It's a fact that many crimes can be prevented by taking some extra security measures. It may be frightening to think about being the victim of a robbery or an assault, but it is dangerous to think that it can't happen to you. No matter where you live, you should take precautions to keep your home and family safe. Here are some tips from the Home Security Store to help you stay safe:
Security in and around Your Home:
?Install quality deadbolts and locks on your doors.
?Don't hide the key outside your home. Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or friend instead.
?Keep your doors and windows locked at all times, even if you are at home.
?Consider installing a burglar alarm if your home doesn't already have one. Have it tested and/or upgraded regularly.
?Install a peephole in your door so you can see who is there before you open it.
?Look at your yard from a criminal's point of view ? trim bushes and shrubs that could be hiding places, and install exterior lighting to keep your home lit up at night.
Security with Young Children:
?Instruct children how to answer the phone. Remind them never to give out personal information to callers and that they should never tell someone that you are not home.
?Store all household cleaners, medicines, and sharp objects safely out of reach of children. Install safety latches on cabinets and drawers.
?If you have a swimming pool, NEVER let children swim alone. Consider putting up a locked gate to keep unsupervised kids out.
Financial Security:
?Don't sign your credit cards. Instead, write ?Ask for ID? on the back of all cards.
?Invest in a paper shredder. You should shred all documents, including junk mail, which have any personal information on them.
?Be cautious about any unsolicited mail or email claiming that you have won something. Many scams promise money or other ?prizes? if you send personal information. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Security in an Emergency:
?Test all smoke alarms in your home regularly. You may want to install carbon monoxide alarms as well.
?Plan an escape route in case of a fire. Make sure everyone in your family knows where to go and what to do.
?Keep several flashlights around the house and check the batteries frequently.
?Make a list of emergency phone numbers, like poison control and the local police and fire departments, and keep it near the phone.
What Is Personal Security
* Selecting a hotel room on the third to fifth floor generally will keep you out of reach of criminal activity from the street but still within reach of most fire truck ladders.
* Do not entertain strangers in your hotel room. If you feel you must, require them to leave a valid ID card with hotel security or the front desk.
* Be alert to overly friendly locals who may have criminal intentions. They may offer to take you to a "special" restaurant. Their ruse may be to offer drugged refreshments.
* Never leave valuables in your hotel room exposed or unattended, even in a locked suitcase.
* Place valuables--money, jewelry, airplane tickets, credit cards, and passport--in a hotel safe deposit box or room safe.
* Familiarize yourself with escape routes in case of fire or other catastrophe.
* Use the door chain or bolt lock whenever you are in your room.
* Use the door viewer (peephole) before opening the door to visitors.
* Do not discuss your room number while standing in the lobby or leave your room key on restaurant or bar tables.
* Keep your room neat so you will notice disturbed or missing items quickly.
* Secure your laptop to an immovable object using a lock and cable. You can purchase one of these for about $25 online. If you have sensitive files on your laptop, consider removing your hard drive and bringing it with you when you go out.
* Carry a business card from the hotel to make it easier to get home in a foreign country where not many taxi drivers speak your language.
* Carry a color copy of your Passport wherever you go. Some countries, like Thailand, require you to carry your Passport at all time, but most law enforcement officials will not penalize you for having a copy and going to your hotel room to get the original.
* Make sure you know the local phone numbers for police, fire and emergency. Countries like Thailand have tourist police in addition to the regular police and they are trained to speak foreign languages and assist tourists.
* Try not to let your credit card get out of sight. It is very easy for someone to skim your card in just a few seconds.
Just because you are on vacation doesn't mean you should let your guard down. Big cities are big cities everywhere in the world and all big cities have their share of crime.
A little prevention can go a long way in a foreign country and make your vacation a memorable one.
Both Ralph Winn & Lar are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Ralph Winn has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Security, Home Management and Home Management. Ralph Winn writes about and other related topics. For more information on. Ralph Winn's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.
Lar has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Credit Cards and Hotels and Hostels. Larry Westfall is a regular visitor to Thailand and will retire in Khon Kaen but while he is still single he will get drunk on Submitted by:. Lar's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.
