Home safety measures

The MRJ on some home safety measures (by Elisabeth Strillacci):

Install dead-bolt locks. Improving lighting outside the home. Lock windows. "A lot of homes and even commercial buildings aim their security or spotlights out, instead of at the buildings and points of entry," said Cirillo. "An officer responds to the scene, and coming up the sidewalk, the spot light is right in his eyes and he can't see anything. The light needs to be on the building." Dead-bolt locks are useful only if the bolt extends at least an inch into the strike plate and if the frame surrounding the door is stable. According to the National Crime Prevention Bureau, burglars who cannot gain entry within four minutes will move onto another target. Perhaps one of the best tools, Cirillo said, is "get to know your neighbors. I don't mean you have to go over for coffee or tea every day, but you should have a general idea about what cars belong in the neighborhood and what your neighbors' general schedules are."

The MRJ also offers a few lists that you may find useful:

Home Checklist
Apartment and Condo Checklist
Home Inventory Form

Tim White