Personal Safety Tips

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Residential Burglary Defense

Burglary Alarm Systems: Protection and Prevention

     Whether you live in a rural or urban setting, every home in every neighborhood is a target for burglary. Most homes contain valuables that are very attractive to burglars: televisions, stereos, cash and computers. Justice Department statistics say that an average family has a one-in-four chance of being the victim of a serious crime each year. Even worse, burglary is often compounded by violence. Here at ADT we have over 100 years of experience protecting families like yours with burglar alarm systems. Listed below are some sound tips to help you protect your family and home.

• If exterior doors are hollow-core, replace them with solid wood, fiberglass or steel.
• Make sure exterior door hinges are on the inside rather than the outside - where an intruder can remove the pins and pull the door out of the frame.
• If you have double-hung windows, bolt the upper and lower sashes together or insert a metal bar in the track to prevent opening.
• To secure sliding glass doors, add a bolt lock or use a "charley bar" to block the door closed.
• Use bars to secure basement or garage doors and add bars to basement windows.
• Most home burglaries occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., so get in the habit of locking all doors and windows whenever you go out.
• Invest in high-quality, name-brand deadbolt locks for all exterior doors.
• If you have a double-cylinder deadbolt that is operated by a key both inside and out, keep the key near the door so every family member can find it and exit quickly in case of fire.
• Burglar alarm systems are an effective deterrent. Nine out of ten convicted burglars agree they'd avoid a house protected by a burglar alarm system.
• Security system decals and signs are also an effective deterrent.
• According to the FBI, more burglaries occur in July and August than in any other months.
• Make sure your burglar alarm system includes a loud inside alarm, detectors at all exterior doors, and motion sensors in the master bedroom and main living areas.
• Never leave an answering machine message indicating you're not at home. Instead, just say you "can't come to the phone."
• Use timers to turn lights, televisions and sound systems on and off at different times to give your home a "lived-in look" when you are away.
• Install motion-detecting outdoor floodlights around your home. Remember to mount them high enough to prevent intruders from disabling them.
• If there's a Neighborhood Watch Program in your community, join it. If there's not, start one.
• Report any suspicious persons or vehicles to your local police.
• Get to know your neighbors.
• If you have elderly or incapacitated friends or relatives, check to make sure their security devices are all in good working order.
• Some burglars scan newspapers for wedding and funeral announcements and special community and holiday events that might take you out of your home, so be especially careful on these occasions.
• Don't let mail, newspapers or flyers accumulate while you're away, tipping off criminals. Have the post office hold mail, have newspapers suspended, and have a neighbor or friend clear away flyers.
• To a burglar, an empty trash can may mean you're away. Keep some trash on hand, and consider asking a neighbor to set out trash for pick-up at your house.
• Don't leave valuables in sight through windows, where they will tempt burglars.
• Use an etching pen to mark an ID number, like your driver's license number, on valuables.
• Make an inventory of valuables in your household and store it somewhere other than your home, such as in a safe deposit box.
• Leave curtains slightly parted so your house doesn't have an empty look.
• Never open the door to a stranger. Install peepholes in all exterior doors so you can identify whoever is outside. Do not rely on a door safety chain, because these can be broken easily.
• Ask for I.D. from service representatives who come to your home, and if they don't have it, check with their company to verify identity before letting them in.
• If you're planning to go away, be careful whom you tell.
• When vacationing, leave a car in your driveway or arrange for a neighbor to keep a car there and move it around from time to time.
• Have someone mow your lawn, rake leaves and shovel snow while you are away.
• Prune overgrown trees and shrubs to eliminate hiding places for intruders.
• Many garage door openers respond to common codes, so follow the manufacturer's instructions to program yours with a unique code no burglar's opener will match.
• Keep your garage door locked at all times, preferably with a deadbolt lock.
• Thieves always look in mailboxes, under doormats and above doorways for keys. Don't make it easy for them to get into your home.
• Don't put your name or address on your key ring, because it might lead a thief right to your door with key in hand.
• When having a car parked or serviced, leave only the car keys.
• If there's any chance a previous resident may still have keys to your house, re-key the locks

Personal, Home Security Precautions

Security Precautions at Home

Always stay alert and be aware of personal security. Be self-assured; keep your head up when walking and make eye contact with people approaching you. Don't look like an easy target.

Listen to and act on your intuition. It's better to be safe and risk a little embarrassment, than stay in an uncomfortable situation that may compromise your security.

