Some seniors are concerned about their safety on the street. Do not have an exaggerated fear of crime; however, recognize that it can happen to you. You must ask yourself: "Just how real is this threat? Is it safe to walk in my neighborhood during the day or night? Have there been street crimes, purse snatchings, robberies or assaults?" If street crimes are a problem in your neighborhood and you have a fear of being victimized, find out what you can do that will eliminate or reduce your risk.

The majority of street crimes are crimes of opportunity. The thief is looking for an easy target: a woman walking down a quiet street, a man who has just cashed his pension check and has been observed with a substantial amount of money. Or, the thief decides that this is the right place and the right time, and you just happen to be there. The thief is very likely to be a teenager, a male and a stranger to you.

The most common street crime is purse snatching. The thief approaches you from behind or face on, catches you unawares, grabs your purse and runs. It happens so quickly that you do not have a chance to see who the thief is.

There have also been reports of men having their wallets taken from them by force. These offences do not occur that often, but they do occur.

For many people who have been victimized by this hit and run tactic, the trauma changes their outlook toward their community. They become fearful of the street and feel that their security and the quality of their lives have been jeopardized. For many, the instinctive reaction is to withdraw from what once was a friendly world.

You may ask yourself: "How can I prevent myself from becoming a victim?" You can help prevent your purse or wallet from being stolen. You must recognize that you are not safe from crime by virtue of your age. There is no foolproof method that will stop a crime from occurring. There are ways in which you can reduce the risks and increase your sense of personal security. Your common sense is the best guide to your personal protection. Here are a number of rules and guidelines. It is up to you to determine how these rules and guidelines apply to your situation.

NEVER:

Here are some common sense rules that motorists should follow under certain conditions. You must rely on your judgment and assessment of the situation to tell you what you should do.

Remember to keep your vehicle locked at all times, whether moving or parked. If you are driving at night, use well-lighted streets and parking lots that are open to easy observation. Be cautious of any stranger approaching your vehicle. If you feel that you are in danger, press the horn repeatedly in short blasts; this will attract attention. If you think you are being followed, pull into the nearest gas station or safe place. Do not drive home. You will only be advertising to your follower where you live.

It is advisable to plan and study your route before you leave, whether it is for a short drive in the city or a longer trip into the country. Do not pick up hitch-hikers. This may seem overcautious and an unfair stereotyping of hitchhikers, however, you do not know who you are giving a ride to. You could be needlessly jeopardizing your safety and well-being.

Should your vehicle break down in an isolated area there are certain steps you should follow, particularly at night:

Pull your vehicle off the road so you will be out of the traffic

Turn on the emergency (4 way) flashers

Raise the hood of the vehicle if you can

If you have a bright colored cloth (scarf, handkerchief etc) tie it to your radio aerial.

Then stay in your car with all doors locked and windows rolled up.

Wait for help to come to you - a patrolling police car, or another motorist.

Should a passing motorist stop, stay in your car and ask him/her to send help back to you. (You must use your judgment in the situation. If the motorist has his/her family in their car and offers you a ride to the nearest garage or town, only you can decide what is best for you under the circumstances.) Remember, a helpful or concerned motorist will be very happy to assist by contacting the right party to help you.

DEFENDING YOURSELF

Self-defense for seniors is rooted in the common-sense approach. Physical self-defense is not practical for most older people and weapons should not be considered by anyone. If you are at home and some person persists in trying to gain entry, have a loud whistle handy. Start blowing and head for your phone to call the police. Do not hesitate! No criminal wants to attract unnecessary attention and only a very foolish criminal will hang around to answer questions. Carry the whistle on the street; it may save you from becoming a victim. The whistle does not guarantee blanket protection, but it can frighten off a potential thief.

REMINDER

PREVENT CRIME THROUGH EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

Research indicates that the opportunist commits most crimes against seniors. Education and awareness of some preventive techniques can help you recognize a potential crime situation and allow positive action to be taken that will reduce or remove the risk.

Research also indicates that for many seniors one of the biggest concerns is the fear of victimization. But it is difficult to prevent something from happening if you do not know what it is you are attempting to prevent. Therefore, while it is not possible in the space available to discuss all the crime problems that concern our society, this booklet deals with crimes that are most likely to affect YOU.

