PLAN AHEAD!

Take time to go over some what if scenarios with your family.  These should cover all kinds of emergencies:fire, intruder, injuries, etc.

Examples:
    Fire- go over all of the exit possibilities in case of fire.  Doors, which windows are accessible, make sure all windows and doors are in good operating condition.  Even if they are not often used, open and close them regularly.  Even oil if needed.

    Security- What to do in case of an intruder while home.  Hiding spots, easy exits, safe room, even self defense.

  Injury-  Go over possible scenarios and figure out the best option for each.  Including first aid supplies, emergency phone #'s, neighbor's who can help

  If you see a story in the news, think about what you would do. 

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Create An Illusion!

Always create an illusion that someone is inside the home.  Most home burglaries occur in the middle of the day when nobody is around, or when a homeowner is out of town for a couple days.  Criminals look for those opportunities.  Below are a couple tips on how to create the illusion that somebody is home, even if they are not.
  Leave a TV on, in the day, an approaching would be thief can hear it and may assume somebody is sitting on the couch with a bag of lays.  At night, the TV will project different lighting in the room that will catch an eye of passing people.
  Postpone your newspaper delivery,  nothing says "nobody home" like a pile of untouched newspapers on the front porch.
  Have a home sitter or neighbor help you with the following:
   They can go in daily and turn on different lights.  One night living room,  kitchen the next. 
   If you have a mailbox on the home, have them collect it for you.  Similar to the newspaper, a mailbox bursting at the seams for several days is a tell tell sign.
   If it is winter, ask them to shovel your walks, or at least make foot prints to and from the door.
   Tell them to park in your driveway or have visitors park there.
Anybody watching the home may notice the activity.

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IDENTIFICATION!

    Many burlaries end with stolen goods being sold or pawned for a quick buck.  When a pawn shop buys something, they are required to enter serial numbers in to a database with police access.  If they are labled stolen, they are recovered by police and capable of being returned.  Also, whoever is pawning the goods is required to show identification to associate them with the item. 
   With that in mind, it is a good idea to take note of serial numbers of any goods in your home.  All mass produced items will have one; TV's, radios, computers, phones, ipods, etc.
   Also, along the same lines.  It is important to have copies of all personal information including those kept in a wallet or purse such as: ID, Credit Cards, etc.

  Also, keep a copy of them in a safe place like a saftey deposit box, safe, or trusted relatives home.

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WARNING!

Display warning signs on your property.  Signs or stickers referencing alarms, dogs, guns in the home, etc.  If you already have a monitored alarm system, make sure they give you all of their available sign and sticker products.  If not, you can purchase them or have any custom made at your local sign shop.  They also come FREE if you purchase an alarm or security product (door, window guard, surveillance system, etc.) from us.

Other good options are signs around your property such as "keep out" "private property" "no trespassing" "24 hr. video surveillance"

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Watch Out!

Keep an eye on your friends and neighbor's homes.  Just a peek out the window or a glance down the side of the house when you are on a walk can go a long way.  Get your neighbors involved also, the more awareness you can have, the better.  Get them interested in security by linking them to this blog.   Communicate with them when you may be away for an extended period of time and ask them to keep an eye out.  If you don't already have a neighborhood watch program in your community, start one.  You can contact your local police for more info on starting an official program.

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Peep Holes!

   The best option to protect yourself from unwanted guests is one of our quality Steel Security Storm Doors, but if that is not an option, peep holes are a great way to see who is at your door without having to confront them.   There are several styles of peep holes with varying degrees of vision.  They are typically between $10-$25.  The higher the degree of vision, the wider angle (more) you will be able to see.  Also, they are simple to install and some even come with instructions.  They also come in different colors and may be a good way to accent a lock or other decoration on the patio.
   They are commonly mounted at the eye level of an average adult, consider installing an additional one low enough for a child to use.
 
    If this is something you are interested in, but don't have the time, tools or knowhow. Feel free to -contact us for a free estimate on installing your new peep hole. 801-487-6800 or online at www.cottonwoodsecurity.com

Lights!

A well lit patio or driveway is not an ideal place for a crime.  Keep your porch lights on at night and ask your neighbors to do the same.  If you don't like the idea of flipping the switch on every night or having to remember it.  Try installing motion detection lights.  There are some affordable options for them and you can use your wiring that is already in place.  This can help prevent break-ins, car burglary and also make it look like someone is home when they are not.

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Window Dowels!  The best way to protect a concerning window is with one of our Steel Window Guards. But, if that is not an option, window dowels can be a great affordable way to protect them.  Simply cut a piece of wood to fit in the channel of the inactive window blocking the active side from opening.  This also works great on sliding glass doors.

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Simple Home Security Tips

Put your large outside garbage cans in a safe, or even hidden place like a shed or garage.  These can easily be used as a stepping stool to easily access a window a few feet higher than normal.  Often, I find people leave windows like this unlocked as they do not think they are accessible or vulnerable.

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