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The Greater Houston Locksmiths Association, Inc.
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DEFINITION OF SECURITY |
According to Webster the word security can mean protection, shelter, certainty, safety, or a freedom from worry. In its purest sense this is what we are all looking for. The practical definition of security is essentially the freedom from the intrusion of hazards and criminal behavior into our daily lives. |
OBVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS - - FREQUENTLY IGNORED |
| 1 | Proper and complete control of all original, duplicate and spare keys. |
| 2 | Marking Do Not Duplicate on keys given to kids, contractors, and household help. |
| 3 | Always locking your doors and windows (you'd be surprised). |
| 4 | Looking to see or asking whos at the door, before opening it to a possible intruder. |
| 5 | Checking bona fide credentials of contractors, repairmen and utility personnel. |
| 6 | Trimming back shrubs and trees that provide refuge for intruders. |
| 7 | Strategic use of indoor lighting and radios to give the appearance of occupancy. |
| 8 | Replacing a burned out and unused light bulb at the front door or porch. |
| 9 | Adjusting or filing a lock strike so it locks easier and so you will use it more often. As well as simple lubrication and other minor maintenance and repairs to security hardware, to return them to effective service. |
| 10 | Concealing the fact that you are a single female on your doorbell and mailbox. |
| 11 | Removing keys, concealed under the mat. (Again, youd really be surprised!) |
| 12 | Closing drapes and blinds when away from your home. |
| 13 | Closing overhead garage doors when you are at home. |
| 14 | Installing door viewers and using them. |
| 15 | Making it a point to get to know your neighbors and discussing security ideas, plans, and expectations with them. |
| 16 | Reporting suspicious persons or prowlers to the police or at least to other neighbors. |
| 17 | Getting involved in the local Neighborhood Watch Program. Many neighborhoods have one! If yours doesnt, help get one started and then participate in it. |
| 18 | Creating a strong, lockable safe room within the house for family members to run to, if needed, that includes a telephone. |
| 19 | Always having your keys out and ready to use when approaching your home, or automobile, while also being aware of suspicious persons in close proximity. |
| 20 | Not leaving valuables in plain sight at home or in your car. |
| 21 | Remembering not to give un-needed keys to parking attendants or auto repair shops |
| 22 | Avoiding the use of a sorry were not home message on your answering machine. |
| 23 | Being careful about divulging personal or security related information to those who do not really need to know it. |
| 24 | Avoid leaving garage door remotes in plain sight on the dash or visor of the car. |
| 25 | Never carry keys in the same place as your I.D. or address and removing that information from key rings and key cases. |
| 26 | Making sure that Emergency Phone Numbers for police, fire, and neighbors who can help in an emergency, are readily available to all in the household or business. |
| 27 | Being especially careful and aware of persons and surroundings when using ATMs. |
| 28 | Make sure to always lock your car and never leave children un-attended in the car |
| 29 | Always have locks rekeyed when their keys turn up missing unexpectedly, or when moving into to a new residence or business. |
| 30 | Lock up and unload any firearms, that are not physically on your person and never leave personal protection devices such as stun guns, mace or pepper sprays where children or intruders can get to them. Never leave a firearm in the car! Make sure you are very proficient in the safe and effective use of firearms and other protective devices before relying on them for defensive purposes. Proficiency requires proper training, lots of continued practice, and the awareness of pertinent laws. It also requires the resolve and willingness to use it, when and if its use is called for. Most gun owners are not prepared for this |
| 31 | Taking full advantage of free crime prevention programs offered by local police departments or low cost security surveys offered by Locksmiths, Security and Alarm dealers. |
| 32 | Creating and maintaining a security plan and procedures, which include the whole familys knowledge and participation and that also include the suggestions listed herein as well as precautions in case of fire. |
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