Personal safety in your home
Many people operate under the assumption that concerns for personal safety only apply when they away from their homes. Do not take anything for granted. It’s important to be aware of your safety in all situations, including your home.
TakeAction
- Keep doors and windows secure at all times.
- Only open the door when it is safe to do so.
- Keep sightlines clear, trim trees and shrubs to prevent a place for a potential burglar to hide.
- Deter criminals with light. Use motion detectors outside and timers inside to give the appearance someone is home – even when you can’t be.
- Change the locks upon moving into a new residence.
- Keep your doors locked even when you are home or in your yard.
- Include your children in your safety plan.
- Get to know your neighbours.
- Use our crime prevention home assessment sheet to identify opportunities to discourage criminals from targeting your home.
Strangers at the door
- Place a peephole in a solid door so you can see who is at your door.
- It is a common practice for burglars to knock first to see if anyone is home. Do not open your door to strangers. Verify the person’s reason for being there.
- If you are unsure about someone, stay calm and ask them to leave. If they refuse to leave, advise them you are calling the police and then do so.
Service and delivery people
- Ask for proper identification. Do not let them in until you are sure they are who they claim to be.
- Consider contacting the organization or company to confirm delivery times or to schedule an appointment.
- Be sure to use reputable and reliable companies.
Apartment & condo safety
- The front door to your apartment or condo block is the front door to your residence. Treat it as such and keep it secure.
- Never allow someone you do not know into the building.
- Always lock and secure doors, windows and lockers.
- Use a broom handle or piece of wood in the track of sliding glass doors to prevent them for being opened from the outside.
- Do not identify yourself on the call board of yuor building.
- Do not enter an elevator if you are suspicious of the occupants.
- Report suspicious people loitering.
- Consider starting a Neighbourhood Watch. Your building is your neighbourhood.
Download a copy of our personal safety in the home brochure.