There is evidence that some people who have been victimized are too embarrassed to report the incident to the authorities. For your own well-being and to help prevent others being victims, if you have been victimized (or THINK you have been) REPORT THE CIRCUMSTANCES TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

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Woman Alone
Safety Tips

AT HOME:

All windows should be secure. Draw window shades or drapes after dark.

All entrances and garages should be well-lit.

Avoid feminine identification. Do not put your first name on your mailbox, or in the telephone book. Use two initials and your last name.

Unknown persons should not be admitted to your premises unless proper credentials are presented.

Should a stranger request use of your phone, do not allow the person to enter. Offer to make the call yourself.

Should you return home to find windows or doors tampered with, do not enter or call out! Go to a neighbor and call the police.

ON THE STREET

Plan your route and avoid short cuts through parks, vacant lots or unlit areas.

Do not overburden yourself with packages and a bulky purse.

Walk near the curb and away from alleys and doorways.

If you suspect you are being followed, cross the street; go to the nearest home, service station or open business premises and call the police.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

      Try to avoid isolated bus stops.

Sit near other women or near the driver.

If someone bothers you, tell the driver immediately.

HITCH-HIKING 

Police urge you not to hitchhike under any circumstances.

PUBLIC PLACES 

Use caution in conversations with strangers. Avoid giving your name, address or place of employment.

BABY SITTING 

Leave information with your family about babysitting location, phone number and time expected home.

Once inside the house, lock all doors and windows.

If you hear strange noises outside the house, call the police.

IF ATTACKED...

        Run to the nearest residence or business. Cries for help can discourage criminals and may result in their arrest.

IF you choose to physically resist, take advantage of any 'weapons' you may have - such as a purse or umbrella.

Attempt to determine points of identification such as clothing, glasses, scars, hair color and height. Call the police immediately.

The choice of whether or not to physically resist attack can only be made by you. If the assailant is armed, your options are limited. There is no way to predict an attacker's actions.

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PURSE SNATCH:

DO NOT....
carry a bag that makes you a target. A bag that dangles from the shoulder can be easily yanked off your shoulder by someone coming up from behind.

DO NOT....
carry your bag in such a manner that you can't let it go if you have to. Many women have been injured because their own bags acted as handcuffs as a purse snatcher yanked it away.

DO....
be aware of your surroundings and carry your bag close to your body, tucked in the bend of your elbow.

DO....
minimize the amount of money and credit cards that you carry with you on a daily basis. Divide your money between pockets and bags.

IF...
you are the victim of a purse snatch do not fight to hold onto your bag, especially if there is a weapon involved.

COMING HOME LATE AT NIGHT:

Avoid shortcuts that are not well traveled or well lit.

Know what reputable stores are open in your neighborhood late at night. If you suspect that you are being followed stay away from lonely quiet blocks and head for the store you know to be open.

When walking to your car or on your way home, keep your keys in your hand until you are safely inside for added protection.

If someone drops you off at home by auto, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside.

If a motorist bothers you while you are walking turn around and walk in the opposite direction of the car. Do this as often as necessary and he should get discouraged.

IF YOU ARE DRIVING:

Keep windows rolled up, except for a small. ventilation space and keep your doors locked.

If someone attempts to force you off the road, don't panic..... blow your horn constantly to attract attention. If you are forced over, as soon as you stop put your car in reverse and back away..... keep blowing the horn and moving the car as much as possible.

If you suspect that someone is following you make a few turns down active streets if possible. If the auto you suspect is following you makes the same turns as you then head for the nearest police station, fire house or open store. Don't try to make it to your own quiet residential area.

Try to park your car in a well lighted area, this is not only good from the standpoint of discouraging a personal attack on you but also for reducing the chance of auto theft. Look around before you get out of your car.

Before getting into your car, look inside first to make sure no one is hiding in the back seat. When leaving your car, make sure it is locked.

AT HOME YOU SHOULD:

Have your key ready before you get to the front door.

Make sure your entrance area is well lighted.

If you live in an apartment don't be polite and hold the lobby door open for a stranger who has been waiting.

List only your last name and first initial in your mailbox.

Don't buzz someone inside unless you know them.

If a stranger wants to use your phone for any kind of call from business to emergency ........ keep him out and you make the call for them! Any problems or in doubt? Call the police!

