Ensuring Safety When Returning Home: Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Welcome back to your home! Ensuring your safety as you return home to either your house or apartment is a crucial aspect of maintaining a secure living environment. This guide will walk you through essential steps to keep yourself safe, covering various aspects from environmental assessments to the choice of security measures.
Neighborhood Safety
First and foremost, the safety of the environment or neighborhood where you live plays a significant role in your overall safety. If you reside in a dangerous neighborhood, making sure you feel secure can be particularly challenging. It's advisable to consult your local police department to gain insights into the security measures available.
Secure Your Living Space
Once you feel that the neighborhood is relatively safe, ensuring the security of your home or apartment is the next crucial step.
Secured Windows and Doors
Make sure your windows and doors are properly locked. Consider adding deadbolts if you haven't done so already. Replace any old locks with new ones, and ensure that you get proper keys that are stored securely. Avoid leaving spare keys in easily accessible places like under rocks or in doorways, and make sure not to give access to people you wouldn't trust with your life.
Safe Entrances and Exits
Having safe and secure entrances and exits is another important aspect of home security. A monitored alarm system can provide an additional layer of security. These systems cost approximately $1 per day in monitoring fees, with potential equipment charges. Additionally, remote signaling can be set up to alert you via your cell phone in case of intrusions.
Adequate lighting around your home is crucial, ensuring clear paths to and from your home. Remove any bushes or trees that may obstruct clear visibility and provide places for intruders to hide.
Effective Communication
Staying connected is key when it comes to personal safety. Ensure you have an appropriate communication device nearby at all times. While landlines were common in the past, they can be easily cut off outside the building. Consider a push-button monitored signaling device, such as Life Alert or Lifefone, which can provide assistance in emergencies. Lifefone can be worn on a lanyard or clipped to your belt and responds with a voice inquiry to ask if you are all right.
Security Cameras and Monitoring
Security cameras and doorbells can be incredibly helpful, allowing you to see what's happening around your home from your vehicle. Avoid clutter, which can impede your escape in case of a criminal or other event. Clear paths and exits are essential for swift, safe evacuation.
Consideration of Weapons
If you are considering using a weapon for personal safety, it's important to consult with a reputable firearms dealer or shooting range to get advice on the best options. Different types of firearms, such as pistols, rifles, and shotguns, have varying beneficial and harmful aspects. Rifles, in particular, pose concerns due to their ability to penetrate walls and cause collateral damage. Accidents, like the case of a police officer who accidentally killed a neighbor with a stray bullet, reinforce the importance of caution.
Final Thoughts
Remember, every aspect of home safety is interconnected, and ensuring each part is secure can make a significant difference in your overall safety. By following these guidelines, you can create a secure environment that not only protects you but also gives you peace of mind when returning home.