Community Living: Taking Care of Your Personal Safety at Home

Safety at Home

People tend to feel more secure in their own home. It is important to take a few steps to make sure this is the case for you.

Check around the outside of your home. Look for entry points or areas where an intruder could hide from the view of neighbours. If you prefer, you can call your local police service for a free home security inspection.
Check all doors and windows. Be sure that they lock properly. Buy new locks or locking windows where needed. And always keep your doors locked.
Install a wide-angle peephole to see callers before you open the door. Never open the door to strangers without first seeing identification, and verifying that identification.
If a stranger arrives at your door and asks to use the phone, don’t let them inside. Instead offer to make the call for them while they wait outside.
Install motion-sensitive security lights to cover any areas (such as entrances and garages) that provide hiding spots. They are automatic and will come on any time after dark when their sensors are triggered by movement.
Keep your window blinds or drapes closed after dark.
Use timers to turn on lights, radios or televisions. These are especially important when you are away or on vacation to give the appearance that someone is in the home.
Don’t keep valuables at home. Keep them in a safety deposit box.
Criminals are less likely to steal identified goods, because it is harder to dispose of these items. Through Halton Region’s Police operation identification program, engravers are available at no charge from the Halton Regional Police Service.
Don’t leave tell-tale signs that you are away. Have your mail and newspapers picked up by a friend or neighbour each day.
If you arrive home and it appears that someone has entered your home, do not go inside. Call the police from a neighbour’s and wait for them to arrive.

Thank you to Halton Regional Police and S.A.L.T. for providing this information.

If you have more questions or need further assistance do not hesitate to contact us at info@ChangingGears.ca or 905.847.7047

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