Roberta Farms

Security Habits

All the security devices in the world will not keep you safe if you don’t make a
habit of using them.  Healthy caution must become a habit.

1. Always answer the phone; otherwise, a potential burglar may think the home is
   unoccupied and break in. When you answer the phone, never let the caller know
   that you are home alone. 
2. Always respond to your doorbell. First, check through the peephole viewer to see who
   is outside your door.  Never open your door to anyone you do not know and
   fully trust.
3. In the case of service and repairmen, verify their identities and purposes with
   their dispatchers before you open the door.  If you decide to allow them
   to enter, arrange to either have a friend or neighbor there with you or
   monitoring you with periodic phone calls. 
4. Do not allow children to answer the door, because they are less cautious. 
   Begin reinforcing good security habits at an early age.
5. Be careful about giving out information concerning yourself or where you live,
   either in person, by mail, or over the phone.
6. Do not put your name on your mailbox. In the phone book, list your name in a
   manner that does not indicate that you are a female or living alone.
7. Keep emergency phone numbers posted near your phones.
8. When returning home, make sure that you are not being followed.  Be alert for
   anyone who may be waiting for you to unlock your door so that they can force
   their way in.  Have your keys ready before you get to your door so that
   you can enter as quickly as possible.
9. When returning home, if you have any reason to believe that an unauthorized entry
   has been made while you were away, DO NOT ENTER! Go to a safe place
   immediately, such as a neighbor’s house, and get help before you return.

    10.    Remember that there is strength in numbers.  Join your Neighborhood Watch.