Apartment Safety Basics
- Call 9-1-1 anytime you sense danger. This includes when you see a stranger loitering around your apartment or acting strangely. Also report anyone sitting in a car for a long period of time. It is better to have the situation checked out then risk your safety.
- Get to know the people in your building. Attend a neighborhood watch meeting or visit just to say hello.
- Notify a trusted neighbor if you are going to be gone for more than a couple of days. Also inform your management company and any security personnel who work in your building of your absence.
- Lock your windows when you go to bed or leave the apartment. Unlocked windows are the easiest way for criminals to enter a building.
- Check your smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly and practice using fire extinguishers. Your landlord must supply these items for you. You should also install carbon monoxide detectors in bedrooms if your landlord has not done so. Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every six months.
Don’t…
- Put your apartment key on the same ring as your car key. Keep them separate so that if your house keys are stolen the robber won’t have access to your car and vice versa.
- Leave valuables in the windows of your apartment or car. Place valuables in a secure place or in storage whenever possible.
- Leave notes for roommates or guests on your door saying that you are gone but will be home soon.
- Leave your clothing unattended in the laundry room. As much of a pain as it can be, you should always hang around when your clothing is washing or drying. Laundry can easily be stolen from unattended machines.
- Prop the lobby door open or allow others to do so.
- Give away personal information, including bank account passwords, your social security number or drivers license number, over the phone. Banks don’t need your password to access your account.
- Leave your car or apartment door unlocked, not even for a minute.
|
Email this Article
Print this Article