If you arrive home and find your door open DO NOT GO INSIDE call the police from a pay phone or neighbors house and ask them to meet you.

Don't get on the elevator with a stranger if your own good judgment warns you against it.

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Personal Protection

At Home

Use locks all the time. If there is no glass in your front door, install a peep-hold viewer and use it before opening the door to anyone. Only open doors to strangers when necessary, and demand identification from utility company and repair personnel before admitting them.

Taking Security on the Road

When traveling, there is a lot more to security than the "right" brand of traveler's checks. Many vacations have been cut short by such man-made disasters as stolen cars and ransacked hotel rooms.

Wherever you go, always lock your car.

When parking, avoid dark, deserted areas and always check the back seat before reentering your car.

Try to avoid looking like a tourist. You can't do anything about out-of-state plates, but you can keep valuables out of sight and guide maps and travel brochures.

Always arrange your things in motel rooms so that you can tell if anything is missing. Never leave valuables in motel rooms and always keep the door double-locked.

Safety on the Street

Security shouldn't stop when you leave your home. There are steps you can take to increase your safety on the street as well. When walking outside, remember that thieves and muggers are looking for the greatest reward for the least effort. Don't make yourself an attractive target by flashing cash or valuables in public.

Appearances Count. If you must walk down a dark, deserted street, don't display a $5,000 watch on your wrist or expensive jewelry around your neck. Do walk with a quick, confident step and be aware of your surroundings. On city streets, walk on the curb-side of the sidewalk to avoid becoming a target for someone waiting in an alley or doorway.  

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Child / Infant Safety Seats

Child Safety Seats     

The results of a direct observation survey of child safety seat use for children under the age of 4 conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) in 1997 indicate that 74.5 percent of the children observed were restrained in child safety seats. However, almost 90 percent of those seats were installed incorrectly. Common errors include the safety seat not tightly secured in vehicle; harness improperly used; wrong seat used; and improper use or lack of use of the locking clip.

A new online child safety seat information service is now available on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website. It is intended to help parents and caregivers make better decision s about protecting their children while traveling by guiding them to the right child restraint for their children's needs. This new service includes dozens of full-color photographs of different types of child safety seats with step-by-step installation guidelines. You may access the service by going directly to the NHTSA website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov and clicking on the "Child Safety Seats" icon or the "Child passenger Safety" section. The  link for this new service is: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/csr2001/csrhtml/index.html

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Child Safety

If you have small children, these rules are even more important. If the child is old enough to open the door, make sure that he or she understands that the door is never to be opened for a stranger.

If children are ever in the house alone, teach them to avoid communicating this fact to anyone at the door or anyone that calls on the phone.

And no one wants to think about the possibility that one of their children may be abducted or may run away from home. Statistically, the chances of that happening to your child are extremely slim. But what if it did?

Are you prepared?

Do you have recent pictures of your child that you could give to the police to help the search?

Do you have a set of fingerprints to provide positive identification?

Child Fingerprinting

Fingerprinting is not hard to do, and there are do-it-yourself kits that are widely available.

Internet Safety
for your kids

You don't need to know how to build a radio to know how to use one to listen to music. 

And you don't need to be an Internet expert to know how to be a good parent when it comes to supervising your kids when they are online.  I don't care how much, or little, you know about routers and IP addresses and servers.  If you're a parent, you should know what you need to do to supervise your kids.

I'm writing this column on a day when there is another sad Internet story in the newspapers.  A teenage girl met a fellow on an Internet chat group.  On the Internet, chat is a service that lets you type instant messages - to have a virtual conversation - with someone.

If the police reports are right, she believed the fellow when he said he was 17 years old.  And because you can't see the folks you chat with and don't even know their names, it's easy to get fooled.  Again, according to police reports, the guy turned out to be 41 and used the Internet relationship to discover the young girl's address and name.  He's now charged with the statutory rape of the teenager.

Because I write about the Internet, a local radio station asked me to talk about ways parents can protect their kids on the Net.  I could tell that my interviewer expected me to come up with some sort of technical solution, to tell him about some software that parents could buy, or a special setting to change on their Internet software.  That's not criticism of the interviewer, I think most of us have come to believe that technology can solve our most complicated problems.

But you wouldn't expect to buy a hammer and magically know how to build a house because you own the hammer.   You still have the responsibility of using the hammer yourself.

