• Keep shrubbery trimmed - Thick shrubbery and trees cover your windows, allowing burglars to work undetected. Plant thorny bushes around windows and walkways.
  
  
• Install peepholes on all exterior doors - Always ask for identification from repair and service representatives. Never leave them in your home unsupervised.
  
  
• Be sure your address is visible from the street - A visible address is vital in emergency situation. Install easy-to-read and illuminated numbers.
  

• Be careful who you tell when you plan to be away from your home. However, alert your neighbors to watch your home.
  
  
• Maintain your lawn before you leave or have someone mow your lawn while you are gone.
  
  
• Do not let deliveries accumulate. Have a neighbor pick up mail, newspapers and packages daily. If that is not possible, then stop deliveries so they do not pile up.
  
  
• Ask a neighbor to use your garbage cans. An empty garbage can is a tip-off that you are away.
  
  
• Leave your car in the driveway. This gives the appearance of an occupied house, and prevents burglars from backing up a van for loading.
  
  
• Don't leave keys under your doormat, flower pot or window ledge - intruders check these first.
  
  
• Use timers for lights, televisions and sound systems to turn them on and off at different times to give your home a lived-in look while you are away.

• Install smoke detectors - Every home should be equipped with smoke detectors on every level, particularly outside of sleeping areas. A monitored smoke detector provides a quick link to help in an emergency, whether you are at home or away.
  
  
• Test your smoke detectors - Ensure your smoke detectors are tested monthly and batteries are replaced twice a year.
  
  
• Do not overload circuits or sockets - Make sure every room has enough electrical outlets to avoid the need for multiple attachment plugs, which overload the circuits.
  
  
• Plan an escape route - Have an escape route for each area of the home and a designated meeting place outside.