Your home is supposed to be your haven – the structure that keeps you and your family safe and protected. It’s the place you retreat to after a long day, the shelter that keeps you protected from the elements of unpredictable weather patterns and it’s the refuge where you can lock your doors and know that you and your family members can peacefully rest your head for the night.

1. Evaluate your lighting

Employing light properly is one of the most economical and effective ways of increasing safety and security around your home.  To determine if lighting around your home is adequate, evaluate your current situation while in total darkness.

• Start by walking around the perimeter of your house at night. Before you go outside make sure all your inside and outside lights are turned off. The purpose of this stroll is to help you identify shadows and blind spots on your property that occur naturally at night.  If you have someone to accompany you on this walk-around, have that person take some notes.  Many cell phones are equipped with a feature that lets you audibly record your notes.  Be sure to look at the areas surrounding doors, first floor and basement level windows. Then look for line of travel one would take when approaching your home from the street and also assess bordering property lines.  Garage, shed or other outbuildings also warrant a review. Record your observations you see when looking toward your home as well as away from it, as if looking out from a window. From the standpoint of keeping intruders out, what areas require the most light?  Do you need to add any accent lighting?

• Finish this lighting evaluation from the inside.  For this evaluation, upon entering your home, turn lights on as you would normally after returning at night. The goal with this is to ensure that your lights illuminate deep into the room.  You should be able to immediately tell if any of your contents have been disturbed, which could indicate a sign of an intrusion.  Avoid a situation where you walk in and flip a switch that turns on a light immediately above you, resulting in the rest of your home still in the dark. If there is an intruder inside, you’ll be at a disadvantage with this lighting setup. Rearranging your light setup may require you to hire an electrician to install a wall-switch that controls lamps located further in the room.  If you have multiple levels, have your electrician install wall switches on the upper floor that allows you to turn on lights on the levels below.

Lighting is an often overlooked element of security that can be particularly useful when investigating ‘bumps’ in the night.

2. Landscape with an eye on security

Another point to consider is landscaping. For homes with plants and bushes situated within three to four feet from the foundation take a look at the clearance height measured from the bedding to the base of the foliage.  It is essential to keep this area neatly pruned, free of mulch and other clippings to ensure a minimum clearance of 12-18 inches.  Overgrown landscaping provides a means of concealment for anyone with ill intent. For homes where new landscaping is to be added, consulting with professionals can help to make certain your plant selections not only meet with your esthetic vision, but add to the security of your home as well.

3. Ensure your home looks occupied

Does your home look lived-in? Or does it give the appearance that it is unoccupied? For example, keeping curtains drawn at all hours of the day is unnatural.  Letting the outside light into your home is a great way to demonstrate your home is thoughtfully looked after.

When shopping for window treatments, consider a layered approach. Each set of blinds, curtains or draperies should hang on separate rods so they act independently.  During daylight you can open the heavier draperies, but draw sheer curtains closed. This way you maintain a level of privacy, preventing passersby from peering into your home. You are also able to look outside without approaching the window too closely. During evening hours, you can draw the draperies completely closed for added privacy. Your home will have stunning curb appeal, it will look occupied and the window treatments will help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

4. Remove yard clutter daily

There is nothing more telling about the occupants of a home than what can be seen in the yard. Your home may have a basketball hoop in the drive or a semi-permanent play set in the yard. From a safety standpoint these items should always remain tidy and safe for child’s play. Put away playthings each time they are no longer in use and pull them out when needed. In the lazy days of summer it’s easy to convince yourself that balls and other toys will be used again the next day, so leaving them out overnight should be okay. Perhaps they may not be stolen; but nonetheless leaving them out is an unsafe practice.

While it may be unpleasant to think about, no segment of our communities are safe from child sexual predators. It is a parent or adult guardian’s responsibility to practice safe routines and develop protections for children.  A simple step that every parent can take to protect children is to ensure their playthings are put away daily.  These include all items that can be removed from public view: tricycles, wagons and other small and portable toys.  Children will often remove items of clothing such as sweaters and shoes as they go about exploring their world.  These items not only signal that a child lives in your home, but may also indicate a child’s age group. Remaining mindful of this simple precaution will aid in keeping your child safe.