Have your keys ready when approaching your car or building. Put a security whistle on your key ring and don't be afraid to use it if you are accosted or threatened.

If you are in danger or being attacked and want to get help, yell "Call 911!" or give specific directions to onlookers; for example: "You! Get the police!" or "Walk me to the store on the corner, I'm being followed."

Try to not overload yourself with packages. If you must have your hands full, visualize how you would respond if approached, how you would get your hands free, etc. Ask if the store can help you to your vehicle.

If you suspect that someone is following you, by foot or in a car, don't go home. Go to a trusted neighbor or to a public place to call police, or directly to police station.

Be very careful using outside ATMs at night or in unfamiliar surroundings. Check out the surroundings before you leave your vehicle. If you're uncomfortable, drive away.

If you wear a purse with a shoulder strap, keep it tucked under your arm when walking. Be prepared to let it go if snatched, otherwise you may be hurt if the mugger knocks you down and drags you while fleeing with your purse.

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If someone approaches you in a parking lot or isolated area... Stay alert, keep walking and prepare to run if necessary, look for others who can help.

Vary your routine: drive or walk different routes every day.

If you are mugged, don't fight to protect property or money.

Security In Your Home

Have lights in all entrances.

Have good locks (deadbolt) on all doors and windows.

Use timers to turn lights and radios on when you are not home (noise is a great security enhancement). Stop mail and newspaper delivery when you are out of town.

Do not use your first name on your mailbox or in the phone directory ... use your first initial. Don't use a message on your answering machine that says you're away from home or on vacation, etc.

Know which of your neighbors you can trust in an emergency.

Check who is at the door before opening it, and do not open the door to an unexpected visitor. Do not let strangers into your home to use the phone. Offer to make the call for them.

Don't hide extra keys in easily accessible places. Criminals will find them.

Never give personal information to telephone solicitors.

Teen Dating Violence Prevention Avoid Teen Dating Violence

Whether your teen has known her boyfriend or date for seven years or seven days, she should be conscious of the person's behavior at all times and not put her safety at risk. Pass along these warning signs to your children so that they can respond proactively to a threatening situation rather than reactively.

Acts jealous and possessive.

Won't let you have friends.

Checks up on you.

Refuses to accept breaking up.

Bosses you around.

Insists on making all decisions.

Belittles you and your opinions.

Frightens or threatens you.

Owns, uses or talks a lot about weapons.

Acts violent, getting into fights or angering quickly.

Pushes, grabs, pinches or hits you.

Pressures you for sex or gets serious about your relationship too fast.

Uses alcohol or other drugs and pressures you to do the same.

Has been involved in a number of failed relationships.

What can your child do to protect herself in a threatening situation? Here's some advice you can provide her:

Talk to someone you trust and/or can help, like a parent, friend, counselor or clergyman.

Tell a school counselor or security officer what's going on.

Make daily notes about the disturbing behavior.

Avoid being alone with your date at home, school, work or anywhere else.

When you go out, tell someone where you are going, who they are with and when you'll be back.

Plan and rehearse what you will do if your dating partner gets abusive.

If a friend of yours is a victim of dating violence, here are some ways you can help:

If you see signs of abuse, talk to your friend about it.

Tell your friend that you're worried and want to help.

An abusive partner often undermines the victim's self-confidence, so point out your friend's good qualities.

Encourage your friend to talk to a trusted adult, offering to go along.

If the situation's getting worse, talk to an adult yourself, and if you witness an assault, contact the police, school principal or other adult immediately.

Don't endanger yourself by confronting the abusive partner.

Want to take an active role helping others deal with dating violence? Here are some things you can do:

Start a peer education program for teenagers in your area.

Ask your school librarian to purchase self-help books about dating violence and domestic violence.

Use school bulletin boards and newspapers to raise awareness about the problem and how to deal with it.

Put on a play about teen dating violence.

Personal Safety Tips: Safe Travel Advice Business Travel Safety

Travelers are prime targets for criminals. Here are some ways to protect yourself at airports, on the road and in your hotel room.

Airport Safety and Safe Air Travel

Keep your eye on your bags- especially a laptop computer or other valuable gear - at all times. Don't let anyone but uniformed airline personnel handle or watch them.

Be wary of mishaps, like someone bumping you or spilling a drink ... they may be staged to set you up for a robbery.

Clutch your pocketbook close to your body or carry your wallet in an inside front pocket ... or wear a concealed money pouch.

