Senior Safety Tips

At Home:
1. Never open your door automatically.
2. Install and use a peephole.
3. Lock your doors and windows.
4. Vary your daily routine.
5. Don’t leave notes on the door when going out.
5. Leave lights on when going out at night; use a timer to turn lights on and off when you are away for an extended period.
6. Notify neighbors and the police when going away on a trip.
7. When you are away remember to cancel deliveries such as newspapers and arrange for someone - a neighbor’s child, perhaps - to mow the lawn if need be.
Arrange for your mail to be held by the Post Office, or ask a neighbor to collect it for you.
8. Be wary of unsolicited offers to make repairs to your home. Deal only with reputable businesses.
9. Keep an inventory with serial numbers and photographs of resalable appliances, antiques and furniture. Leave copies in a safe place.
10. Don’t hesitate to report crime or suspicious activities.
11. Install deadbolt locks on all your doors.
12. Keep your home well lit at night, inside and out.
13. Ask for proper identification from delivery persons or strangers.
14. If a stranger asks to use your telephone, offer to place the call for him or her yourself.
15. Never let a stranger into your home.
16. Do not hide your keys under the mat or in other conspicuous places.
17. Never give out information over the phone indicating you are alone or that you won’t be home at a certain time.
18. If you arrive at home and suspect a stranger may be inside, DON’T GO IN. Leave quietly and call 911 to report the crime.
19. Ask to see credentials from persons representing themselves as workers from utility companies, package delivery services, etc; don’t rely solely on a uniform or a stranger’s claims.