Safety at Your Front Door

Your Front Door

Never automatically open your front door. Make sure you know your caller's identity before admitting him.
If the person at your door is a stranger, ask for identification to be passed under the door. If he is unable to do this, do not admit him.
It is advisable to have a wide angle viewer (peep-hole) in the door so that you can check a person's identity without unlocking your door.

All doors in your home leading to the outside should have dead-bolt locks.
When away at night, leave a light burning.
Do not leave a key over a door or under a mat.
The single lock on a garage door is inadequate to keep intruders from prying up the opposite side and crawling in. Use a padlock. But never leave it unlocked. This is an invitation to have the padlock removed so that a key can be made, and the lock returned to its position. Later, the burglar returns when no one is home and enters at his leisure, using "his" key.
Mark your valuables and keep an accurate record of all your most valuable possessions.
Be a concerned neighbor. If you see a suspicious person, car or situation, contact the police.

If you live in an apartment building with an intercom system to the front door, make sure the landlord keeps it in operating order.
Never admit anyone unless you are expecting him or know him.
Never admit anyone to the building who is there to see another tenant or to deliver something to another apartment.
Anyone asking admission so that he can do some work for another tenant should not be admitted, but should be referred to the building's manager.
If you see someone in your building who looks out of place or is acting suspiciously, contact the police.

Observe elevator interior before entering. Wait until the next elevator if you are uncertain of any occupant.
Females riding the elevator alone should always stand near the control panel. If accosted, press ALL buttons.
If a suspicious person enters the elevator, exit before the door closes.
Before exiting from the elevator, observe the corridor for suspicious activity.

Discontinue milk, newspaper, and other deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. Do not leave notes.
Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove advertising circulars and other debris regularly. On the other hand, several toys scattered about will create an impression of occupancy.
Notify the post office to forward your mail or have a trustworthy person pick it up daily. Apartment house tenants should also heed this hint since stuffed mail receptacles are a give-away when no one is home.
Inform neighbors of your absence so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Leave a key with them so your place may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary the positions of your shades and blinds.
When you leave, do not publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspaper accounts of other people's vacation activities.
If you find a door or window has been forced or broken while you were away, Do not enter. The criminal may still be inside. Use a neighbor's phone immediately to summon police.
Do not touch anything or clean up if a crime has occurred.
Preserve the scene until police inspect for evidence.