We spend more time at home than anywhere else. It's our "comfort zone". For that reason we tend to be complacent about safety and security. People that have bad things happen in their homes always say, "I never thought it would happen to me, not in my house, not in my neighborhood or my part of town." People tend to feel insulated from all the bad things that happen outside the walls of their home. But, there are windows and doors and you use them to let the cat or dog in and out and you go in and out yourselves with them. So do attackers/ intruders.
Being behind closed doors doesn't equate to safe and secure. They actually afford little security and you must take stock of how you secure your home. Security doesn't just mean "bars and locks", it also means how you present yourself.
When discussing "presenting yourself" and personal security it normally refers to the personna you present to the public. Do you walk with confidence? Head up, shoulders straight, steady walk, confident. Do you talk with a good, firm voice or a squeeky, mousey voice? Are you willing to take control of a situation or are you a follower? Being confident, using a strong, steady voice and taking control of a situation are choices you have to make if an intruder/ attacker is in your home. So, the way you "present yourself" and the comfort level you have in your home may make all the difference in being a victim or a survivor/ witness.
When you're home, do you have a routine? Could someone ask a neighbor what day you normally mow the yard or what time your lights go out at night and get a fairly accurate answer? Do neighbors know what hours and days you work and where you work? Do they know whom regularly comes to your home and the cars they drive? Do you talk to your neighbors and know their names and do they know yours? All these things can make a difference in your safety and security. The kind of relationship you have with your neighbors can help you or hurt you. One thing you must consider today (sad to say) is the moral character of your neighbors...there are a hell of a lot of people out there that are just plain dirty sons-of-bitches. If they seem to have a lot of "drama" in their lives, steer clear...they're trouble and you don't want any part of it. So, be very careful about the information you share and be very discreet with whom you share it .
If someone knocks on your door, do you automatically open it to see who it is? That isn't a safe thing to do. Do you keep all doors locked at all times, main and storm doors? Do you have a "peep hole" in your main door? Those are inexpensive and easy to install. Never just open the door...99% of main doors open inward and all an intruder/ attacker has to do is shove hard once you've started to open it. You're caught off guard and he's got the upper-hand.
Do you allow delivery men entrance to your home? That is absolutely not a safe thing to do, especially if you're alone. Believe me when I say those guys aren't going through extensive background checks (99% do not get any kind of criminal history check) and huge numbers are drifters. They make just enough money to support a habit, buy gas and leave town. Always make sure someone else will be with you when a delivery is scheduled..any delivery. And, if you can arrange it, have 2-3 people there...there's safety in numbers.
If a "salesman" calls or an acquaintence, do you let them know you're home alone? Do you tell them you're single and don't need those family products they're selling? Do you tell that new friend/ acquaintence that you're home alone? If you don't know the person on the other end of the line, never let them know you're alone or single, whether it's a salesman or new friend/ acquaintence. You don't know that sales call is valid. It could be a "fishing expedition"...someone looking for an easy target/ victim. And, when dealing with a new friend/ acquaintence, wait until you know them better before giving out too much personal information. Remember, you don't know their history. A huge number of attacks/ home invasions are perpetrated by people who have a relationship or have had some form of contact with their victim. And, it isn't always direct contact. It could be someone who was sitting with or visiting someone you know. Learn to be observant of the people you have contact with. If someone calls and says, "Hi, I got your number from so-and-so...remember me..." then be very careful about the information you give this person. Then give so-and-so a call and give them hell for giving your number out to someone whom is a stranger to you without asking you first!
When you're home, do you play the music loud while doing something else? Do you wear headphones while cleaning house? Get into the habit of not doing these things. If someone comes into your home, you won't know until it's too late! Or, how will you hear the window break or door being kicked in? You won't.
Do you have a dog or cat? Do they let you know when someone is at the door or around the house? This is a good thing and you should never correct them for being protective and sounding the alarm (yes, cats do let you know there's a stranger around). When someone is at your door, do you chase the dog away? Teach him to stay next to you. Dogs (particularly big, snarly dogs) are great for deterrence/ intimidation.
Do you have an escape plan? Does everyone in your family and any guests know your plan? They aren't just for fires. They are to get you out if there's an intruder/ attacker in your home. Practice your escape during the day and then at night in the dark and make it simple because you want to get out quickly. Write your plan down on a simple map of your home and tape copies to the inside of cabinet doors so friends and family will be sure to see them.
And, probably the most important thing to remember about your home routine and being safe and secure at home...it is your home...and, noone, absolutely noone, has a right to take your comfort and peace of mind from you! It's your home and what happens will happen on your terms. So, your "security presence/ security persona" starts at home. Your home should be a "comfort zone" and not a "combat zone". Take stock of where you are and where you want to be.
Copyright 2008, CAB, All Rights Reserved
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