Record the contents of checked luggage and carry valuables onto the plane with you.

Don't draw attention to jewelry, cameras or other expensive items.

Road Safety

Study your route on a map before you start.

If using a rental car, make sure it is in good operating condition and learn how to operate all controls before starting out.

Keep maps and rental agreements concealed, and store luggage out of sight in the trunk.

Keep car doors locked and park in lighted areas near entrances.

Have keys ready so you can enter the car quickly ... after checking the back seat and floors.

If bumped by another car, rather than getting out you might want to signal the other driver to follow you to a police station or other place where you would feel safe.

Hotel Safety

Don't leave your luggage unattended.

Make sure your room has a peephole and deadbolt lock on the door and window locks ... and use them.

Caution hotel personnel against saying your room number within earshot of others.

In case of emergency, know where exits, elevators and public phones are located.

Leave valuables at home or keep them in the hotel safe.

If going out, ask hotel staff about neighborhood safety and areas to avoid.

If someone claiming to be a hotel employee shows up at your door unexpectedly, don't let them in without first calling the front desk for confirmation.

Don't display your room key or leave it where it may get stolen.

Personal Safety Tips for Young Children

Keeping Your Young Children Safe

Parents always worry about the safety of their children, but you'll have greater peace of mind if you follow these suggestions.

Make sure your children memorize their full names, address including city and state, and phone number with area code.

Using a play phone, teach children when and how to dial 911 or 0 and also show them how to operate a pay phone.

Explain to your children that they should never accept gifts or rides from people they don't know well.

Teach your children to go to a store clerk, security officer or police officer if they ever get lost in a store or mall or on the street.

Set a good example by locking doors and windows and checking to see who it is before opening a door.

Listen to what your children say about their fears and help them understand them and trust their instincts.

Staying Safe When Home Alone: Safety in the Home for Young Children

Always leave a phone number where you can be reached along with numbers for neighbors and emergency services right by the phone.

Have your children check in with you when they arrive home.

Set rules for having friends over when you're not there and for your children going to friends' homes when no adults are present.

Let your children practice operating door and window locks.

Explain how important it is not to let anyone into the house without your permission.

Teach them to not reveal on the phone or at the door that no adults are home, but to instead say their parents are too busy to come to the phone or door.

Rehearse the home fire escape plan with your children.

Safety at School and at Play

Here are some tips that will help keep children and teens safe when they are away from home.

Encourage them to stick with their friends rather than walking or playing alone.

Teach them how to spot dangerous places, like vacant buildings, alleys, deteriorated playgrounds and parks.

Explain how taunting, teasing and arguing damage friendships and to settle disagreements through talking not fighting.

Walk routes to school, stores and friends' houses so you can make sure they are safe and point out where they can get help in an emergency.

Teach your children and teens to be conscious of criminal or suspicious behavior in your neighborhood and to tell an adult when they see such activities.

Make sure your school has a policy of calling the parents when a child is absent from school.

If you use daycare or after-school programs, check their credentials carefully, including certifications, staff qualifications, policies regarding field trips and parental visits, and reputation in the community.

Advice for Young People About Drugs and Alcohol

Chances are your teenager knows people who use and abuse drugs or alcohol, though they may not have seen it firsthand. Talk to your children about how their friends or acquaintances may show signs of drug use.

Talking about drugs and drug culture.

Owning drug paraphernalia, like pipes, syringes and rolling papers.

Having large amounts of cash or always having very little cash.

A sudden increase or decrease in weight.

Slurred or incoherent speech.

Withdrawal from other people, as well as lying, depression and paranoia.

Dropping out of school activities.

Avoiding the Drug Scene

Help your children avoid being drawn into drugs by being smart young adults.

Don't go to parties where alcohol or other drugs are likely to be available.

Hang out with friends who don't need drugs or alcohol to have fun.

Get involved in drug-free activities and encourage friends to do the same.

Remember that the penalties for possession of illegal drugs can be severe, including prison and loss of student loans.

The use of intravenous drugs pose a high risk of AIDS infection

Personal Safety Tips: Neighborhood Crime Watch

Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch programs go by many names: Community Watch, Crime Watch, Building Watch. But whatever you call it, when neighbors organize to help the police watch over their community, it can make a significant impact on reducing crime and fear in your area.

First Steps

An individual, community organization, or law enforcement agency can initiate a Neighborhood Watch program through a few simple steps:

Hold a meeting to talk about crime problems and see if there is enough interest to organize a Watch.