It's the same with computers and the Internet.  A computer is just a tool, and the Internet is just a bunch of wire and computers.  Computers can't supervise a kid or give them the maturity that you earned the hard way.  That's your job.

The truth is that the Internet - and the chat groups it carries - is made up of humans.  Just as you'd expect, most of them are decent people.  Some of them are the worst kind of scum.   It's no different from what you'd find in your own hometown in that regard.

But there is an important difference between your real-life hometown and the Net that parents need to understand.  Unlike your hometown, it is almost impossible to tell the safe neighborhoods on the Net from the scary ones.  And you can't just worry about the X-rated groups.  There is nothing in the world to keep a grown-up from logging on to a group that's billed as a meeting place for kids.  It's impossible to know whether the 17-year-old kid your child visits with on a site is really who he or she claims to be.

You have t to make your own decisions about whether your child should use the chat groups.  You're the parent, and that's your job.

All I can tell you is that if I had children, I would be reluctant to turn them loose in a city where everyone wears a mask t hide their identity.   I don't care how many nice people out there they miss meeting.  I'd want to make sure that they didn't bump into some piece of human slime by mistake.

Besides, there's something special about the old-fashioned kind of chatting.  The kind you do in person, with people who are able to put up with the inconveniences of having a friend in the real world.

* This article is copied with the permission of Mr. Bill Husted, writer for the "Atlanta Journal-Constitution."

Listed below are links to web sites which offer software packages which control many aspects of your children's internet surfing experience.  Software can track the web pages visited, times, dates and length of visits, messages sent to and from your child in chat rooms, appropriate web page content filters, etc.

Safe Surfin   
Safe Kids  
Cyber Patrol  
Symantec   

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Bike Safety/Theft Prevention:

Always lock your bicycle.

If your bicycle is at home, keep it in a locked garage, basement or room, not in the yard or driveway.

Lock your bicycle by placing a chain or cable through both wheels, the frame and around a stationary object. If you use a bicycle rack, place the chain or cable through one wheel and the frame.

Use a high quality lock and case-hardened chain or cable to lock your bike.

Record the serial number of your bicycle and keep it, along with the sales receipt.

Register your bicycle with City Hall.

Do's and Don'ts

Do:

• Ride with traffic. Keep to the right of the road.
• Obey all traffic regulations.
• Use proper hand signals for turning or stopping.
• Stop and look both ways in order to make sure that sidewalks or streets are clear before entering a street.
• Walk your bicycle across busy streets at corners or crosswalks.
• Use proper headlights and red tail light or reflector when riding at night.

DON'T:

• Show off. Keep your hands on the handlebars.
• Zigzag, race or stunt-ride in traffic.
• Hitch rides on trucks or cars.
  
  
  
  Using The Telephone To Call For Help:

Q. Who can help you if you get hurt
A. A trusted adult (Mom, Dad, teacher, police officer, etc.).

Q. If grown-ups get hurt, who should help them ?
A. Other grown-ups.

Q. What is an emergency ?
A. An emergency is a very big problem that kids can't handle by themselves. For example children need grown-ups to help them if there is a fire, or if someone gets badly hurt.

Q. What if you and your mom are the only ones at home.
Mom falls down the stairs and isn't saying anything.
What is the special phone number you can use to call for help ?
A. 9-1-1 or " 0 " (operator) is the special telephone number you can call if there is an emergency. But you should call it only in an emergency. It will bring the police, a fire truck, or an ambulance.

Q. Is it okay for you to dial 9-1-1 ?  
A. Yes, but only when there is a real emergency. If there is an emergency, first tell a grown-up if one is around. If not, tell an older brother or sister. If no one else is home, you can call 9-1-1 or "0" (operator) to get help.


Stranger Danger:

Q. Who is a stranger ?  
A. A stranger is a person whom you have never met before; a person you may have seen before, but whom you don't know anything about (for example, someone you've seen walking in your neighborhood); a person whom your parents don't know well.

Q. What do strangers look like ?
A. Strangers can be men or women, young or old. They can have any color skin. Some are tall and skinny; some are short and fat. Some strangers are pretty and some are not so pretty. They can speak different languages. Most strangers are nice, but some strangers are mean. Because you don't know if someone is a good stranger or a bad one, you should not talk to anyone you don't know.

