The best magazine
Thinking About Home Security When Moving to New York
Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the city it can be easy to lose your bearings. However, it is extremely important to always be aware of your surroundings when on the street. Being alert inside your home is just as important. Unfortunately, even behind the closed doors of your apartment you are not invincible to danger. Home security is an important issue that can be easy to forget about when leading a busy lifestyle, but taking some time to set up safety precautions and get into good habits is crucial.
Knowing your neighborhood and your neighbors can make a big difference. Getting to know your neighborhood means you will not get lost and you know where the well-lit and populated areas are, as opposed to walking down a dark street. Also, know the locations of your local police and fire stations. Forming relationships with your neighbors is important so that you can help each other. You want to be able to call on your neighbors for help and vice versa. Having a support system in your building and area in case danger arises is important. Keep everyone's phone numbers and apartment numbers handy should you need to call on them for help.
If you live in an apartment building, make sure not to let anyone through the front door unless you are certain that they live there. It is OK to ask someone for proof that they live there, or make them wait outside until the person they are visiting comes to get them. Better to be safe than sorry, and by letting a stranger into the building you are risking your neighbor's home security as well.
Always lock your door behind you. Never leave the door unlocked, as anyone can just walk in. Always check who is at your door before you answer it to avoid letting strangers in. If someone rings your bell from the main door of the apartment building, you do not have to buzz them in if you do not know who they are or are not expecting someone. Some people may try ringing several bells of a building just to be let in.
Look into installing a home alarm system. This is a great way to have extra protection in your apartment, especially while you are out of the house and at night when you are sleeping. Knowing that an alarm will sound, notifying the authorities, if anyone tries to break into your house is reassuring. Do not give out your pin number to anyone. This way you are the only person who can turn the home alarm system on and off. If you use the alarm properly, by setting it every time you leave the house and every night, your home will always be protected.
Source: ...