And it doesn’t stop there. Here in the mid-west—as well as other parts of the country—deer hunting has a large following. During the off-season sportsmen will often set up 3-D foam targets as a means of keeping their marksmanship skills sharp. When these ‘targets’ are left standing for long periods of time they indicate the likelihood that firearms or other high-dollar hunting instruments are stored on the property.  While illegal possession of a firearm remains a felony offense in this country, it offers little deterrence to a criminal looking to turn a fast buck.

What does your yard say about you? Keeping your property tidy can help eliminate your home as a target of opportunity, and more importantly keep your family safe.

5. Appoint a Safe Room

There should be one room within your own home that is designated as a Safe Room. Most families have discussed where to go in the event of a tornado or other devastating storm. Yet, equally important to your family’s safety is being prepared with a Safe Room should you or family members suspect an intruder is in your home. Ideally you will want to exit your home if at all possible; though a backup plan is necessary in the event escaping is not an option.

Select a room where you are able to receive a good signal on your cell phone. It also needs to be a room with a heavy duty locking door. Because you should also choose a room without windows, it very well may be the same room you would retreat to in the event of a storm.  It is also important to note that if you need to call 911 from a cell phone, the dispatcher will not likely be able to determine the address you’re calling from.  For this reason, write down your address and keep it close to a flashlight and fire extinguisher. Don’t assume you will be able to remember where you live if you are in a state of panic.

Having your address written down is also important for your children to be able to notify emergency responders where they are located. If you’re concerned your cell battery may be dead or low on a charge, pick up an inexpensive phone charger to keep as a spare in your Safe Room. You need to be able to call for help.

Taking steps to ensure you remain vigilant with your personal safety should become as habitual as taking out the trash or your weekly trips to the grocery store. It is not something you visit once and call it good. Make it a part of your family routine and feel confident that you’ve taken proactive steps to make your house a Home Sweet Home.

In this age of harried lifestyles it’s imperative to slow down long enough to put your personal safety first. All too often the “it won’t happen to me” and “I’m too busy” mentality takes over. Below you will find tips and precautionary measures to aid with your personal safety and security during the holiday season.

Are Your Hands Free?

This is an important question to consider prior to exiting the relative security of the shopping mall. Leaving shopping centers at night can leave you especially vulnerable. Often times, many of us will be laden with shopping bags, purses and children in tow, which makes an enticing target of opportunity for would-be attacker harboring in the shadows. Remaining alert to this vulnerability is key to your safety and security. When possible, keep all items in a shopping cart and use it to transport items until you reach your vehicle. Better still, if shopping with a friend or adult family member, have someone wait near the entrance/exit while the other drives back to the meeting location. This affords an opportunity to load the kids and purchases without over exposure to threats. Moreover, this brief separation of the adults provides over-watch of one another and enables one or the other to spot trouble and summon help, if needed.

In the event a physical threat materializes while your hands are not free your voice will become your best initial defense. First of all, make some noise! Screaming like a banshee at the top of your lungs will draw attention to yourself and the situation in progress. People can’t come to your aid if they don’t know there is a problem.

While you are screaming, unless your cargo includes a small child you should immediately drop whatever possessions are in your hands. Now is not the time to think of that collectible glass item  drop whatever you have so that you are unencumbered and make every attempt to break free of your attacker. Remember; plan ahead to avoid shopping during hours of darkness and unfamiliar neighborhoods when at all possible. Take the steps now to make your holiday shopping enjoyable and safe.

As tempting and flattering as that may be, you’re wise not to accept it. Unless you personally witnessed the bartender pour your drink and then you kept your eye on it from the time it left the bar until it was presented to you, politely decline the offer. If you know yourself well enough that you don’t think you would decline the cocktail simply because you don’t want to hurt the guy’s feelings, then accept it if you must; but do not drink it.

Don’t let your alcohol induced holiday spirit or diminishing bank balance cloud your judgment. Decide to follow this advice before you ever take one sip liquid cheer. While you’re tipsy it may be too easy to convince yourself that it’ll be okay, just this one time.

How many times have you left your drink unattended at the table while you went on the dance floor or to the bathroom? Please think twice before you do that again. Never leave your beverage unattended. Drink it before you leave the table; or simply get a fresh drink once you return.

Why is it important to have custody of the beverages you ingest?

Street Cocktails also known as Date Rape drugs include GHB, Rohypnol (”roofies”) and Ketamine (”Special K”) which are frequently used to create an environment favorable to the commission of sexual assault on unsuspecting victims. Victims may be rendered physically helpless without the ability to rebuff sexual overtures or recall the incident even after just a few hours. These drugs don’t contain any obvious smell or taste that would affect the appearance of your drink, which makes them undetectable and potentially very dangerous. Your best defense is to know what you are drinking.

