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Emergency Preparedness

Guide Book

SAFEGUARDING YOUR HOME

     It is important to protect your home against unwanted entry.  

     Many believe that it is necessary to buy a high tech security system in order to feel safe these days, but what happens when power failure occurs?

     The security system is no longer functional.

Fencing, Shrubs and Trees  

     Any type of fencing or hedge can be a deterrent to illegal entry.  A thief needs to think that he can easily get away with whatever it is that he plans to take from your home.

     However, some types of fencing can be appealing to a thief.  They can sometimes provide cover while the thief cleans your home of all your possessions.

     A chain link fence may be the best alternative.  It allows neighbours to detect break-ins and slows down entry and exit.

     High hedges and shrubs should be cut back, especially near windows, so thieves cannot hide behind them.  Locate big trees away from your house preventing access to second storey windows.

Doors and Windows  

     The best protection is provided by windowless doors with mail slots or other openings placed away from the latch.  Dead bolt locks, when used in addition to a key-in-knob lock provide added security from illegal entry.

     If you leave your home, lock your doors and windows properly.  Always double check and never leave keys in obvious hiding places like under door mats or mailboxes.

     Interior doors were designed for privacy rather than security.  There are usually no locking devices on these doors.  You might want to consider installing key-in-knob locks to replace the other door knobs.  

     By locking these doors you are creating another obstacle for the thief.

Do Not Advertise Your Absence 

     When you have to leave, you should only tell the people you trust to look after your home.

Have a Friend Watch While You Are Gone  

     Have them cut your grass or shovel your driveway, adjust curtains and collect your mail/newspaper while you are away.

Keep Expensive Items Out of Sight  

     Expensive equipment such as stereo systems and televisions should be kept away from windows.  

     If you must leave your home, store them in a closet.  A thief will not break into your house if he believes that it is not worthwhile.

     It is also a good idea to keep expensive jewellery in a safe deposit box.  

     Avoid keeping large amounts of money in your home.

Keep a Household Inventory List  

     Keep an inventory of all your possessions.  List the items, approximate costs, serial numbers, and a short description.  Photographs are an excellent way of recording objects of extraordinary value.

     It is also a good idea to add a personal identification code on your valuables.  This allows you to identify your belongings in the event of a break-in.

Safes and Vaults  

     If your budget permits it, buy a large safe or a vault.  

     By putting all your valuables in the safe you are making it more difficult for a thief to get access to your belongings.

     It is also a good idea to have the safe or vault built directly into a wall or a closet.  This prevents the thief from stealing the entire safe.

Get a Dog  

     “Beware of dog” signs might deter the thief away from your home.  He will not want to take the chance of being attacked or apprehended.

     Where you live and the physical layout of your residence will have a bearing on the extent to which you can implement security in and around your home.

     It is impossible to make your home 100 per cent safe against crime.  

     However, if you follow these guidelines you have taken the first steps towards safeguarding your home.