Ven-Mar Neighborhood Association

Savety Tips

Safety Tips for Your Home or Business

For your Home:
Light the outside of your home to help discourage prowling or loitering. Use outside floodlights for all entryways, pathways, stairwells, laundry and parking areas. Connect outside lights to a timing device or motion detector so lights will automatically switch on.
Criminals detest lights for fear of being seen committing their crimes.
Also . . .
• Install quality deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and use them.
• Remember that a small chain between the door and the door jam can easily be ripped out.
• Install quality locks on all windows and use them.
• Remove or trim shrubbery that hides doors and windows so neighbors or police can see someone trying to break into your home.

For your Business and Residence:
Complete an inventory of all doors and windows to be sure that all locks are working properly. Install a robbery alarm and surveillance cameras in your business and residents in strategic areas. Avoid routines such as walking everyday at the same time or making bank transactions on the same time and day.

If You are Being Robbed:
• Do not talk except to answer the robber's question.
• Do not stare directly at the robber.
• Put your safety first: Do not resist an armed robber. Remember money can be replaced, not your life.

Safety Tip - Returning Home

This segment will be about returning home. Have your door key in your hand when approaching your entryway. If possible, arrange for a relative or friend watch you enter your home safely before they drive away. Never enter your home if anything seems unusual, such as an open door, or broken window. Leave immediately to a place of safety and call the police.

Safety Tip - When You are Outdoors

Remember robbery is a crime of opportunity and surprise. Be aware of your surroundings, never carry large amounts of cash, and do not walk alone especially at night. If you suspect you are being followed walk or drive to the nearest police station or large crowd that you can find.