Home Invasion Tips.
- Install a peephole. Use this to look through and check before opening the door anytime you hear a knock.
- Keep your house/garage well lit at night (think motion lights) to discourage robbers.
- Make sure window locks and door locks all work properly.
- Always double check your trash. If you just purchased something expensive, like a new TV, make sure the box is disposed of so people do not know of the new goods.
- Install a home alarm system, or door and window chimes. Dogs work well as home security as well.
- Make a "safe room" - maybe a large closet where everyone can fit. Keep a weapon and cell phone in there at all times, just in case. You can have a cell phone with no service that makes emergency calls only. Make sure the cell phone is charged and off so you never have to worry about it being dead.
- Record the serial numbers of all important items. Use a backup for your computer via the internet. Mark your drivers license number on items for help returning in case it is stolen. This might deter the thief first as well.
- Keep baseball bats for protection around the house (and in your vehicle). Another one of our favorites at Family Watchdog is keeping wasp spray around. Sprays farther than mase and hurts an intruder just as much.
- Make sure to do a yearly talk with your family, just so everyone has a game plan and assignment. Talk to elderly family and make sure they have a game plan as well. People over the age of 60 make up 17 percent of victims.