The largest obstacle to personal safety is you. Many people think "It can't happen to me" or "I live in a good neighborhood"

An attack against you or your family, a fire in your home or office, a home burglary, or some other disaster can take place at any time. But you have the power to be IN CHARGE of what happens to you and your family by taking active responsibility for your own security.

Residential Security

• Use high quality deadbolt locks on all entrances, including service doors and gates.
• Don't leave keys "hidden" outside of your home.
• Keep doors locked even when you or family are at home.
• Lock ground level windows
• Use auxiliary locks on sliding doors, pin doors together
• Keep bushes trimmed low near the house to provide fewer hiding places for intruders
• Good exterior lighting is key, bad guys love dark areas
• Be aware of strangers loitering near your home, make eye contact
• Install locks on your fuse boxes or power panel and other external power sources.
• Review fire safety and escape routes with your family.
• If you have security alarms, check and use them.
• Keep at least one fire extinguisher on each floor, in addition to one in the kitchen.
• Check smoke detectors and the replace batteries. Choose an annual event to help you remember: memorial day, labor day...
• Vary daily routines and avoid predictable behavior patterns.
• Know where your family members are at all times.
• Get to know your neighbors, consider neighborhood watch programs

Security for Children

• Teach your children to never answer the door to strangers.
• Install door viewers, peep holes, at kids height
• Children should know local emergency phone numbers or how to dial 911.
• Children, even young ones, should know their name, address, and phone number.
• Caution teenagers about "blind dates" or meeting someone they do not know or someone the met on the internet.
• Let children know they should not give out personal information, such as home address, absence of adults, etc. over the phone or on the internet.
• Teach children to say no to strangers or even people they know if they are uncomfortable with the situation.
• Teach children how to get out of the house and where to go in case of emergency.
• Create a safe meeting place for everyone to meet up outside in case of an emergency( Fire, Alarm, gas leak) You should have an evacuation plan, practice it with the kids.