Make a pact with your friends to watch each other’s backs and also keep an eye on their drinks. Be especially alert to any odd behavior exhibited by friends and know that they are watching for the same in you. Anyone exhibiting characteristics described above could pose a risk to you and themselves.

Drinking responsibly has taken on an additional meaning. Have fun; but be safe.

Here’s to a safe Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Yet consider how many people talk (or text) while walking.  Would not the same distractions apply?

Far too many people have a false sense of security when they talk on the phone while walking across campus, parking lots or strolling for exercise.  How can you possibly have keen domain awareness if you’re yapping on the phone?  You can’t.  You may feel safer with someone on the other end of the phone but you’re actually putting yourself in more danger.

There is a win/win solution –

Get your friend or loved one on the phone and provide details as to your whereabouts.  But then rather than continue talking, merely keep the line open, phone in hand at your side and walk to your destination.  This provides a much safer opportunity for you to be aware of your surroundings and notice any lurking threats.  Should you need any assistance, you already have a direct connection to someone who can get emergency personnel to you.

Now that you know the potential dangers, are you willing to try this method of walking and not talking next time you find yourself traveling by foot?

Awareness without action is worthless. – Phil McGraw

Light At Night

All too often we try to find the parking place closest to the store. However that is not necessarily the safest place. Most parking lots are (or should be) well lit. If at all possible, park next to the light post. This serves three useful purposes. First, it will give you a reference point when returning to your vehicle. Secondly, it will provide illumination for you to quickly and safely enter your vehicle; and lastly, any would-be attackers do not want to be seen. They are far less likely to target a vehicle under a light.

Back In Drive Out

Sure it may be easier to pull into a parking space; however it’s safer to back in. Take few extra moments back in so that your departure will be quick and effortless. If you encounter anything suspicious or out of the ordinary in the parking lot, you want to proceed to your vehicle, lock the doors and exit the premises as quickly as possible; backing in allows you to do so.

In Open Air, Remember Where

Whether in a shopping mall or mega store with multiple entrances, it’s easy to become preoccupied on your way out of the store. Prior to entering the building, make a mental note of your parking space and its relation to the door you enter. If you don’t exit through the same door you’ll not only have a harder time locating your vehicle, but you’ll also increase your vulnerability since you will likely have a longer trek to your vehicle. The shortest route between two points is a straight line, albeit avoiding obstacles and threat areas. If you find yourself having to walk around the side of the building in order to return to your origination point, you are more likely to become preoccupied with locating your vehicle – a major distraction that lowers your vigilance to the surrounding area.

Ignore Bad Manners

We have all experienced a greedy driver ’snake’ into the parking space you were patiently waiting for.  No doubt that it is frustrating. However rather than escalate your blood pressure over it, take a deep breath and simply look for another parking place. Odds are the spot you were waiting for wasn’t near a light post or wouldn’t have afforded you the opportunity to back into it easily. Rather than let it rob you of your joy, move on and look for a better more suitable parking spot.  Be Safe!

One Man’s Opinion

Most men have been programmed from an early age to take on the role of gatekeeper—the first and last line of defense between social delinquents and a host of other threats to our families and loved ones.   As men we’ve been taught—and have often demonstrated—that generally we are physically stronger that our female counterparts, and in line with these teachings, real men have come to know that it is unacceptable to force ourselves physically on women—instead, we protect them from harm.

However, this manner of preparing a young boy for his role later in life can lead to conflict and confusion.  Take for example a boy who comes home after school from a day of being bullied, or perhaps had a scuffle at the local playground over use of a soccer ball.  The child might remain aloof and venture directly to his room to avoid socializing with other family members.  This can be due in part from embarrassment from the shiner, or lingering anxiety from the encounter.   Enter conflict and confusion.

Mom sees this as an opportunity to engage school officials about the unacceptable behavior of an isolated group of pupils and demand that corrective action be immediately taken.  Dad on the other hand is prepared to enroll his son in a Tae-Kwon-Do class and after six weeks of instruction, is prepared to drive his son to the very playground where it all started and seek out the little social misfits so his son can dish out oriental-style vengeance.

Of course, a more rational approach is a combination of both viewpoints; learning to negotiate a non-violent conclusion, while at the same time mastering the skill sets needed to defend oneself when the situation clearly dictates the need to do so.

