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Personal Security

 

At Home

  • Install quality deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and use them.

  • Remember a small chain between the door and doorjamb is not safe. It can be easily broken and pulled out.

  • Install quality locks on all windows and use them.

  • When a window is left open for ventilation, keep the opening small enough to prevent entry.

  • Install a wide-angle viewer in the doors at all entrances to see who is outside without opening the door.

  • Remove or trim shrubbery that hides doors and windows so neighbors or passersby can see someone trying to break into your home.

  • Light the outside of your home to discourage prowling or loitering. Use outside floodlights for all entryways, pathways, stairwells and laundry,

  • trash and parking areas. Connect outside lights to a timing device, motion detector or a light sensitive switch so lights switch on automatically during hours of darkness.

  • Make a decision about installing an alarm system only after considering such factors as the cost, the reputation of the company and the likelihood of false alarms.

  • A watchdog offers additional protection.

 

If A Stranger Is At Your Door

  • Never indicate you are home alone.

  • When home alone never open your door to a stranger.

  • Use your wide-angle viewer to see who is at your door.

  • Do not open the door to anyone you do not know without first verifying the person's identity. This includes police officers, repair, delivery or salespersons, and political or charity volunteers.

  • Ask to see identification.

  • Have the person slip their identification card under the door. If you have any doubts about the person, look up the telephone number in the telephone directory and call the company or agency the person claims to represent.

  • Do not rely on telephone numbers given to you by strangers at your door, the telephone number they give you could be an accomplice.

  • Do not open the door to a stranger requesting help or the use of your telephone. Offer to make the telephone call yourself while the stranger waits outside.

  • When a package is delivered, ask that the parcel be left outside the door. Receipts that require a signature can be slipped under the door. Open the door and pick up the package only when you are positive the delivery person has left.

  • Never allow a stranger into a security entrance. This includes someone asking to leave a package or a note for a neighbor.

  • Children should be trained not to answer the door.

  • Place only your first initial and last name on mailboxes and building directories. Consider listing a fictitious roommate if you live alone.

  • List only your first initial and last name in the telephone directory. Do not list your address.

  • Engrave all your valuable property.Engraver is available free of charge at the Millis Public Library. Keep a record of the serial numbers of valuable equipment. Photograph or videotape other valuables. Keep photographs, videotapes and records of serial numbers separate from your valuables in a safe at home or in a safe-deposit box.

  • Before moving into a new residence change the locks. Previous tenants may still have keys.

  • Always lock your door, even if you leave your home for just a few minutes.

  • Keep venetian blinds and curtains closed, especially at night. Leave lights on in two or more rooms to indicate the presence of other persons.

  • Have telephone numbers for emergencies, such as the MPD, fire and paramedic services on every telephone instrument in the house.

 

Intruders

  • If you are at home and you suspect someone is trying to break in, call the MPD immediately

  • If confronted by an intruder, remain as calm as possible;

  • Consider your safety and that of your family as the highest priority; and

  • Choose a strategy such as negotiating, fleeing, screaming, fighting or complying whichever seems safest and most effective relative to the situation.

 

Outdoor Activites

  • When biking, jogging, roller-skating or participating in other outdoor activities remember the following:

  • Choose a route in advance that is safe and populated;

  • Always carry proper identification;

  • Advise a loved one or a friend the route you will be taking so they will know where to look for you in an emergency;

  • Vary your route and activity schedule so that your behavior is not predictable;

  • Avoid pursuing outdoor activities after dark;

  • Know businesses that are open and the locations of the MPD, sheriff, highway patrol or fire stations along your route;

  • Keep your exercise gear in good repair and carry the necessary tools in case of an emergency; and

  • Consider carrying a personal alarm.

 

If Followed While Driving

  • Drive to the nearest police or fire station for assistance;

  • Drive to an open gasoline station, grocery store or other business where you can safely call the police;

  • Keep driving until you find a safe area. In the meantime attract attention to your situation by honking the horn in rapid, short blasts and by turning on the emergency flashers;

  • Attempt to obtain the license plate number and a description of the car following you; and

  • Do not drive home or pull over to the side of the road or turn into a driveway. You could be trapped.

 

Returning Home

  • Have your door key in your hand when approaching your entryway.

  • At night, keep car headlights on and car doors locked until you have checked your garage or parking area. Look around before you get out of your car.

  • If you are driven home, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside.

  • If possible, arrange for a relative, neighbor or friend to be there when you arrive home.

  • Never go into your home if anything seems unusual, such as an open door or a broken window. Leave immediately to a place where you can call the police. Do not go into your home until the police advise it is safe.

 

 

 

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