Security Tips
Serving the Kootenays since 1947 - (250) 364-2210
Choosing the best locks for your home can provide a first line of safety for your family and your belongings. Parslow Lock & Safe offers a variety of quality door hardware products for improving your security.
Check out these safety and security checklists below, courtesy of Weiser Lock.
Safety & Security Around Your House
Doors
- Install a wide-angle peep hole
- Entrance doors should have a solid core
- Doors should fit tightly into door jambs and strike plates must be secure
- If hinge pins are outside, they should be non-removable
- When closed, sliding doors need a metal bar to fill the inside track
- Door locks on the inside of the door should be at least 40 inches from glass
- Use deadbolt locks that extend at least 1 inch into the strike plate
Windows
- Double-hung windows should be pinned
- Metal windows need a lock or metal bar in addition to a catch
- Basement windows should be Plexiglass or have security bars
- Windows left open for ventilation should be secured
- Curtains or blinds should fully cover windows
- Air conditioners should be secured from the inside
Exterior
- Keep shrubs cut below window level
- Your house number should be easily visible from the street
- Make sure front and back doorways are well-lit or spotlit
- Keep bicycles, lawn mowers, and other gear inside and out of sight
- Join Neighbourhood Watch and Operation Identification, and display the decals on your front and back doors
Garage
- Keep your garage door closed and locked when not in use
- Remove vehicle keys and lock vehicles in the garage
- Have a light inside the garage
Safety & Security Around Your Apartment
General Advice
- Open the lobby door only for people you know. Unknown or suspicious persons should be reported to the building superintendent.
- Use your initials and last name to identify yourself on the lobby list.
- When moving in, have the superintendent change the locks. If you are out, arrange for deliveries to be received by the building superintendent or a neighbour.
- Check the elevator before you enter it and stay near the control panel.
- Do not go into laundry rooms alone.
- Check your car before entering it.
- Keep your car locked and remove any valuable portable items.
- Do not store valuable items in an apartment locker.
While on vacation…
- Stop delivered items such as newspaper subscriptions.
- Store valuables in a safety deposit box.
- Use timers to automatically turn lights on and off.
- Have a neighbour or friend pick up hand bills and mail.
- Arrange to have snow shovelled and the grass cut.
Your personal security
- Do not open the door until you confirm the person’s identity.
- If somebody asks to use your phone, have them wait outside while you make the call for them.
- Do not give out personal information to telephone solicitors.
- If you arrive home and suspect a break-in, leave and call the police.
- Never indicate that you’re not home on your telephone answering machine.
- If you lose your keys, change your door locks.
Alarms
- Alarms monitored 24 hours by a Central Alarm Station service are recommended.
- Alarms should protect the full perimeter of your residence.