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APARTMENT SECURITY AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
There are a number of precautions you can take to minimize the chance that you will become a victim of
crime while living in rental housing. You can begin by implementing some simple common sense safety
procedures:
• Keep your doors and windows locked!
• Do not open the door until your visitor has been identified.
• Be cautious about giving personal information over the phone to strangers.
• Women living alone may wish to list their initials instead of their first name in the
phone directory and on mailboxes.
• Call the police if you observe any suspicious activity on or about the premises.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY, TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION TO SAFEGUARD YOURSELF. IF THERE APPEARS
TO BE A HAZARD, CONTACT YOUR LANDLORD AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
IMMEDIATELY.
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS FOR APARTMENT DWELLERS
The downstairs main entrance door is not guaranteed protection against intruders, it is merely the first line
of defense. Secure all windows and install a deadbolt lock on your apartment door as well a wide angle
viewer (peephole) for proper security. NEVER depend on a chain lock. Use your peephole to "interview"
strangers at your door. Ask all salesmen, solicitors, information seekers, etc., to produce valid credentials
such as a driver's license and/or employee I.D. Any stranger who does not cooperate should be reported
to the police as a potential threat. Use the intercom system wisely if available. If you do not know the
person or persons who rang your bell, do not "buzz" the door for them to enter your building.
Cooperate with all other tenants in keeping the outer main doors locked. Do not permit strangers to enter
the building as you are leaving or entering. The main entrance front door is a critical area for security.
There must be a building policy in force that requires all nonresidents to be screened outside the main
entrance door by the tenant who is being visited to prevent unauthorized access.
Avoid using the laundromat in your apartment complex by yourself, especially at nighttime. Team up with a
neighbor. If you are a woman living alone, do not place your full name on the identification slot or in the
telephone directory. Use first and middle initials. Example: "M.C. Smith" rather than "Mary Smith". Be
especially careful in carport areas. Lock your car. When entering or leaving, look around and be sure no
one is lurking in the area. If you do see someone loitering (that doesn't belong) leave immediately and
notify the manager or call the police.
If there is a storage compartment in the carport, don't place valuable items in them and expect that they
will be secure. A good quality padlock should be used with a well secured hasp. Don't leave notes for the
paper-boy or building manager advertising your absence. Have deliveries picked up by a friend or
neighbor while on vacation. Use a timer for lamp or radio to give your apartment an occupied sound or
look.
SECURITY CHECKLIST
Use this list to determine the security of your prospective apartment. Visit the neighborhood during the
day and again at night to check on the following:
• Are buildings and grounds well-maintained?
• Are entryways, sidewalks, and parking areas well lighted?
• Are the parking area and adjacent streets free of abandoned vehicles?
• Is parking available close to your door? At night or on weekends also?
• Are mailboxes locked and in good condition?
• Are residents last names on mailboxes?
• Is the entryway visible to passersby on the street?
• Are drapes, shades, or blinds provided?
• Are windows easily visible and clear of bushes?
• What is the policy on lending and replacing keys?
• What is the policy regarding installation of additional locks on doors and windows?
• Is the local bus or shuttle stop well lighted?
• Talk to the neighbors - do they feel safe?
• Talk to the police - what is the crime rate like in the neighborhood?
• What types of crimes are prevalent?
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS FOR THE OWNER/MANAGER
Many times burglars will use the guise of looking for a "friend" or posing as a salesman. The posting and
enforcement of "No Soliciting" signs can greatly reduce the number of unauthorized individuals that
wander through a complex. Unauthorized foot traffic in common areas can also be discouraged by use of
gates with spring closures.
Security lighting is an important aspect in the prevention of theft and assault on both interior and exterior
portions of the building carport, stairwell, laundry room, alley, recreation room, and patio lighting should
be on a timer system and the bulbs should be of adequate wattage to provide the desired effect. Burnt-out
bulbs should be replaced promptly. How long has it been since the locks have been rekeyed? This is a
rather inexpensive process and one that should be done after an apartment has been vacated twice. Ask
your tenants to refrain from having extra keys made without notifying you and NEVER lend out the master
key
BASIC APARTMENT SECURITY
Exterior doors should:
• be made of solid wood or metal
• fit the frame tightly (no more than 1/8" clearance)
• be well-lighted
• have hinges on the inside, NOT the outside
• not be secluded by trees or bushes
• not have decorative glass panels or windows
Windows should:
• have keylocks, not just standard thumbturn locks (keylocks are inexpensive, and
are readily available at hardware stores)
• not be overgrown or obscured by trees or bushes Sliding glass doors should:
• also have keylocks
• be reinforced by a barlock or broom handle in the track
other security basics to remember:
• NEVER put identification tags on your keyring
• NEVER hide your door key outside
FIRE
Fire can be a costly nightmare for any tenant. Practice fire prevention and safety:
• test run smoke detector every week.
