You and the house or apartment where you live are only as safe as you make them.
Safety and security is everyone’s responsibility. Always keep doors and windows locked
especially when alone, sleeping, or leaving the space unoccupied (even if only for a few moments).
Most burglaries involve unlocked doors, so locking up is the single most effective action to reduce theft.
If leaving for a week or more, notify your landlord. This allows them to address any emergency maintenance issue that arise while you’re away.
Keys, Doors and Emergency Exits
- Do not leave exterior doors unlocked or propped open. When entering or exiting, ensure all doors are securely locked.
- Ensure emergency exits (windows, stairwells, fire escapes, etc.) remain clear from furniture, belongings or anything that could slow you down in an emergency.
- Don’t loan anyone your key.
- Keep keys safe. Don’t hide them outside or leave them lying around. Don’t include identifiable information on your key ring such as your name or phone number.
- If you lose your keys, report it to the police and ask the landlord to change your locks immediately.
- Immediately report malfunctioning doors, windows, lights, overgrown shrubbery, etc. to the person responsible for maintaining your residence.
Guests and Other Visitors
- Do not allow strangers into your building or apartment.
- Use the peephole in the door to identify who is at the door. If you don’t have a peephole, look out a window close to the door.
- Have repair or service personnel show official ID and confirm their presence with the person requesting the service.
- Delivery persons should remain outside to await the person requesting the delivery.
- Report all strangers seen wandering on the premises of your house or apartment to the police.
- Never reveal to a visitor or telephone caller that you are alone. Call out in a loud voice, “I’ll answer it!” when you have a visitor at the door to imply that you are not alone.
- Always escort guests in and out of the building. You are responsible for the conduct of your guests while they are present in your building.
