Safety starts with being aware of your surroundings!

Here is a list of some personal and family security tips!

* Always answer your telephone! Burglars like to check if you are home or not! If you don’t answer the phone a burglar that is scoping you property to break in may try! When you do answer the phone, don’t let the caller know that you are home alone or give any other personal information! You can add your phone number to the national do not call list registry through: www.donotcall.gov

* Always answer your doorbell or a knock at your door! Make sure you check through a peephole viewer to see who is outside your door. Never open your door to people you do not know! If you don’t have a door peep hole than install one. Install peep holes on all exterior doors including the inner garage door! If you have children, install a peephole that they can see through also! Make sure your children know not to open the door to strangers! Here is a link to a Lowe’s video on installing a peep hole or door viewer!

* If a service or repairmen comes to your home and they claim to be from a utilities company, call your utilities company! Make sure you verify their identity and why they are there with the dispatcher before opening the door. Don’t be afraid to keep the person waiting! They are on the clock, if they you have any doubt call the Police and have them come and verify the persons presence on your property!

* Make sure your kids know not to answer the door to strangers! Let your children know that it is OK to call the Police or a trusted adult for help! Have numbers for emergency services posted where your kids can get to them! Also post phone numbers for trusted adults! Have a test! Just like a fire drill, one parent knocks on the door and then have your kids physically call a trusted friend for advice! Make sure your kids don’t tell the person at the door that you are not there and they are alone! They can always say that you are busy and may be a few minutes!

* Be very careful about giving out information about yourself and where you live! Especially online through social networks, dating sites, by mail, or phone. Here is an article about burglars using social networks to target homes for a burglary!

* Never, never, never, put your name on your mailbox. With today’s technology a burglar can get your phone number through a web search! It is especially easy if they have your address and your last name! Have your number unlisted in the phone book and register with the do not call list above!

* Post emergency numbers near all of your telephones. Make sure that children know how to call for help and how to get a hold of you and other adults! If you trust your neighbors, list their numbers too! Join or start a neighborhood watch and get involved in your local community! Neighborhoods that have a watch are less likely to suffer property crimes! Here is a link: How to Start a Neighborhood Watch Program

* If you come home and find that a window or door has been broken in, stay out of the building! Call the Police and alert your neighbors that their is a problem at your home! Your home should be lit up at night! Don’t allow bushes and trees to over grow to the point that they offer cover for an attacker! If you have the SimpliSafe security system, then you will have a remote control key chain with panic button! If your car has an alarm, that can be used to as a self defense weapon!

Here is a video of the SimpliSafe “NO CONTRACT, CELLULAR CONNECTED” security system that you can own and then monitor for $15 a month! You Can start & stop service as needed because you own the system! Don’t get stuck in a 3 year contract with those other guys!