Safety Tips - DEPS Security Group

Remember to lock all doors and windows when you leave home.
Keep all valuable items out of sight.
Install proper lighting around your home to keep it well lit at night.
Introduce yourself to your neighbors and get to know them. Also, take the initiative to start a neighborhood watch.
When you are out of town, do not lure burglars with stacks of newspapers and an over flowing mailbox. Either have a trusted neighbor pick them up daily or have the post office and news carrier hold them for you.
Set timers for lights and a television so it appears that someone is home while you are traveling.
Do not hide spare keys in obvious places such as: under doormats, in mail boxes, etc.
Install a peep hole in your front door to make it possible to see who is there without having to open it.
Monitored alarm systems are effective in deterring burglars.
Do not give out your alarm code to just anyone. Only a family member or trusted friend should know the code in case of an emergency.

Smoke detectors that are monitored by a UL Listed Central Monitoring Station are effective whether you are home or away.
Check your batteries and test your fire alarms monthly.
Have a planned escape route for your home with a safe meeting place.
Make sure that each room has an alternative escape route in case the first is inaccessible.
Hold practice drills regularly so the entire family is familiar with the procedure for safely exiting the house.
Do not over load electrical sockets. Unplug items when they are not in use.
Furnaces and heating systems should be cleaned on an annual basis.
Install a spark resistor on your chimney to prevent from starting a fire on your roof, nearby trees, etc. Also cut back trees so they do not hang over the chimney.
In case of an actual fire situation, it is imperative that your address is easily seen by emergency vehicles.
For more information regarding fire safety, please visit the National Fire Protection Agency's web site at www.nfpa.org

Children should know their full name, address, and telephone number.
Teach children how to dial "911" in case of an emergency.
Make sure children always tell a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult where they are going.
Tell them to never go with or accept anything from strangers. Also, teach them that a stranger is anyone that they or you do not know well or trust.
Let them know it is ok to tell you or another trusted adult if they see anyone doing something they know is not right or makes them feel uncomfortable.
If your child stays home alone, make sure they know not to let anyone know that they are home alone and to keep all doors and windows locked.
Prepare an emergency contact phone list. Make sure you include you work and/or cell number.
Prepare and practice a safe route to school.
Fingerprint your child and always have a recent photo of them.

Secure the perimeters of your business site. Make sure walls and gates are maintained and secure.
Install a monitored alarm system.
Make sure all doors and windows are locked before leaving each day.
Keep building and parking area well lit at night to deter intruders and ensure employee safety. Additionally, consider installing motion sensor lighting.
Deter intruders from roof access by strategically placed anti-climb paints or other anti-scale barriers.
If you are a retailer, design floor layout to provide adequate surveillance of stock. The use of convex mirrors, video surveillance and alarmed goods are excellent deterrents.
Consider internal doors fitted with “keyless” lock systems. Studies find that 30% of business thefts and burglaries are accomplished using a duplicate key. (Unauthorized key duplicates can be made at most retail stores.)
Security mark all computer equipment, consider bolting valuable items to desks.
All telephone lines should enter the building underground to protect the integrity of the monitored alarm system.
Join or start a business watch group with neighboring businesses. This is a great way to stay informed on risks in your local area and prevent crime through awareness.

Install smoke detectors that are monitored by a UL Listed Central Monitoring Station on every floor of your business
Fire extinguishers should be kept at readily available locations near potential fire sources (furnaces and stoves) and also near employee work areas.
Post escape routes in every area of the building and clearly mark all fire exits.
Make sure that each area has an alternative escape route in case the first is inaccessible.
Hold practice drills regularly in order to familiarize staff with procedures for safely exiting the building.
Do not overload electrical sockets. Unplug items when they are not in use.
In case of an actual fire situation, it is imperative that your address is easily seen by emergency vehicles.
Install commercial fire sprinklers.
Designate a smoking area OUTSIDE your building and supply the proper smoking material disposal containers.
For more information regarding fire safety, please visit the National Fire Protection Agency’s website at www.nfpa.org

Home & Business Safety Tips