Adopting a “Flight or Fight” mindset might seem as a foreign way of thinking for some, and in fact many men will not accept it as feasible.  For them standing ground and taking an offensive posture is the only way to confront threats, and violence often is the end result.

There is one important matter that should be considered when adopting this approach to problem solving—that is, you are unlikely to carry out your role as ‘gatekeeper’ if you are seriously injured or incarcerated because you chose to fight without giving full consideration to your options.

When a threat materializes and options to disengage or turn-the-other-cheek no longer exist, then fight like a caged lion.  Your survival is of paramount concern.  By this I mean you have every right and responsibility to deliver enough violence to eliminate the threat from all quarters.   Just remember, until such time as all avenues of escape are closed, a strategically acceptable course of action is to walk away and continue preparation to fight another day.

Your family is counting on you and your father will be even prouder of the man you have become.

As a homeowner it is fun to see all the costumes and to bring smiles to the kiddos faces as you plop Tootsie Rolls and Twix bars into their bag. Though, in the midst of the festivities it’s always important to be wise when opening the door to strangers.

Many communities have posted customary times for the children to be out – generally 5pm-8pm or thereabouts.  Invariably each year, long after the last princess has been tucked safely at home in her bed, and after porch lights are turned out marking the close of another Halloween – kids who appear to be far too old to be out trick-or-treating will rap at your darkened door, assumedly looking for sweets.

It never fails; the streets will be empty and nary a house light remaining on. Some of these teens are so old their voices sound like grown men as they bark “TRICK OR TREAT” apparently ignoring the fact that you’ve either chosen not to participate in the tradition or that you’re all done for the night – as signified by no porch light shining.

Do not feel compelled to open the door.  Most of these tardy candy beggars are likely innocent teens who have no real concept of ‘too late to be out knocking on doors’.  Yet it would be naïve to assume anyone rapping on your door at 10pm merely wants a Snicker’s bar.  This could be an opportune time for attackers or burglars to gain entry to your home – after all, it’s Halloween, right? Prime time to let your guard down to strangers at your door.

I’m not suggesting you should be paranoid of every vampire that shows up at your door. Just to be vigilant and make wise choices.  After a reasonable amount of time has passed for the majority of kids to make the rounds, turn out your porch light and lock your door – all of your doors, and enjoy the remainder of your evening without interruption for late comers.

Proof of our society’s decline is that Halloween has become a broad daylight event for many.  ~Robert Kirby

About the Author:  Laurie Ayers is a speaker, author and personal safety and crime avoidance specialist who has given seminars in schools, organizations and corporations. Her message is inspiring, humorous and empowering; delivering the importance of making wise choices to protect ourselves and those we love. Learn more at http://www.LaurieAyers.com

FTC Compliance Disclosure: I am a member of the Kwikset-sponsored SmartSquad and occasionally receive incentives to discuss issues related to home safety and security.

These tragic news headlines led to a recent conversation pertaining to why we have U.S. Troops in Afghanistan. I am reposting part of it here because it’s important that all Americans understand why our troops are there fighting. The question was asked by a U.S. Citizen who does not agree with or who does not understand exactly why our men and women of the Armed Forces are in the Middle East. I am keeping the questioner’s identity anonymous, because I suspect this person is not the only one who holds these views, nor do I see any point in calling out any individual.

The responses you see below are provided by Kent R. Jones, President and CEO of Defensive Countermeasures Institute, LLC. His personal security expertise is derived from over 35 years combined military and federal government service spanning five continents. He is also a veteran of US Special Operations.

Q: Can someone remind me why we are in Afghanistan?

Jones:  [Name] with all due respect, Al Qaeda used training bases in Taliban controlled Afghanistan to launch the 9-11 terror attacks. Coalition forces continue to fight to deny return to power of the Taliban, and support a fledgling democracy under Afghan President Karzai. It is a sad day, but the troopers who lost their lives Saturday knew what they were fighting for – their lives were not lost in vain.

Q: Our country needs to get its head out of its ass! I will always support our troops no matter where our screwed up government sends them.

