Home | Departments | Mayor | Assembly | Employee Directory | Contact Us | Find

You are here :  Home > Departments > Police Department > Home Security & Safety Tips - Exterior

Home Security & Safety Tips Exterior Security MAIN ENTRY Solicitation material and newspapers left outside the home may alert someone that the house is not occupied. House Numbers should be clearly visible from the street (preferably in a contrasting color) and illuminated to speed emergency responders in locating your home.  Your house numbers should be placed on both sides of your mailbox where applicable. If your home is on a large lot with a long driveway, and your home is obscured and cannot be seen from the road, your address should be posted where your driveway intersects with the road.  Use reflective letters and numerals. Signs that indicate “private drive”, “private property”, in addition to your address marker, will deter curious visitors and undesirable traffic. Ensure that snow removal and deep snows do not bury and obscure your address markers or signs.  Replace worn or faded signs.  Keep them clear and visible! In summer, clip back alder, willow and other wild shrubbery from obscuring your address markers or signs.  Keep them clear and visible! EXTERIOR DOORS When moving into a new house, or when keys are lost, locks should be re-keyed or replaced. Exterior doors (including the door between the house and the garage) should be of solid core construction with a deadbolt installed with a minimum throw of one inch (1”). A door viewer is also recommended where appropriate.  It should be installed at the viewing level to accommodate the shortest person living in the house who is authorized to answer the door and should have a minimum view of 180 degrees. If you are concerned with the vulnerability of glass in your door in the proximity of a deadbolt, a product called Security Film is available from local glass dealers.  Properly applied, it may give added security. EXTERIOR LIGHTING Exterior lighting should be installed to allow you to see someone approaching your house from the front and/or the back, also for safety on slippery surfaces.  Consider motion sensor or photo cell to save on electricity and to extend the life of the bulb. Shrubbery should be trimmed and maintained in such a manner as to prevent someone from concealing themselves from your view. Items in the yard such as ladders, tools, and equipment should be secured as they may be used to enter your home. GARAGE Do not leave your garage door opener in your vehicle.  The opener along with your vehicle registration is another key to your residence. If you plan to be gone for an extended period of time, de-activate your garage door by unplugging it, or throwing the circuit breaker (caution: first check for freezers etc. which also may be on that circuit). In addition, the garage door should be secured by placing a bar through the rail or using a ‘C’ clamp or other fixture to secure it. Interior Security WINDOWS Secure sliding glass doors and windows by "drilling and pinning" to prevent them from being compromised vertically or horizontally.  Commercial pins for this purpose can be purchased locally or a wooden dowel may be used. Check all windows to ensure that they close tightly, no broken glass, and that the locks engage securely. ALARM SYSTEMS There are many types of Home Security Alarm Systems. Your particular needs and lifestyles will help you determine the type you may want to purchase.  There are local businesses that specialize in this product and offer the expertise you need to make an informed decision.  Shop around!

Related Links

• Home Security & Safety Tips    Interior • Home Security Checklist

Related Agencies

• Anchorage Police Department

External Links

• National Crime Prevention Council

APD Disclaimer | Contact APD
632 W. 6th Avenue   Anchorage, Alaska  99501
PO Box 196650 Anchorage, Alaska  99519
Disclaimer |  Privacy Statement | Site Help | (c)2004 MOA IT e-Gov