Category Archives: Home safety tips

Safety Tips for Home While You Are Away

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By Gregory Colvin

So, planning a trip?  Here are a few simple tips that will go a long way in keeping your home safe while you are away.  Are they guaranteed to keep anyone from breaking into your home while you are gone?  No, but it will greatly increase the odds in your favor.

First and foremost, information is knowledge. Information has value.  Information must be kept under lock and key.  Whether the information is about where you are at any moment.  Whether it is if your home is vacant or your daily schedule, it has value to someone. Keeping that in mind, I realize that you are excited about your trip and want to share all the information about your exotic destination. You can’t wait to brag to your friends about where you are going and what you are going to be doing. Most important  how long you are going to stay.  The temptation is to post it on Facebook or Twitter or the vast array of social sites out there.  Should that information fall into the wrong hands, the criminals now know your house is vacant and how long they have to burglarize your home.  It is best to wait until you get back and then brag to your heart’s content.

Next.  Want a large flag waving in front of your home with words “We Are Not Home!”?  Just don’t notify the newspaper delivery person and the flag is unfurled. Nothing says vacant home like having newspapers, packages or mail stacking up outside the house. Simply having a neighbor or friend come by and pick up the newspapers and flyers  will make it appear that things are normal at home, while you are sunning in the south of France.

Prior to leaving for the airport, walk through the house and double check to be sure that all the doors and windows are locked.  Intruders usually take the path of least resistance.  A home with unlocked door or window is preferable to a locked door.  They may leave your house alone and look for an easier target.

Light timers are inexpensive. Timers attached to interior and exterior lights give the appearance of an occupied dwelling.  By replicating the times that you are usually in the different rooms, it will give a appearance that someone is home.

Have a friend stop by the house to check it periodically.  While they are there, have them open closed blinds and curtains and close open ones so that it appears that someone in home.

If you are going to be away for an extended period of time you may want to consider having a friend stay at the house or hire a house sitter to stay in the house. Unless the house sitter is someone that you know personally, ask for references. Call the references, unless you want to return to your house and find it looking like a rock band stayed the weekend. Continue reading →

Safety Tips To Avoid Becoming a Victim Of Sexual Assault

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By Gregory Colvin

Sexual assault prevention begins with being aware of your surroundings. In earlier articles I discussed observation and curiosity as safety tips.  Both observation and curiosity are relevant in the avoidance of a violent sexual attack.  Just because it hasn’t happened to you before and you are in familiar surroundings, it does not mean it cannot happen at any time.

Statistics from RAINN, the Rape Abuse & Incest Network, state that every 2 minutes in the US a sexual assault occurs.  There are 213,000 victims each year.  And of these 213,000 cases, 60% are not reported to the police.

More statistics, 44% of the victims are under age 15 and 80% are under the age of 30.

While many of the assailants are known to the  victim, however, the most violent attackers are unknown to the victim.  This article will hopefully provide you tips to avoid becoming a victim yourself.

Even in settlings that are familiar and you believe to be safe, stay aware of what is happening around you. See Observation and Curiosity articles.  If something doesn’t feel or look right, then it is better to err on the side of safety and turn back,  find an exit and seek help. Trust your inter consciousness.  If something is screaming at “you get out”, then it is time to run.

When in the city, whether familiar in surroundings or strange, walk as much as possible in well lighted areas.  Darkness is the assailant’s best friend.  My best suggestion is to walk with a group of people.  There really is safety in numbers.

When parking your vehicle, chose an area near a light post or a well lit area that will illuminate the car.  As you approach, look around the vehicle.  If it has been snowing, look for footprints, are there any around the car?  Is there glass on the pavement? Approach the car with caution. Peek into the rear seat and check to see if anyone is hiding there.  If anything appears out of the ordinary,  call the police or return to the office and get security, or tell the parking toll booth attendant.  Just do not get behind the wheel of the car, without someone else there to check it out with you.

When walking on the sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic.  It more difficult for someone to execute a snatch and grab when you are walking facing the traffic.  You are better able to monitor the traffic and notice if a vehicle slows down when approaching you.   A snatch and grab usually occurs when a vehicle pulls up beside you while you are walking along the street.  Walking facing traffic makes it  easier to see the approaching danger.

Dark alleys are great places to ambush someone.  So walk as close to the street as possible to avoid being pulled into the alley.

When walking along the city streets, wear comfortable shoes that allow you to escape if chased.  It is hard to run in heels.

When approaching your car always carry your keys in your hand.  Keep the ignition key between the index and middle finger.  If you have a smart key (these are keys that some vehicles now that do not require a key to insert in the ignition) put a house key on the ring.  This key can be used to strike the assault in the eye or throat or anywhere that you can imagine.  Aggregation will sometimes take the drive out of the assailant.  It can usually give you an opportunity to summon help.

Having your vehicle brake down on the roadway is a frustrating situation.  And when someone stops to help, it is a welcome relief.  However resist the urge to get out of your car.  The best idea is to ask them to call for a wrecker or the police.  Don’t leave your car and ride with them anywhere.

Never pickup hitchhikers. Never! And I repeat never!  This goes for men and women.  Sorry hitchhikers!

When at home alone, keep the doors and windows closed and locked.  The security system should be set so that it can be monitored by the alarm company.

Never allow a stranger to know that you home alone.  If someone comes to the door, shout out “I’ll get the door!” And then “How many times have I told to not to leave this loaded shotgun by the door!”