Jones: I have not called into question your support of the troops. I commented directly with a reminder of the reason we are still in Afghanistan. Your suggestion that our country “has its head up its ass” is far too narrow as a viewpoint. I fail to see the implied correlation between misguided foreign policy and the selfless sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. We live in a Democracy. Soldiers do not send themselves to war…their elected officials do. Voters—and presumably you exercise this right— have a civil responsibility to become educated with a broad range of universal issues and recognize that actions at the ballot box have far reaching consequences, often affecting the lives of Patriots standing watch over the Republic.

Saturday’s tragic loss of US military lives is a blunt reminder of the only tangible American debt—that is the debt owed these brave men and others who have given their lives in defense of freedom. Do you really want to know, “why are we there?” The answer is quite clear. “Because you choose to live free, and that is only made possible by the men and women of the Armed Forces.” You and every other freedom loving American are the reason why we are still there.

To truly support the troops you have to have a full understanding of why we fight. Freedom is not free. It comes at a high price in blood and treasure. Being unclear on why we are there offers nothing toward the debt owed our service men and women. They deserve better.

That pretty much sums it up, wrapped in a bow. No fancy closing needed by me.  If you had any question why we are in Afghanistan, I trust now you have a better understanding.

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.  ~Cynthia Ozick

Throughout the month of August, Kwikset is giving you the chance to win a complete Security Home Makeover featuring Kwikset products. Even better, if you’re a NASCAR fan, you’ll also be eligible to win a trip to see Macros Ambrose race the No. 9 Kwikset Ford Fusion on Sept. 4 in Atlanta at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ AdvoCare 500.

Specifics:

Since February, the Kwikset Smart Security Tour has been traveling cross-country showing homeowners how to enhance their home security, with smart, simple solutions in a fun, interactive environment. Now to celebrate the tour’s Atlanta stop the same weekend that Marcos Ambrose is racing the No. 9 Kwikset Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ AdvoCare 500, Kwikset is extending an exciting sweepstakes to fans. Fans can “Like” Kwikset’s Facebook page starting July 25 for a chance to win a Security Home Makeover and exclusive weekend in Atlanta to see Marcos race.

Contest details:

• Enter to win on the Kwikset Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/kwiksetlocks between now and 21 Aug 2011.
  
• For complete rules, visit http://www.facebook.com/kwiksetlocks
• One winner will receive:
  • A Kwikset Security Home Makeover valued at $1,000.
  • Two tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ AdvoCare 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sept. 4 in Atlanta.
  • Round-trip airfare and accommodations for two days and two nights, for two to Atlanta for the AdvoCare 500 race on Sept. 4.
  • A VIP package, including a meet and greet with Richard Petty Motorsports driver Marcos Ambrose, Richard Petty and Marcos Ambrose autographed memorabilia, etc.

FTC Compliance Disclosure: I am a member of the Kwikset-sponsored SmartSquad and occasionally receive incentives to discuss issues related to home safety and security.

1. Don’t put your home address on luggage, laptop and briefcase tags. No one needs to know that the house at 123 Main St. is potentially vacant. Your name and cell phone number is adequate.

2. Don’t post status or photos on Facebook or Twitter indicating that you are away or that you are going away. Save the excitement to share once you return. Likewise, don’t set your email auto responders to “I’m out of the office [insert date time frame here]”. You may think you’re being responsive to your clients but you’re alerting potential thieves to an empty home.

3. Don’t forget to put your mail on hold with the USPS. Also have neighbors put out and return trash dumpsters. To do otherwise is a sure telltale sign that no one is home.

4. Don’t feel it necessary to share with tellers at your bank or credit union that you’re withdrawing a boatload of cash because you’re going away. Friendly conversation and excitement about your trip is understandable; but this type of announcement is unnecessary and potentially a threat to your property.

5. Don’t hire contractors to perform service work while you are away.  It may seem convenient to say tell others “We’ll be gone the 1st week in August, so maybe you could put the new roof on while we’re gone” or “We’re going on vacation, so you can fix my car while we’re gone.” Have work done on your property while you are at home.

While preparing your pre-vacation checklist – be sure to add “think about the message you are sending before you tell others you are going to be gone” to your list.

Have fun, bring sunscreen and be safe!

About the Author:  Laurie Ayers is a speaker, author and personal safety and crime avoidance specialist who has given seminars in schools, organizations and corporations. Her message is inspiring, humorous and empowering; delivering the importance of making wise choices to protect ourselves and those we love. Learn more at http://www.LaurieAyers.com

FTC Compliance Disclosure: I am a member of the Kwikset-sponsored SmartSquad and occasionally receive incentives to discuss issues related to home safety and security.