Staying Safe In Your Apartment Home
Getting Started
Lets use our common sense when it comes to securing your dwelling place. Some essential precautions you can take to keep out burglars include:
Keep your door locked (this also includes balcony/patio doors). Use those deadbolts and chains!
Shut and lock your windows when youre not home.
Dont advertise when youre gone. This may include leaving notes with instructions to friends or delivery personnel or leaving the door ajar/unlocked when just running to the corner store.
Check out your peephole (if you have one)
Dont buzz people up unless you are expecting them. Its ok to ask for identification.
Dont leave a spare key anywhere outside of your apartment, even if you think you live in a safe community.
Do not put your full name on your nameplate.
Keep your mouth quiet about your fun new expensive PS3 or flat screen. You never know who is listening.
When out of town, have a reliable friend or neighbor stay at your place or go by at least once a day.
Covering all the bases
Its never a bad idea to invest in a few extra precautionary items to keep your belongings belonging to you. Here are a few ideas for extra security options:
Install motion-sensor lights out on your balcony or patio, or any other area where it would be easy for a burglar to enter.
Take everything out of your car when you are parked overnight. It may be annoying, but it wont tempt robbers to break into your car, and it may even help you to keep your car a little more organized and less cluttered.
If you are without a chain or deadbolt, get them installed (with the permission of the landlord, of course).
Install an alarm system of some sort. These come in a variety of options, including:
oA dog (the best option to me personally; fun, cuddly, lovable, and protective)
oMotion-sensor alarms (for inside use) These can be found at hardware stores and dont have to be hardwired into the apartment. (this keeps the landlord happy)
Bracing windows or sliding doors.