General reminder and common sense stuff!

[curious george]

This is a list of tips that was emailed to me a few yrs ago(and rediscovered today searching for something else):

Safety Awareness at Home:-

Fences/Walls

A high fence around the house with lockable gates, is much safer than a
high wall due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides.

The primary aim of the fence is to make access/intrusion difficult and to
allow dogs to move freely around the house.

Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be
reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled.

Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door as well as
burglar proofing covering all windows, are recommended.

The following devices prevent easy access:

* Window bars
* Security doors
* Security gates
* Razor wire
* Additional locking devices on doors
* Strengthening of doors
* Peepholes in the doors
* Safety chains to doors
* Intercom system between the home and gate, front door or garage


Alarm Systems

An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act
as an effective deterrent.

In the rural environment a siren/alarm on the roof that can be heard over a
long distance and that can be activated by means of a switch/panic button
in the house, is recommended.

A few switches/panic buttons in different rooms of the house should
preferably be installed.

An alarm must also have the capability to warn the occupants of any
intrusion into the house.

Examples of alarm systems:

* Mechanical and/or electrical (purchased types)
* Improvised systems
* Threaded tins
* Threaded pieces of iron
* Gravel on window pains, pathways or around the home
* Obstacles that can make a noise when moved
* Biological Systems:
o Dogs
o Geese
o Ostriches


Security Lights

Security lights on the outside of the house improve the physical protection
of a house, farm or smallholding.

The lights must be directed away from the house and must allow the
occupants to use the windows without being observed from outside.

Be aware of possible shadows and blind spots.

Safety Precautions

Ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed
when you are not at home.

Large dogs serve as a deterrent. At least one dog should be trained to
sleep inside the house.

If you leave your residence, inform your family/ neighbours of your
intended destination, time you expect to return and the route you will be
driving, especially if you reside in a rural area.

Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc that can be
used in an attack, are locked away when you do not use them.

Vary your daily routine.

Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off
the lights.

Remain awake for a while.

You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are
asleep.

Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do
not give away your position.

If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning
from work/a visit, eg your dogs do not come to the gate, do not enter your
home.

Contact your neighbour to assist you in securing your home.

Identify relatively safe places of refuge, ie: bathroom, toilet or
storeroom.

The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better.

Involve employees as they are part of the family/team.

Employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing.

Report suspicious behaviour and information to the South African Police
Service.

Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.

Take photographs of all employees.

It could be to your advantage to identify them, if required.

Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that
contribute to the prevention of crime.

Do not employ casual workers without a reference.

Keep copies of all your employees - Identity Documents (ID's).

Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours so that you
will be in a good position to support and help each other.


Access and Key Control

Do not allow strangers on your premises or in your house without having
properly identifying the person, especially at night.

Implement proper key control measures.

Identify keys by means of codes instead of indicating in writing on labels
to which gate/door access can be gained.

Keys to the safe must be kept on the person.

Never hide any keys in traditional places, such as in pot plants or under
doormats.

Keys in the keyhole on the inside of the front or back door should be
turned to avoid easy removal.

Never allow strangers to handle keys or look at key numbers.

Change locks when keys are lost.

Insert barring devices in door locks.

Remove keys from doors when leaving.


Communication

There should be two systems for alternative back up:

* Telephone
* Cellular phone

Have the telephone installed where it is easily accessible from anywhere in
the house.

Inform your children not to give an indication that adult supervision is
not available when they answer the phone.

---------- Post added at 12:21 ---------- Previous post was at 12:16 ----------

*ps: make sure your armed response/alarm system works as advertised!

(had the misfortune a few months ago of a breakin,the dudes went through the whole house, WITHOUT the alarm system triggering......,needless to say a bit of money was spent on outside/window beams afterwards)

[PesVis]

I like the ostriches idea

The problems with sirens are that if they go off repeatadly, you start ignoring them