Q. Should you ever get into a car with someone you and your parents don't know ?
A. NO. Never accept a ride from a stranger.

Q. If a stranger tries to talk to you, what should you do ?
A. Do not talk to the person. Get away fast and tell a trusted grown-up.

Q. Who has a secret code word with their parents ?
A. A secret code word is a word that only you and your parents know. If there is an emergency and someone you don't know has to pick you up from school or from a friend's house, ask that person the secret code word. If he or she doesn't know the secret code word, don't go. Get away and go to a grown-up you know and trust for help.

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Separation From Parents:

Q. What should you do if you get lost ?
A. If you get lost outside-in a park or zoo, for example-stop and stay where you are. You may be scared, but your Mom or Dad (or the grown-up you were with) will come looking for you.
Walking around makes it harder for them to find you. If you see a police officer, tell him or her you are lost and ask for help.

If you get lost in a store, stay calm and alert. Go to the cash register (the place where you pay) and tell them your name and that you are lost. The people who work in the store will find your Mom and Dad for you. Stay by the cash register until Mom or Dad comes. Don't
leave the building.

Q. Do you know your Mom's and Dad's first and last names ?
Do you know your address and phone number by heart ?
A. If you don't know these answers, practice them with your parents.


When Someone Knocks or Calls:

Q. Who is a stranger ?
A. A stranger is a person you have never met before; a person you may have seen before, but whom you don't know anything about (for example, someone you've seen walking in your neighborhood); or a person whom your parents don't know well.

Q. What should you do when the doorbell rings or someone knocks ?
A. Tell an adult who is at home. If a grown-up is not a home, do not open the door. Don't even ask who it is. Ignore the knock, and wait for an adult who lives with you. If it's important, the person will come back later. If a grown-up is there but is busy (in the yard, in the shower, asleep), tell the grown-up and let him or her answer the door. Do not open the door yourself !

Q. What should you do when the phone rings and no grown-ups are around ?  
A. This is something that each family might have their own rule about. Ask your parent what your family's rule is. One suggestion is to answer the phone politely. If Mom or Dad is close by, ask the caller to wait while you get them. If an adult is not available (in the yard,
in the shower, asleep) say, "Everyone is busy. Please call back." NEVER say that you are alone.


Bullies:

Q. Is it ever okay to be mean or nasty ?
A. No. You need to treat everyone nicely-the way you want to be treated.

Q. Should you call people names that make them feel bad ?
A. No. Name calling is not okay. Some names you think are funny may hurt other people's feelings.

Q. What is a bully ?
A. A bully is a person who picks on you or pushes you around.

Q. What does a bully do ?
A. Bullies tease, act tough, and sometimes hurt your feelings. Bullies try to scare you. Sometimes they push you around, hurt you, call you mean names, or take things from you.

Guns and Other Weapons:

Q. Do you ever find strange things on the playground or at home and not know what these things are ? What should you do if you find something that looks like a weapon (gun or knife) ?
A. There are always things around that you aren't sure about. You should never touch or pick up anything that you have not seen before or anything that might be unsafe. Ask a trusted grown-up if you can touch these things. Always tell a grown-up right away if you find something that looks like a weapon or something you're not sure about.

Q. How can you tell whether a gun you see is real or a toy ?
A. Often you can't tell if a gun is real or a toy. If it looks like a gun, treat it as if it were real and move away from it as quickly as possible. Tell a grown-up.

Q. If you find a gun or other weapon what do you do ?
A. Stop. Don't touch. Leave the area. Tell a trusted grown-up.

Kids talk to your parents about safety.

GETTING READY FOR BAD WEATHER....

-If the weather looks bad, listen to the radio or television for a forecast.
-Have on hand a battery operated radio and extra batteries
-Keep a supply of canned and ready-to-eat foods and bottled water.
-Keep emergency supplies handy.

IF A TORNADO COMES......

-Go to the basement or interior room or hallway on the bottom floor of your house.
-Get under a table
-Cover your head
-Stay away from windows  

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Poison Awareness

If you have a poisoning emergency, call 
1-800-222-1222.

If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911.

    .. .you can prevent poisonings by knowing what to expect...

Did you know that... 

Over 50% of all poisonings occur in children less than 5 years old.

Most poisonings in children happen just before lunch and before dinner when children are hungry and are supervised less.

