Have a plan

Have a plan

Having a plan against crime means that when something goes wrong, you won’t have to decide what to do – you will KNOW what to do.

Draw up a site plan of your yard and house, and use this to determine how you will handle crime. Mark every window and door on this plan, and check that every window and door is secured. Also, put in the position of the major trees and beddings in your garden, so that you know where a threat may be hiding. Make sure that these areas in your garden are well lit. When putting up lighting, remember to put the lighting up from the inside out, so that the light will blind the criminal, not you.

Your next step is to use the plan to see where you must situate your interior and exterior alarm sensors. Make sure that the whole of the house and garden is covered.

Now make sure that all indoor areas that are used as sleeping areas are covered by extra security doors, so that you will have an extra security barrier while sleeping.

Next step – create a designated strong room. This room is not just used in case of danger from crime, but in case of fire as well. This is an expensive step, but it could be a life saver. This room must have extra security on the window, and the door should be both fire and bullet – proof. However, although you should design it so that nobody can get it, it must also be designed so that a person who is inside can get out. In the case of fire, this is very important. For this reason, I suggest that the security bars on this room should work with padlocks, and that the keys should be accessible. If your house catches fire while you and your family are inside the secure area, this will be your only escape route. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU CAN ESCAPE IN CASE OF FIRE.
This room should contain a communication device such as a radio or telephone, it should be where your family keeps the medical kit and there should always be a fresh supply of water. This room should also have a fire extinguisher, which should be regularly checked and maintained.

The most important thing about your emergency plan is that your family should know how it works, and they should be able to work it without your presence. If there is an armed robbery, fire or other incident, make sure everybody knows how to get into the secure room quickly. Make sure everybody understands that security doors must be locked and the alarm must be armed.

Remember to visit my security forum here.

Stay safe!

LeonDude