1. Don’t open your door to strangers or solicitors. Most home invaders knock on the front door to gain entry. They pose as someone in distress, a person asking for directions, workers, delivery persons, or they may be offering to do work for you.
2. Lock your windows and doors and keep your garage door closed and locked even when you are home.
3. Install solid core doors, heavy duty locks, and window security devices.
4. Check to see who is at your door before opening it by using a peephole, intercom system, or nearby window.
5. Use your front porch light to help you see outside.
6. Don’t rely on chains to keep intruders out, they don’t.
7. If you have an alarm system, use the "stay" mode or "instant" mode while you are home. If someone attempts to gain entry, the alarm will sound and get help to you.
8. Have an escape plan. Train your family on where to go and what to say. If someone can escape, the invaders will have lost their advantage of privacy and time.
9. Consider owning a dog for protection. If this isn’t possible, an empty dog bowl left on the porch gives the impression that there is a dog on the premises.
10. If you live alone, place men’s boots or other clothing laying around or yell “I’ll get it” when answering the door to make it seem like your not alone.
For this and more information please contact Kelly Lynn Wicks at kellywicks@atlasalarms.com
