A safe neighborhood means safer homes. So, while you’re focused on securing your home, also take steps to secure your neighborhood.
Here are some of the key tips to keep your home and neighborhood safe in 2023:
1. Keep your doors and windows locked at all times, even when you are at home.
2. Install a home security system and make sure it is always active.
3. Use motion-activated lights outside your home to deter intruders.
4. Keep shrubbery and trees trimmed near your windows to reduce hiding places for potential burglars.
5. Avoid leaving valuable items in plain sights, such as electronics or jewelry.
6. Use blinds or curtains to prevent people from seeing inside your home.
7. Keep your garage door closed and locked, and consider installing a separate garage door opener that is only accessible to you.
8. Install security cameras (if you haven’t already), both inside and outside your home.
9. Keep a record of all your valuable items, including serial numbers and photographs, in case they are stolen.
10. Use timers to turn on lights and radios when you are away from home, to give the appearance that someone is home.
11. Don’t leave keys hidden outside your home, as this makes it easy for burglars to gain access.
12. Keep your car in the garage, if possible, and make sure it is locked at all times.
13. Be cautious of strangers and solicitors who come to your door, and never open your door to someone you don’t know.
14. Don’t post your vacation plans or personal information on social media, as this can alert potential burglars that your home is unoccupied.
15. Make sure your home is well-lit, both inside and out, to deter burglars.
16. Install sturdy locks on all windows, and consider using window bars or security film to make them more difficult to break.
17. Keep an inventory of all the valuable items in your home, including electronics, jewelry, and collectibles, and store them in a safe place.
18. If you have a home alarm, make sure to test it regularly and keep the battery charged.
19. If you notice any suspicious activity in your neighborhood, report it to the police immediately.
20. Consider installing a home safe to store important documents and valuables.
21. Don’t leave notes for yourself or others on your door, as this can alert potential burglars that no one is home.
22. Avoid opening your door to strangers, and always ask for identification from anyone claiming to be a service provider or delivery person.
23. Keep a close eye on your belongings when you are out in public, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
24. Don’t leave your purse, wallet, or other valuables unattended, even for a moment.
25. Use a safe deposit box at your bank to store important documents and valuables, such as birth certificates and jewelry.
26. Consider installing a home security system that includes a panic button or emergency alert feature.
27. Make sure your home address is clearly visible from the street, so emergency responders can find your home quickly in case of an emergency.
28. Be cautious of anyone asking for personal information, such as your name, address, or date of birth, over the phone or online.
29. Consider installing a security gate or fence around your property to provide an extra layer of protection. Contact a fence supplier.
30. Get to know your neighbors and exchange contact information so you can help each other in case of an emergency.
31. Join a neighborhood watch program to keep eyes on your community. If no such program exists, get together with your neighbors to create the program.
32. If you notice any suspicious activity in your neighborhood, report it to the police immediately.
33. Be aware of potential risks, such as unsecured doors or windows, and take steps to address them.
34. Keep an eye out for any unfamiliar cars or people in the area, and report any suspicious activity to the police.
35. Share any security information or tips with your neighbors, such as the location of a new security camera or a suspicious person in the area.
36. Consider organizing a community emergency plan with your neighbors in case of a disaster or emergency situation.
37. If you are going on vacation, ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home and collect your mail and newspapers.
38. Consider organizing a neighborhood clean-up day to help keep your community safe and clean.
Be proactive in securing your home. At the same time, get together with your neighbors, take more responsibilities and work together to keep your neighborhood safe as well.