Many poisonings occur while the products are being used not while they are stored.

The most common "poisons" in children are: Cough / Cold medicines, vitamins, fluoride, antibiotics, cleaners and plants.

Product labels may have first aid instructions that are incorrect (or outdated)

"Child-proof" caps are not child-PROOF, they are only child-RESISTANT.

You have a Poison Control Center to help you when a poisoning occurs.

Home Poison Safety - Make sure that...

All household products are stored out of reach of children and pets.

All household products and medicines are kept in original containers and not stored in food or beverage containers.

Food, medicines and household products are each stored separately.

All medicines are locked up.

No medicines are left on countertops, window sills, vanities, dressers or bedside tables.

No cleaning supplies are kept under sink in kitchen or bathroom.

Never refer to medicine as candy.

Always read and follow label directions before using.

All old, unused, unlabelled medicines are discarded properly.

All containers are rinsed out thoroughly before discarding safely.

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Poison-Proof your Home checklist

To give you a start in poison proofing your home, here is a list of SOME common potentially toxic substances.

Go through each room. Make sure these are properly stored out of reach of small children and pets.

KITCHEN / LAUNDRY

  Ammonia

Automatic Dishwasher Detergent

Bleach

Drain Cleaners

Fabric Softeners (liquid and sheet)

Oven Cleaners

Rust removers

Vitamins / Fluoride / Iron Pills

BEDROOM

Cosmetics

House plants

FAMILY ROOM

Stereo / video cleaners

BATHROOM

Aftershave lotion

Cosmetics

GARAGE / BASEMENT / STORAGE

Antifreeze

Mothballs / Moth Flakes

Weed killers

OTHER

Alcoholic Beverages, batteries, disc (calculator), cigarettes     

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Poison Prevention

Use products with child resistant caps

Never call medicine candy

Store all drugs and chemicals in their original containers and out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet

Never put chemicals in food containers

Do not take medications in front of children, they may imitate you.

Read and follow label directions on all products before using them.

Be aware that some product labels have outdated first aid advice. Call Poison Control Center for current information

Make sure that all old, unused and unlabelled medicines are discarded properly. All containers should be rinsed out thoroughly before discarding safely.

Keep phone number for the Poison Control Center attached to your telephone.

Make sure babysitters, friends and relatives are aware of the Poison Control Center number.

Purchase ipecac syrup from local drug store and keep on hand at all times. Use only after advice from the Poison Control Center or your physician.

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Household Perimeter Security

Exterior doors must be solidly constructed. At a minimum, use solid core hardwood doors designed for exterior use. For greater protection at greater cost, high security steel doors are available. Remember that an entrance door can never be stronger than its weakest point, so make sure that the door frame, hinges, lock and striker plate are as secure as the door itself. And don't forget the mail slot. Make sure that the mail slot cannot be used to look into your home. Hoods are available for mail slots that prevent this.

Weak hinges defeat strong doors. Hinges are often the Achilles' Heel of an entrance door. If the door opens outward, as many do, the hinges will be on the outside. It only takes a moment to remove the hinge pins from any ordinary set of hinges. With the pins removed, the door can be removed, making its strength and the security of its lock irrelevant. There are three ways to avoid this:

Replace the hinges with a set of hinges that do not have pins.

Make removable pins permanent, either by welding or by drilling and pinning the hinge pins themselves so that they cannot be easily removed.

Install high security hinges that include a pin that extends from one side of the hinge into a hole on the other side when the door is closed. Even if the hinge pins themselves are removed, the door cannot be opened because of the steel pin that extends from the edge of the hinge side of the door into the door frame itself. A similar result can be achieved by modifying ordinary hinges. First, remove the center screw on the door side of the hinge. Then replace it with either a pin or a longer screw that will extend into a hole drilled into the other side of the home and the door frame.

Door locks and deadbolts. Without an effective lock, none of the above measures will prevent entry. Least effective is the common key-in-knob type. Little better than no lock at all, this type of lock can be broken easily with a tool no more sophisticated than ordinary adjustable pliers. Equally useless are locks with bolts that can be defeated with a plastic credit card.