Arrange for local law enforcement professionals to train neighbors in home security, crime patterns, what to watch for and how to report it.

Select an overall coordinator and block captains to organize volunteers and establish effective communications.

Sign up volunteers, including homeowners and renters, business owners, the elderly, working parents, young people ... anybody who can help.

Effective Neighborhood Watch Program Materials and Essentials

A typical Neighborhood Watch program requires:

Regular meetings to keep your organization organized.

Volunteers patrolling the neighborhood, on foot or in cars, to spot and report any problems.

Regular communications, such as fliers, newsletters, or paper or electronic bulletin board messages.

Special events to keep members interested and active, including helpful seminars, block parties, neighborhood clean-ups and tournaments.

Special safety programs to meet your community's unique needs, like a block parent program to help children during emergencies.

What A Neighborhood Watch Does

The typical Watch program involves four ways to make your neighborhood safer:

Offers a service to mark valuable items with an identifying number to discourage theft and help the police track down stolen articles.

Utilizes proven techniques to make homes safer.

Organizes residents in watching over each other and the neighborhood, noting and reporting anything unusual or suspicious to the local authorities, including:

• Screams or calls for help
• Someone looking into cars or homes
• A stranger removing items from unoccupied homes or closed businesses
• Vehicles cruising slowly or without lights
• Anyone being forced into a vehicle
• A stranger stopping to talk to a child

Calling 911 or other local emergency number to:

• Quickly explain what happened
• Give your name and address
• Describe the suspect's gender and race, age, height, weight, hair color, clothes, and distinguishing features like facial hair, scars, accent
• If a vehicle is involved, report the color, make, model, year, license plate and distinguishing features, like bumper stickers or dents

Personal Safety Tips for Seniors

Senior Safety

Statistics show that the older you get, the less likely you are to be a victim of crime. But it still makes sense to take precautions, especially against fraud and con games, which are the greatest crime threats for seniors.

Senior Safety Begins at Home

Install and use good locks on doors and windows.

Don't hide keys under the doormat, in the mailbox or in a planter. Leave an extra set with a neighbor.

When service or delivery people come to your door, ask for ID, and check with their company if you're still not sure.

Make sure the street number on your house is large, well-lighted and unobstructed so emergency personnel can find your home quickly.

If you decide to install an alarm system, consider one that is monitored for burglary, fire and medical emergencies.

Stay Safe When You Go Out

Go out with family or friends rather than by yourself.

Hold your purse close or keep your wallet in an inside front pocket.

Don't carry large amounts of cash or unneeded credit cards.

Use a direct deposit service for Social Security and other regular checks.

Keep car doors locked, be watchful in parking lots and garages, and try to park in well-lighted spots near entrances.

Sit near the driver or the exit when riding on a bus, train or subway.

If a person or situation makes you nervous, get away.

Don't Fall for Con Artists' Tricks

If it sounds too good to be true - free vacation, miracle cure, sure-fire investment - avoid it.

It is illegal for telemarketers to ask for credit card, Social Security, phone card or bank account numbers to verify prizes, so if anyone asks, don't give it to them.

If someone tries to rush you into signing an insurance policy, sales contract or anything else, be suspicious. Read it carefully and have a trusted friend check it, too.

Some con artists pose as representatives of companies or government agencies that, for a fee, recover money lost to fraudulent telemarketers. Don't fall for this trick.

When in doubt, check it out by calling the police, the Better Business Bureau, the local consumer protection office, or the National Consumers League Fraud Information Center at 800-876-7060.

Things You Can Do in Your Community

Report any crimes or suspicious activities to police.

Join a Neighborhood Watch program to help protect your community.

Get involved in activities that can make your community a better place, like mentoring children, serving as a volunteer aide for the police or fire department, or escorting disabled persons.

Check for a Triad program in your community. It partners seniors with law enforcement agencies to prevent crime against the elderly and to give support to law enforcement personnel. It is sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs Association (NSA).

What a Burglar won't tell you .... forwarded to me by a client

Home Door Stop Alarm

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..
5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

Electronic Watchdog, Barking Dog Alarm

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom ... and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door ... understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

Door Security Bar

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.
12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.
13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.
14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
Fake Security Camera with BLINKING LIGHT
16. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
17. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
18. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
21. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Fake TV Burglar Deterrent

Here's an idea... Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.