10 Foolish Security Tips
Home Safety
March 4, 1998

Sometimes the threat to your safety isn't from something that you do to yourself, but from something that someone else does to you. Here are some recommendations from security specialists on how to make sure that you and your family are safe from the bad guys, and tips from the Fool on how to save money in the process.

1. Invest in a security system. Studies have shown that homes with monitored security systems are four times less likely to be burglarized than homes without them. The choices run the gamut of stickers on your windows to 24 hour TV camera monitoring. For tips on how to choose a security system visit the First Alert home page.

2. Ask for an insurance discount. Ask your insurance company if they offer a discount to homeowners who have installed security systems. Typically you can expect a 20% discount if you choose a monitored service.

3. Tag your stuff. Over 60% of stolen items are never recovered. One of the main reasons is that even if the police find your stuff, there's no way to identify it. One 26" Magnavox color TV looks like all the other 26" Magnavox color TVs. To prevent your TV from winding up at the police auction, tag it with your identification in some way. Use your social security number or driver's license number and etch it on to some part of your valuable items. An electric etching tool can be had from any hardware or crafts store for about $10. Or if you want to save the 10 bucks, call your local law enforcement agency. Many provide this tagging service free to their community.

4. Tag your pet. There are so many lures for little Sparky. The mailman, your neighbor's kids, or simply an open gate. Make sure that he has a collar and tag identifying him and listing your phone number, your vet, and proof that he's on the good side of your county animal control authority. You also might want to check out a new underskin ID tag that is surgically inserted. All Humane Societies in the U.S. check for this tag when a stray animal is brought to them. For more information on this ID system talk to your vet.

5. Tag your kid. Well, kind of. Do you have a recent photo of all of your children? How about their vital stats or finger prints? Let McGruff the Crime Dog help with keeping all of this information in one place and explaining personal safety tips to your munchkins. Click here to get your free McGruff Child ID Kit.

6. Trim your shrubs. Make your yard as clear and visible as possible. Many burglars look for homes with lots of shrubs to hide in when they choose their targets.

7. Lock your doors and windows. While this seems really obvious, 24% of burglaries occur to homes with an unlocked door or window. Don't make it easy for them.

8. Get a dog. While I personally own the very best dog in the world, I'm sure there are a few million second bests out there ready to keep you safe from harm. Homes with dogs are six times less likely to be burglarized than homes without. If you'd like to get some tips on the pluses and minuses of doggie ownership, check out our collection on getting a pet.

9. Tell someone where you're going or if you're expecting a visitor. So you've met Mr. Wonderful online and you're going to meet him for lunch or you've invited him to come over for dinner. Well, before you start thinking of china patterns, make sure that someone knows about Mr. W. If you're too embarrassed to tell your best friend or mom about him (or maybe he's the fourteenth Mr.W this year and your mom only wants to hear about them after the third date), tell SmartDate. Their slogan is, "Before you go, let us know."

10. Join or start a neighborhood watch group. A safe house is almost always part of a safe neighborhood. Get to know your neighbors and help one another keep an eye out for all of each other's stuff. If your neighborhood doesn't have such a program start one! Check out this web site from the Maryland Community Crime Prevention Institute to get tips on how to get started and how to get others involved.

-- Trudy Bowen (TMF Hoyden)