At minimum, the lock on an entrance door should be a pin tumbler type with at least five tumblers. To determine the number of tumblers on your lock, examine the key. Each depression corresponds to a tumbler; look for at least five depressions. Even better than the ordinary pin tumbler locks are high security designs such as the Medeco©, which are much more difficult to pick, even for a professional locksmith. Most burglars, however, don't have the know-how, time, or inclination to pick a lock. It is far easier to move on to a more vulnerable target.

Beefing up Sliding Doors. Sliding doors are especially vulnerable to forcible entry. For one thing, the latching mechanism on most doors of this type is not very sturdy and can be easily forced open with a pry bar or other lever. For another, it is often possible to lift a sliding door out of its track, then pull it outward and remove it completely. Of course, the glass itself is vulnerable, but the noise of breaking glass is likely to attract unwelcome attention to the burglar.

There are a number of things that can be done to increase the security of a sliding glass door. To prevent an intruder from lifting the door out of its track, install pan-head sheet metal screws in the track directly above the door. The screws should protrude just enough to serve as a stop if anyone attempts to lift the door, but not enough to interfere with the sliding motion of the door.

To prevent the intruder from simply forcing the door and breaking the lock, there are a number of preventative measures you can take. Cut a length of broom handle or heavy dowel to length and use it to fill the track in which the inner door slides. There are also commercial products that can be attached to the door that serve the same function.

Stronger locks than the latches supplied on most sliding doors are also available. Or, simplest of all, just drill a hole through the inner door that passes halfway into the outer door and install a screw or steel rod into the hole. The two doors will be locked together, making it nearly impossible to force the door without breaking it and also making it much more difficult to lift the door off the track, since both door must now be lifted at the same time.

Window Security

Securing Sliding Windows. Similar solutions can be used to make sliding windows more secure. Security of most window types can be beefed-up considerably. The one exception is the jalousie, or louver-type windows, which are particularly vulnerable, because all the thief has to do to gain entry is break one pane, then reach in to crank open the window. Once open, the remaining panes can usually be removed easily.

Jalousie and Casement windows. Short of installing bars or a security grate, there is nothing you can do to make jalousie windows truly safe. You can make the thief's job more difficult by cementing the panes into their frames with two-part epoxy resin. Casement windows, similar in some respects to jalousies, are much safer because the panes are completely enclosed in metal frames.

Double-Hung Windows. The most common window type, double-hung sash, is the simplest to make secure. if you do not need or want to open the window, you can simply fasten one section of the sash to the other using a long screw. Otherwise most hardware stores can supply devices which, mounted to the upper sash, restrict window opening to a few inches. Or, at a slightly greater cost, locks can be installed on this type of window.

Securing Other Entrances

While securing your windows, don't forget various other openings that may allow unauthorized access to your home. These include pet access doors and entrances to crawlspaces, sub floor areas and so forth.

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Interior Security & Other Household Security Measures

Safes and Security Closets

Things of value that you must keep in the house, as well as things that should not be allowed to fall into the wrong hands (such as firearms), can be kept in a security closet. This is a closet that has a steel or solid wood door and gives the same attention to security that you give the entrance to your home. These may also be protected separately as part of a home security system.

Safe Deposit Boxes & Household Records

No matter how secure your home is, it is no place for your most important papers and valuables. A safe deposit box costs only a few dollars a year and affords more protection than you could buy at home without spending many thousands of dollars. The lock box is the place to store records of the serial numbers of valuables, with photos and descriptions of items that have no serial numbers.

Engraving and Recording Possessions

When taking photos of your valuables, it is a good idea to have your driver's license in the photo as evidence of ownership. Wherever possible, it is a good practice to engrave your driver's license number (preceded by the two letter abbreviation of the state). The best way to do this is with one of the small electric engravers that sell for between $15 and $20. Many police departments will lend you one of these devices at no cost whatsoever.

Setting Up a Neighborhood Watch

Setting up a good Neighborhood Watch program is the best investment you can make in keeping your local neighborhood safe. The roots of the program lie in what we think of as old-fashioned ideas of neighborhood responsibility, unity and preparedness.

Outdoor Security and General Tips

There are a number of simple steps we all can take that will make the area just outside our home considerably safer. The simplest is to always make it appear that the home is occupied by security-minded people. Lawns should be neatly mowed at all times and shrubbery trimmed. Large bushes, especially if near doors and windows, give unwelcome visitors a place to hide from passersby and a