Safety Tips

• Once in the house, theives do just what you do when you come home: They head for the bedroom. That's where most of us keep our valubles. A jewelry box on top of the dresser is pratically a homing signal. But, they also know your "clever" hiding places: dresser drawers, the freezer, under the mattress or the cookie jar!
• They're after cash and small, easy-to-carry things they can turn into cash - quickly. Jewelry, silver, cameras. But taking bulky items doesn't scare these crooks off either - TVs, VCRs, and stereos get their attention too.
• Most people don't install security systems until 2 to 4 years after they move in. Burglars know this, and your chances of a break-in are highest right after you move.
• Buying decals and lawn signs instead of a security system won't work. Experienced burglars know the difference.
• Contrary to popular belief, burglars don't often break in at night. Their favorite hours are 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - when you're at work and your kids are at school.
• Burglars spend less than 1 minute trying to break in, but take 30-45 minutes to choose their target. Often they'll pick a familiar neighborhood or a secluded home close to a main street.
• Burglars don't want to work hard to get in. Believe it or not - their favorite entrance is the front door. Nearly half break-in through the front door, 32% choose the back door, and 22% enter through the first floor window. The rest break-in through the garage, basement or second floor window.
  
  Tips for selecting a company:
  
  
  1. Contact the IBFAA for a list of member companies in your area. Members agree to maintain a high level of conduct under a National Code of Ethics and render services at the highest level of quality.
  2. Call several companies. Ask them if their employees are trained and/or certified by the NBFAA.
  3. Ask if they have appropriate state and/or local licenses, if required. Ask if they screen employees before hiring.
  4. Narrow the field to 3 or 4 companies. Ask for the name of the person who will call you. Plan the appointment when all members of the household are present. When the security professional visits, ask to see company identification.
  5. Ask for an inspection, demonstration and a quote in writing. Ask for references.
  6. Study the contract to ensure you know exactly what protection you're getting for you investment. Consider the merits of leasing versus buying the system.
     
     
  Home Safety Checklist:
  
  
• Keep an eye on your neighbor's houses. Ask them to watch yours. Get involved with your neighborhood watch group.
• If you think someone is inside your home, don't go in. Call the police. If you do face a burglar, don't be a hero. Your life matters more than your property!
• When on vacation, make intruders think you're home. Park a car outside, turn the telephone ringers down. Constant ringing indicates an unoccupied house. Leave some lights on inside and out. Turn on the stereo or TV.
• Cancel the newspaper and other deliveries. Have a neighbor pick up mail and empty garbage cans. Don't leave notes.
• Lock all doors and windows and lock the garage door.