• Know your escape routes and have a fire drill occasionally to practice them.
• Know the location of the nearest fire alarm in your building.
• Find out whether this alarm is local (rings in the building only)or is monitored by a
security service.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY, GET TO SAFETY, AND THEN CALL 911 TO REPORT THE FIRE.
GAS LEAKS
If you have gas appliances in your apartment, or a gas furnace in your building, be aware of the possibility
of a gas leak. Left unattended, gas leaks can cause asphyxiation or an explosion. Emergency service is
available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. There is no charge for calling the utility company if you
suspect a gas leak.
If you smell gas in your apartment call your management office immediately. Then take the following steps:
first, extinguish all open flames, then open all windows and outside doors for ventilation. DO NOT light
matches, touch electric switches, appliance controls, or thermostats. You may be advised to leave your
apartment until the emergency crew arrives; take your pets with you. If you are unsure whether there is a
problem, CALL. Don't risk lives!
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES
Each of the offices listed below can provide many resources to the citizens of their respective
communities. On an individual level, Operation ID is a successful and recommended way to safeguard
portable values such as your TV, VCR, camera, or computer. On a group level, your local police can help to
organize Neighborhood Watch and other crime prevention programs.
Preventing Burglaries
Burglars go through neighborhoods looking for uncut lawns and stuffed mailboxes. In the evening, they
look for darkened houses or lights that have been left on too long.
Don't tempt a thief
• Lawn mowers, snow blowers, barbecues and bicycles are best stored out of sight.
• Always lock your garden sheds and garages.
• Use curtains on garage and basement windows.
• Never leave notes on your door such as "Gone shopping."
Windows
• Most windows can be pinned for security.
• Drill a 3/16" hole on a slight downward slant through the inside window frame and halfway into
the outside frame - place a nail in the hole to secure the window.
If Your Home Is Broken Into
If you come home to find an unexplained open/broken window or door:
• Do not enter - the perpetrator may still be inside.
• Use a neighbor's phone to call police.
• Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.
• Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles.
• Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons
There are a number of precautions you can take to minimize the chance that you will become a victim of
crime while living in rental housing. You can begin by implementing some simple common sense safety
procedures:
• Keep your doors and windows locked!
• Do not open the door until your visitor has been identified.
• Be cautious about giving personal information over the phone to strangers.
• Women living alone may wish to list their initials instead of their first name in the
phone directory and on mailboxes.
• Call the police if you observe any suspicious activity on or about the premises.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY, TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION TO SAFEGUARD YOURSELF. IF THERE APPEARS
TO BE A HAZARD, CONTACT YOUR LANDLORD AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
IMMEDIATELY.
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS FOR APARTMENT DWELLERS
The downstairs main entrance door is not guaranteed protection against intruders, it is merely the first line
of defense. Secure all windows and install a deadbolt lock on your apartment door as well a wide angle
viewer (peephole) for proper security. NEVER depend on a chain lock. Use your peephole to "interview"
strangers at your door. Ask all salesmen, solicitors, information seekers, etc., to produce valid credentials
such as a driver's license and/or employee I.D. Any stranger who does not cooperate should be reported
to the police as a potential threat. Use the intercom system wisely if available. If you do not know the
person or persons who rang your bell, do not "buzz" the door for them to enter your building.
Cooperate with all other tenants in keeping the outer main doors locked. Do not permit strangers to enter
the building as you are leaving or entering. The main entrance front door is a critical area for security.
There must be a building policy in force that requires all nonresidents to be screened outside the main
entrance door by the tenant who is being visited to prevent unauthorized access.
Avoid using the laundromat in your apartment complex by yourself, especially at nighttime. Team up with a
neighbor. If you are a woman living alone, do not place your full name on the identification slot or in the
telephone directory. Use first and middle initials. Example: "M.C. Smith" rather than "Mary Smith". Be
especially careful in carport areas. Lock your car. When entering or leaving, look around and be sure no
one is lurking in the area. If you do see someone loitering (that doesn't belong) leave immediately and
notify the manager or call the police.
If there is a storage compartment in the carport, don't place valuable items in them and expect that they
will be secure. A good quality padlock should be used with a well secured hasp. Don't leave notes for the
paper-boy or building manager advertising your absence. Have deliveries picked up by a friend or
neighbor while on vacation. Use a timer for lamp or radio to give your apartment an occupied sound or
look.
