be effective, all household members must be aware of potential security problems and what precautionary steps to take.

All servants, housekeepers, gardeners and part-time employees such as baby-sitters, should be screened before employment. Don't assume all people are honest. Do an in-depth interview and check references.

Keep in mind that you are allowing someone into your home who knows your schedule, has access to everything in your house and who knows a great deal about you.

Make sure every member of the household, children as well as baby-sitters and other help, understand and follow security practices.

Don't open the door to unknown visitors.

Ask for proper identification before allowing a repairman, salesman or similar type of caller inside.

Criminals often carry false identity cards, when in doubt, be cautious and call to confirm the person's identity before allowing entry.

Don't open the door to accept packages unless the delivery has been verified by the delivery company, or you're expecting this particular delivery.

Servants must be aware of all delivery drivers who have possible access to the home.

Don't allow "stranded motorists" inside to use the telephone. Have them stay outside, with the door locked, while you make the call for them.

Be suspicious about phone callers not known to you who want to know where a family member is, or what they are doing.

Don't give out information to "wrong numbers" callers. If a caller asks "to who am I speaking?" respond with "who are you calling? What number did you dial?.. Sorry wrong number."

Above all, don't let a caller know you're home alone.

Secretaries and work colleagues should not give residential telephone numbers to unknown callers. Take the caller's number and tell him/her the person they want will call them back.

Trust your instincts. If you see someone or something around your home or neighbourhood that doesn't seem right, make a note of the description or vehicle licence number and report it to the police.

If there is a Neighbourhood Watch group in your area, join it.

Do not become routine in shopping or appointments.

Post emergency numbers next to every telephone.

Your burglar alarm should be turned on every time you leave your property.

When returning to your property at night do not leave the safety of your motor vehicle until you are sure it is safe to do so.
If your garage is fitted with an automatic opener, do not open the door until it is safe to do so. Automatic security lighting is extremely beneficial under these circumstances.

If you live in a country or where circumstances require it, set up a "safe room" in the house to which you can retreat in case of forced entry by intruders.

The safe room should have a strong door, deadbolt locks and a phone. Its purpose is to give you added minutes of security until the police arrive.

Don't put your name on house keys, the mail box or door.

If you lose your house keys, have the locks changed immediately.

Don't hide a house key outside where it can be found easily.

Make it appear as though someone is at home when the family is away by playing a radio or television, or by using timers to turn lights on and off.

Have a friend or neighbour park a car in the driveway at different times.

Arrange to have the grass cut.

Be sure to stop mail and paper deliveries, or have a trusted friend pick them up.

Inform your neighbour watch group how long you will be away, if you are a member.

A dog may be a deterrent to burglars.