If someone comes to the door and asks to use the telephone, don’t open the door.  Instead tell them that you will make the call for them and ask for the phone number, without opening the door.

Ever see those movies, you know the ones, when the female comes home and sees the front open and she gets out of the car and walks into the house to see what has happened. Don’t be that person.  Quickly back the car out of the driveway and contact the police.

I feel very strongly that you must protect yourself.  The police do the best they can, but they cannot be everywhere.  And men, there are predators that stalk not only females, but men as well.

Remember:  Your Safety Is Up To You!

Gregory Colvin is a former police officer and author who has noticed how few people observe their surroundings.    He writes personal security and safety articles on the web.

Safety Tips at Home-The Safe Room

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By Gregory Colvin

As promised in my earlier article about safety at home, here is additional information about how to prepare for a determined intruder or severe weather. Though rare, there are times that someone could enter your home when you are present. There is a haven that you can invest in that can protect you and your family if this occurs. This investment is the safe room. The safe room is a secure internal room in the house that the burglar cannot enter.
A well designed safe room should have a metal door and frame, making it harder for the intruder to kick in the door or tear it from the frame. The door should be equipped with a keyless deadbolt.
This room must contain a telephone.  A land line is good. During inclement weather, the phone company continues to have power to operate the phone. However, in the case of a home invasion, a cell phone is better. Land lines to the house are often the first thing that the intruder will disable. Be sure that the cell phone is charged. The power to the house may also be disconnected.
An emergency first aid kit is important. Check the kit periodically, replacing outdated supplies. Children love to play with bandages, so it is a good idea to check and resupply as needed.
Usually the crisis is over very quickly, most burglars don’t want spend a long period of time in someone else’s home. This only increases the likelihood that they will wind up in jail. Their intention may be kidnapping. If kidnapping is their aim, you may be in the room for an extended period awaiting rescue.

The safe room is also an excellent haven in the case of hazardous weather. Many commercially built safe rooms can withstand tornadic force winds. If you live in an area of the country that experiences tornadoes or hurricanes, you may want to seriously think about investing in a well constructed safe room.

You will want to keep some, if not all, of the following supplies:

• Fire extinguisher
• A week’s worth of drinking water
• A week’s worth of food
• Flashlights, at least two
• Extra batteries
• A battery powered lantern or two
• Toilet facilities.   They can be an installed commode or a portable toilet
• Bedding or cots for sleeping
• Stove.  You may not have electricity for a period of time, in the case of a severe storm. The stove should be a camping type. A note of caution: Be sure that the room has adequate ventilation.
• A portable radio so you can monitor weather conditions.
• Candy and snacks make life in the room more bearable.
• Books and magazines help pass the time.
• You may want to keep some defensive weapons. If children are present in the house, the weapons should be unloaded and locked until needed. If the weapon is a firearm, take a course to familiarize yourself with its operation. Occasional practice wouldn’t hurt either.
The safe room is an excellent investment.
Remember: Your Safety Is Up To You!

Safety Tips at Home

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By Gregory Colvin

Crime strikes at home, literally, anytime a burglary or home invasion occurs.  An intrusion into your home will leave you feeling violated, because, after all, your home is your sanctuary from the evils of the outside world. That sanctuary comes under question when it is invaded by a stranger.

Let’s look at some ways to protect your home and prepare for the worst.  The old saying goes, hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

The first line of defense against a would-be intruder is a good set of locks. That should include a deadlock lock at each entrance to the residence.  Check each of the following: the front door, rear door, garage doors, patio sliders or French doors, any exterior gates and swimming pool gates.  These doors should be locked even when you and the family are at home.

On the subject of locks, each window should have a locking mechanism and they should be locked at all times that the windows are not open for fresh air.

Hiding a key under the front door welcome mat is convenient when you lock yourself out, but it is the first place a burglar will look.  It is best to ask a trusted friend or a relative to keep a key for you.


Some homes have the electrical breaker box or fuse box located on the side or back of the house.  These need to be locked.  Without the lock, an intruder can shut off power to the house, when you go check on the breaker box, you can become the intruder’s hostage.

It is a good idea to have a burglar alarm installed in the home.  It is also best to have a system that is monitored.  If you have it installed, use it.  It doesn’t work if you don’t set it.

When planning a vacation or trip out of town, limit the number of people you tell, especially on social media websites.  People know people, who know people, who know people that they shouldn’t.  I’m just saying…wait until the vacation or trip is over before announcing it to the world.

If you are going to be away for more than two days, stop the newspaper and mail delivery.  Nothing says “empty” house like a pile of newspapers sitting on the driveway or front porch. Two newspapers say you are lazy.  Same with an overflowing mail box.  To the mail carrier’s credit, if the mail begins to pile up, they will usually contact the police.  In many cases, this act has saved many people, who would have died alone. It is better to avoid that kind of attention to your home.

On the subject of the police, some departments have a program for vacationing residents. Depending on the department, this would involve officers either driving by your home and performing a visional inspection or an officer or auxiliary officer walking around the house and checking the doors and windows.  Check with your local police department

When leaving the home for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to purchase timers for your lights and televisions.  Monitor your usual habits at night around the house and place the timers in the rooms and set them for the times that you occupy them.  A dark house or one light on throughout the night in one room is usually a indication that no one is home.

These tips can help deter an intruder  Most are looking for an easy target.  In our next article, we will look at tips to survive a home invasion.

Remember: Your Survival Is Up To You.

Gregory Colvin is a former police officer and author who has noticed how few people observe their surroundings.    He writes personal security and safety articles on the web.