Alarm Procedures and Guidelines

Residential Security Guidelines

All entrances, including service doors and gates, should have quality locks – preferably deadbolt.

Check your:

• Front Door
• Rear Door
• Garage Door(s)
• Service Door(s)
• Patio Door
• Sliding Glass Door
• Gate
• Swimming Pool Gate
• Guest-House Door(s)
• Don’t leave keys “hidden” outside the home. Leave an extra key with a trusted neighbour or colleague
• Keep doors locked even when you or family members are at home
• Have window locks installed on all windows. Use them
• Lock louvered windows–especially on the ground floor
• Have locks installed on your fuse boxes and external power sources
• If you have window grilles and bars, review fire safety. Don’t block bedroom windows with permanent grilles if the windows may be used for emergency egress
• If you have burglar or intrusion alarms, check and use them
• Keep at least one fire extinguisher on each floor, and be sure to keep one in the kitchen. Show family members and household help how to use them
• Periodically check smoke detectors and replace batteries when necessary
• Keep flashlights in several areas in the house. Check the batteries often, especially if you have children in your home. (They love to play with flashlights!)
• A family dog can be a deterrent to criminals. But remember, even the best watch-dog can be controlled by food or poison. Do not install separate “doggy doors” or entrances. They also can admit small intruders
• Know your neighbours. Develop a rapport with them and offer to keep an eye on each other’s homes, especially during trips
• If you observe any unusual activity, report it immediately
• Establish safe family living patterns. If you understand the importance of your contribution to the family’s overall security, the entire household will be safer
• While at home, you and your family should rehearse safety drills and be aware of procedures to escape danger and get help
• Educate family members and domestic help in the proper way to answer the telephone at home
• Vary daily routines; avoid predictable patterns
• Know where all family members are at all times
• Use these same guidelines while on leave or in travel status