Filed under Apartment Safety on February 22nd, 2008:
Free Ideas For Staying Safe In Your Apartment
If you’re new to Chicago and are also new to big-city living, safety in your new apartment home is likely to be a concern. While Chicago is a lovely place to call home, the hustle and bustle of this metropolis can be a little overwhelming at first. Don’t worry though, there are some very simple things you can do to increase apartment safety and make yourself feel right at home.
Smoke detector: A very cheap and good way to help you stay safe
If you do want to address home safety and overall safety involved in living in the city, there are some things you need to take into account. These tips, by the way, extend to home safety no matter where you hang your hat.
Here’s what to look out for:
Fire safety – This is a bigger consideration for home safety than many realize. Take the time to make sure fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and even carbon monoxide detectors are installed in your apartment. If they’re not, add them. If they are, check the batteries on a regular basis and do have extinguishers inspected and replaced when needed.
Intruder prevention – This is a home safety consideration no matter where you live. Make sure locks are properly installed and work. Install dead-bolt locks that can not be picked. Buy a steel-door and have it installed. Pay attention to surroundings before entering your apartment. Also, do not sleep with windows opened and do make sure doors and windows are locked after you enter your home and when you leave.
Alarm systems - Get some kind of alarm that either is connected to the Police or/and your cell phone. There is a wide range of intrusion alarms ranging from just a few dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
Leave the radio on - When you leave your apartment, you can let your radio stay and leave one LOW energy bulb on, that way it sounds and looks like there would be people in the apartment.
Get a good insurance - Even if all security measures are taken, things can still happen, why getting a good renters insurance or home owners insurance can be a great idea.
Prevent burglary with deadbolt locks
Outdoor safety – To stay safe outside your apartment home, make sure to park in well lit areas, check inside, around and under vehicles before entering and consider taking trash outside during the day – especially if the lighting is poor in the garbage receptacle area. Try to only walk where it is well lit. Do be mindful of people and surroundings when going to the pool, laundry area and even the spa or gym. It is never wrong to err on the side of caution.
The best apartment safety tip going, however - is one that many in this busy world overlook. It involves nothing more than getting to know your neighbors. If you do this, you will know who belongs around your apartment and who doesn’t. Plus, you can also benefit from creating a spirit of neighbor looking out for neighbor. Do not discount the power of protection this can provide.
Apartment safety in Chicago requires nothing more than applying a little common sense. With the right amount of diligence and caution, you can be reasonably safe no matter where you live.
Four great resources for increased safety at home
- Sensible burglar prevention
- Making your home safe for children
- Hot fire safety tips
- Ideas for living safely