1. No Strangers - We all want to be hospitable, but especially if you are alone, always talk through the door and even call out like someone else is with you when you answer the door ("Honey, I've got it!"). Ask friends who routinely stop by, to call when they are there, so you know it's them at the door.
2. Lock it Up - Install 4 inch screws to strengthen your deadbolts on your doors. A lot aren't drilled deep enough. This makes it easier for a burglar to bust open your door.
3. Do Look - Install a peephole not only on your front door, but on other outside doors that aren't easy to see through so you can see who is at your door.
4. Any Doubt? Call 911 - If someone is at your door and you feel like they are asking for something that doesn't feel right, call 911. You don't have to be RIGHT to be safe. If your intuition is telling you something is up, make the call.
5. Make it Hard - The ultimate goal for a burglar is to get to the master bedroom. They want your cash, jewelry and firearms, so put junk jewelry in the jewelry box and hide the good stuff elsewhere. Don't make it easy for someone to find those things.
This blog was inspired by suggestions from Chris Bianez, police officer in the AARP Bulletin March 2018.