SECURITY CHECKLIST
Use this list to determine the security of your prospective apartment. Visit the neighborhood during the
day and again at night to check on the following:
• Are buildings and grounds well-maintained?
• Are entryways, sidewalks, and parking areas well lighted?
• Are the parking area and adjacent streets free of abandoned vehicles?
• Is parking available close to your door? At night or on weekends also?
• Are mailboxes locked and in good condition?
• Are residents last names on mailboxes?
• Is the entryway visible to passersby on the street?
• Are drapes, shades, or blinds provided?
• Are windows easily visible and clear of bushes?
• What is the policy on lending and replacing keys?
• What is the policy regarding installation of additional locks on doors and windows?
• Is the local bus or shuttle stop well lighted?
• Talk to the neighbors - do they feel safe?
• Talk to the police - what is the crime rate like in the neighborhood?
• What types of crimes are prevalent?
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS FOR THE OWNER/MANAGER
Many times burglars will use the guise of looking for a "friend" or posing as a salesman. The posting and
enforcement of "No Soliciting" signs can greatly reduce the number of unauthorized individuals that
wander through a complex. Unauthorized foot traffic in common areas can also be discouraged by use of
gates with spring closures.
Security lighting is an important aspect in the prevention of theft and assault on both interior and exterior
portions of the building carport, stairwell, laundry room, alley, recreation room, and patio lighting should
be on a timer system and the bulbs should be of adequate wattage to provide the desired effect. Burnt-out
bulbs should be replaced promptly. How long has it been since the locks have been rekeyed? This is a
rather inexpensive process and one that should be done after an apartment has been vacated twice. Ask
your tenants to refrain from having extra keys made without notifying you and NEVER lend out the master
key
BASIC APARTMENT SECURITY
Exterior doors should:
• be made of solid wood or metal
• fit the frame tightly (no more than 1/8" clearance)
• be well-lighted
• have hinges on the inside, NOT the outside
• not be secluded by trees or bushes
• not have decorative glass panels or windows
Windows should:
• have keylocks, not just standard thumbturn locks (keylocks are inexpensive, and
are readily available at hardware stores)
• not be overgrown or obscured by trees or bushes Sliding glass doors should:
• also have keylocks
• be reinforced by a barlock or broom handle in the track
other security basics to remember:
• NEVER put identification tags on your keyring
• NEVER hide your door key outside
FIRE
Fire can be a costly nightmare for any tenant. Practice fire prevention and safety:
• test run smoke detector every week.
• Know your escape routes and have a fire drill occasionally to practice them.
• Know the location of the nearest fire alarm in your building.
• Find out whether this alarm is local (rings in the building only)or is monitored by a
security service.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY, GET TO SAFETY, AND THEN CALL 911 TO REPORT THE FIRE.
GAS LEAKS
If you have gas appliances in your apartment, or a gas furnace in your building, be aware of the possibility
of a gas leak. Left unattended, gas leaks can cause asphyxiation or an explosion. Emergency service is
available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. There is no charge for calling the utility company if you
suspect a gas leak.
If you smell gas in your apartment call your management office immediately. Then take the following steps:
first, extinguish all open flames, then open all windows and outside doors for ventilation. DO NOT light
matches, touch electric switches, appliance controls, or thermostats. You may be advised to leave your
apartment until the emergency crew arrives; take your pets with you. If you are unsure whether there is a
problem, CALL. Don't risk lives!
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICES
Each of the offices listed below can provide many resources to the citizens of their respective
communities. On an individual level, Operation ID is a successful and recommended way to safeguard
portable values such as your TV, VCR, camera, or computer. On a group level, your local police can help to
organize Neighborhood Watch and other crime prevention programs.
Preventing Burglaries
Burglars go through neighborhoods looking for uncut lawns and stuffed mailboxes. In the evening, they
look for darkened houses or lights that have been left on too long.
Don't tempt a thief
• Lawn mowers, snow blowers, barbecues and bicycles are best stored out of sight.
• Always lock your garden sheds and garages.
• Use curtains on garage and basement windows.
• Never leave notes on your door such as "Gone shopping."
Windows
• Most windows can be pinned for security.
• Drill a 3/16" hole on a slight downward slant through the inside window frame and halfway into
the outside frame - place a nail in the hole to secure the window.
If Your Home Is Broken Into
If you come home to find an unexplained open/broken window or door:
• Do not enter - the perpetrator may still be inside.
• Use a neighbor's phone to call police.
• Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.
• Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles.
• Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons
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