Home Safety

1.    Doors & Locks:

•  Doors should be solid core construction, 1-3/4" thick (even
   doors to garage, back doors, any with outside access).
•  All outside doors should have hinges on inside or
   non-removeable hinge pins.
•  Use 1" Dead Bolts on all exterior doors. If a window or
   glass panel is within 40" of the lock, a double cylinder
   deadbolt is best so that a key is required from either side
   of the door.
•  Sliding glass doors should be equipped with special locks
   to avoid rocking the door to defeat the latch. If the door is
   not equipped with a special lock, individual locks can be
   purchased at a local hardware store that can easily be
   attached. Another option is to use sheet metal screws ( 1
   1/4" pan head) in the upper runners of the doors and
   sliding windows. Simply drill a hole at a downward angle
   through the frame and track and insert metal rod or a nail.

II.    Garage and Storage Sheds: Use solid lock/doors and
        padlocks on sheds.

III.   Shrubbery: Keep trimmed back to avoid hiding places from
        criminals.

IV.   Lighting: Good exterior lights, particularly motion detectors.

V.    Property Identification:

•  Keep a list of serial numbers for valuable items
•  Photograph unique items such as jewelry, paintings,
   crystal, etc.
•  Engrave property with your driver's license number in an
   area where it is not easily removed.
   Engravers are available at this Department.

VI.   Alarm systems: Register alarms systems with the Police
       Department.

VII.  Suspicious Persons: Report any suspicious visitors or
       callers to the police.

VIII. Vacations:

•  Have newspapers and mail stopped or picked up by friend.
•  Notify neighbors that you know that you will be gone.
•  Place valuables in safe deposit box or at friends.
   DO NOT leave cash at home.
•  Secure all windows and doors (Do not leave a bathroom
   window open).
•  Turn down volume of telephone and answering machine.
   Do not leave a message that you are on vacation, instead
   that you can not come to the phone at the moment.
•  Use a timer for inside lights, radio and/or TV.
•  Leave window shades in normal daytime position.
•  Lock all vehicles left behind, leave one in driveway or
   ask neighbor/friend to park theirs in your driveway.
•  Call police to request your home put on vacation check list
   (refer to section under services for procedures).

VIIII.Home Security Inspections

•  Call Department to schedule a free home
   security inspection
•  Performed by sworn police officer by appointment
•  Inspector examines doors, door frames, door locks,
   windows, window locks, lighting, landscaping, fencing,
   and alarm systems for weaknesses in security.