Security Tips
Unique & Powerful
FPK Residential Safety Tips
Watch our slideshow of residentail safety tips you can practice to keep your home and belongings safe from theft.
Don't Tempt a Thief:
Lawn mowers, barbecues and bicycles are best stored out of sight
Always lock your garden sheds and garages.
Use curtains on garage and basement windows.
Never leave notes on your door such as “Gone shopping.”
Targeting the Outside:
Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is
recommended for backyards.
Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places
for intruders.
Make sure your door hinges are on the inside.
Alarms:
An alarm system is excellent for home security. It provides peace
of mind to homeowners, especially while on vacation. There is a
wide variety of alarm systems on the market.
Make several inquiries to different companies for the best security
system available to you.
If you have a home alarm system, use it! Activate your alarm
system — Alarm systems are only useful when you remember to
activate them.
Many individuals have alarm systems but do not arm them because
it is inconvenient. Many burglars know this and will not be
deterred by a window sticker or sign indicating that the home has
an alarm system.
Locks…Get the Best:
No lock, regardless of its quality, can be truly effective. Key-in
dead bolt locks provide minimum security. Ask a locksmith for
advice on your situation.
Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen.
When moving into a new home, have all locks changed.
Windows:
Most windows can be pinned for security.
Drill a 3/16″ hole on a slight downward slant through the inside
window frame and halfway into the outside frame – place a nail in
the hole to secure the window.
If Your Home Is Broken Into:
If you come home to find an unexplained open/broken window or door:
Do not enter – the perpetrator may still be inside.
Use a neighbor’s phone to call police.
Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected
for evidence.
Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles.
Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons
Car Burglaries
Tips on how to avoid car break-ins:
Do not leave valuables in plain view:
(GPS devices, lap tops, PDA’s, cell phones, MP3’s, wallets, purses)
Do not leave windows or sunroof open.
Do not leave doors unlocked.
Do not leave keys in the vehicle.
Do not leave the garage door opener in plain view.
Do not leave out items with personal information.
Do not move valuable items to the trunk while in public view.
Slow Down and use common sense before you leave your car.
Other precautions you should take:
Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other “secret” hiding places — burglars know where to look for hidden keys. Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers, and keep a copy in a safe place away from home — this is a good precaution in case of fires or other disasters. Make a photographic or video record of valuable objects, heirlooms and antiques. Your insurance company can provide assistance in making and keeping your inventory. Trim your shrubbery around your home to reduce cover for burglars. Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your
neighborhood, call 9-1-1 immediately. Mark your valuables with your driver’s license number with an
engraver you can borrow from your precinct. Marked items are harder for a burglar to dispose of and easier for police to recover. Form a Neighborhood Watch Group. We can help you work with
your neighbors to improve security and reduce risk of burglary. Consider installing a burglar alarm system.