Just because the complex you've moved in to seems safe, doesn't mean you shouldn't follow extra safety precautions. The following is a list of safety do's and don'ts to help you keep your apartment extra safe:
DO:
Let a neighbor friend know when you are going out of town so that he or she can keep an eye on any suspicious activity going on around your apartment. You and your neighbors can have a buddy system. He'll watch out for you when you're gone and vice versa.
Report bad lighting, overgrowth of landscaping (if it looks like someone can hide in it) and broken locks. Your property manager is responsible for providing you with working locks and a safe outdoor environment, but you are responsible for letting him know about any problems with these things. Landlords and managers have a million things to keep an eye on, and they may be too busy to notice a tampered lock, etc.
Be alert when walking to or from your apartment late at night, as well as when using common rooms such as the weight room, laundry room, etc. Some people feel more secure when they have some sort of defense weapon with them. From alarms to pepper spray, there's plenty to choose from.
Report suspicious characters to the management. This is not to say you should report every person you don't recognize, but there's a difference between not recognizing someone and recognizing a potential threat.
Lock your car door. Even if you're only running inside to grab a jacket, you need to keep your car secure. Does the movie “Gone in 60 seconds” mean anything to you?
DON'T:
Leave a note on your door or mailbox indicating your absence. That includes notes like “Honey, I'll be back in ten minutes....” Ten minutes is long enough to steal all of your jewelry.
Advertise that you live alone. Use initials on your mailbox and for your telephone listing. Criminals look for easy targets. Don't make yourself one.
Get on the elevator with only one person unless you know them. Once you're on the elevator, stand near the control panel. This will prevent anyone from stopping the elevator between floors.
Leave valuable objects out that can be seen through your apartment window or out in your car. Burglars go window shopping, too! Don't put your valuables on display.
Published: October 4, 2000
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