know how to be safe
Always think safety and call 9-1-1!
- Never leave your belongings unattended, even for a moment.
- Know your surroundings, even when walking alone.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle, including the trunk.
Burglary prevention tips
- Don’t mention on social media sites that you are planning to be away from your home.
- Consider renters insurance to cover the value of your property if disaster strikes.
- Tag or mark your belongings. Use a computerized system for tracking your property.
- Break down empty boxes from large-item purchases.
- Draw your curtains or close your blinds after dark.
- Make sure your sliding glass door is pinned or has an auxiliary lock.
- Ask management about forming a “watch group” in your neighborhood, even if you live in an apartment.
- Attend neighborhood block watch meetings.
- Use timers for interior lights/televisions, etc., when you’re out of town.
- Make sure you have adequate lighting and motion sensor lights outside your home or apartment.
- Make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked before leaving home or going to bed.
- Install an alarm system. Affordable systems are available for all budgets.
- Install a camera system with web-based access in the interior and exterior of your residence.
- Keep screen doors locked when you have an entry door open.
- Get to know your neighbors and look out for each other.
- Report slow-moving cars or suspicious activity in your neighborhood to 9-1-1- immediately. This can be done anonymously.
- If someone knocks on your door and you don’t feel comfortable, yell “Leave my residence. I am calling the police to check your reason for being in the area” through the door.
- If you are comfortable opening your door, always check for credentials and require that the person remain outside your home.
- Do not leave doors or windows open for friends/family to gain access when you’re not home.
- Inform your local law enforcement agency of when you will be away from your home.
- Make your home look occupied even when you’re not there, especially when you’ll be away for an extended period of time, i.e., vacation, internship, conference, family/friend visit.
Fire Safety
Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads quickly. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside as fast as possible.
- Install smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area, on every level of your home, including your basement. Alarms should be placed on ceilings or high on walls.
- Replace all smoke alarms before or when they are 10 years old.
- Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
- It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one alarm sounds, they all sound.
- Test all smoke alarms at least once per month. Press the test button to be sure the alarms work.
- There are two kinds of smoke alarms: ionization and photoelectric. Ionization alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use both alarms.
- People with hearing impairments can use special alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers.
Toledo Municipal Code 1301.11. Smoke detector requirements for dwelling units.
After the effective date of this section, it shall be the responsibility of the owner
of each existing structure which contains a residential dwelling to install smoke
detectors as hereinafter provided. At least one smoke detector shall be installed
to protect each sleeping area, and there shall be at least one smoke detector installed
on each level of the dwelling (that is, cellar, basement, first floor, second floor).
Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention
- Keep your parked car locked.
- Set your car alarm when you leave your vehicle.
- Drive with your doors locked and windows partially lowered. Never fully lower all windows when driving. This prevents unwanted approaches to and inside your vehicle.
- Don’t leave garage door openers in your car when it is parked outside your garage.
- Never leave an unoccupied vehicle running with the keys inside.
- Keep at least a half-tank of gas in your car.
- If your vehicle breaks down, never leave it. If you are approached by a stranger, ask him or her to call for assistance.
- Keep an extra cellphone car charger in your vehicle.
- If you have an old cellphone (not activated), keep the phone and its charger in your glove box. All cellphones can connect with 9-1-1 when dialed, even if service is turned off or there are no minutes left.