Who's at your front door?

• Don’t open the door to a stranger. Say “no thank you” through the door and then walk away.  If the person does not go away, or if they start to behave suspiciously, call the police department. 
• If you are part of a Neighborhood Watch group, call your neighbors and have them keep an eye on the person as they progress down the street. 
• The best time to call the police department is when suspicious activity is taking place.  Calling the police department right-a-way instead of 10 to 15 minutes later can make a big difference.
• Get into the habit of locking your doors when you walk into your house.  So, when you are at home an uninvited quest cannot just walk into your house.  This includes the door from outside into your garage and the door from the garage into your home. 
• Don’t leave your garage door open.  It is quick and easy to walk in and walk out with your property.
• Teach children (that are old enough to stay at home alone) what to do if the doorbell rings. 
  • Give them a list of trusted neighbors they can call for help. 
  • Always have a “Family Emergency Plan” for getting out of the house in any type of emergency and rehearse the plan with your children. 
  • Teach children how to call the police department and have a list of important phone numbers handy.