Safety Tips

American Security & Lock Inc. offers to our community free professional security consultation to any business. We also speak at Neighborhood Watch programs and other community groups. We would be more than happy to schedule a speaker for your security issue gatherings, just email us at contact us..

DOORS

• Install a wide-angle peephole.
• Entrance doors should have a solid core.
• Doors should fit tightly into doorjambs and strike plates must be secure.
• If hinge pins are outside, they should be non-removable.
• When closed, sliding doors need a metal bar to fill the inside track or a window Security Pin.
• Locks on the inside of the door should be at least 40 inches from glass.
• Use deadbolt locks, which extends at least 1 inch into the strike plate.
• Locks must be rekeyed after you move in.
• Install heavy-duty strike plates.

WINDOWS

• Double hung windows should be pinned.
• Metal windows need a lock or metal bar in addition to a catch.
• Basement windows should be Plexiglass or have security bars.
• Windows left open for ventilation should be secured.
• Curtains or blinds should fully cover windows.
• Air conditioners should be secured from the inside.

GARAGE

• Keep garage door closed and locked when not in use.
• Remove vehicle keys and lock vehicle in the garage.
• Have a light inside the garage.

EXTERIOR

• Keep shrubs cut below window level
• Your house number should be easily visible from the street.
• Make sure front and back doorways are well lit.
• Keep bicycles, lawn mowers, and other gear inside and out of sight.
• Join Neighborhood Watch and Operation Identification programs, and display the decals on your front and back doors.

VACATIONS

• Stop deliverables.
• Store valuables in a safe or deposit box.
• Use timers to automatically turn lights on and off.
• Have a neighbor or friend pick up handbills and mail.
• Arrange to have the snow shoveled and the grass cut.

APARTMENTS

• Open the lobby doors only for people you know. Unknown or suspicious persons should be reported to the building superintendent.
• Use only your initials and last name to identify yourself on the lobby list.
• When moving in, have the superintendent rekey the locks.
• Arrange for deliveries to be received by the superintendent if you are out.
• Check the elevator before you enter and stay near the control panel.
• Do not go alone to laundry rooms.
• Check your car before entering.
• Keep your car locked and remove any portable items.
• Do not store valuable items in an apartment locker.

PERSONAL SECURITY

• Do not open the door until you confirm the person?s identity.
• If somebody asks to use your phone, have them wait outside while you phone.
• Do not give out personal information to telephone solicitors.
• If you arrive home and suspect a break-in, leave and call the police.
• On telephone answering machines, never indicate that nobody is home.

ALARMS

• Alarms monitored 24 hours by a central alarm station service are recommended and may qualify for an insurance premium discount.
• Alarms should protect the full perimeter of the residence.
• Install cellular back up in case phone wires are cut.