HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOU AND YOUR PROPERTY SAFE:

 

• Make sure all gate latches, garage and shed doors are closed and locked when not in use.  Even if stepping inside for "just a minute", be sure to lock up.

• Burglars have been known to enter a garage by using a hook to pull the release cord. Consider removing the release cord and zip-tying the bracket. In an emergency, you would still be able to pull on the bracket and break the zip-tie.

• Grills, lawn mowers, and other valuables should be stored in a locked garage or shed.  Anything left outside should be locked and secured to a permanent fixture such as a column or fence post.

• Don't leave lawn equipment unattended and out of your sight.  It only takes seconds to put a lawnmower or yard trimmer in the back of a truck and drive away.

• Make a list of serial numbers for all your valuables.  This includes lawn equipment and bicycles
  (get an electric etching tool, available at the hardware store).

• Make sure all doors are locked at night and every time you leave the house.  Pay extra attention to the door leading from the garage to the house.

• Remove garage door openers from vehicles whether your vehicles are parked in your garage or not.  Failing to do this gives thieves the opportunity to come back later and burglarize your house.

• Don't hide your extra house key in an obvious place.  Leave with a trusted neighbor or family member.

• When packages are delivered, ensure that the delivery driver hides items and does not place them in plain sight.

• Keep an eye out for your neighbors and get to know them.  If they leave a garage door open, let them know.  Also, be aware of when your neighbors go out of town.  Let them know when you are leaving town and when you plan to return.  If possible, give them a phone number where you can be reached.  If possible, have your neighbor collect your mail, paper, and any door-knob advertisements while you are traveling.  A good neighbor relationship is a BIG factor in keeping your house secured.

• If you see ANYTHING suspicious you're not comfortable with, DIAL 911 IMMEDIATELY.  It's better to be safe than sorry.  The police encourage this policy and that's what you pay taxes for.

• If, worse case, an intruder is armed and you cannot escape, do as they say.  Instruct your children to do as the intruder says.  Remain calm. A robber is more interested in taking your property than your life.  Memorize a description of the intruder. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY WHEN YOU ARE ABLE TO DO SO.

• Have dead bolts on all entrance doors.

• Don't let shrubbery get so big that it covers a window.  It makes for a good hiding place while intruders are working your window open.

• When you leave town make your home look and sound occupied.

• Don’t leave valuables where they are easily visible and not secured.

• If you have a monitored security system, ensure that you have a valid permit with the city of Dallas.  Provide the permit number and expiration date to the alarm company.  Most of all, if you have a monitored security system, use it.

• Put yourself in the place of a burglar/intruder and look around your property for obvious temptations.

• LET'S KEEP MIDWAY MEADOWS A SAFE PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE, IT'S UP TO YOU.

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Questions, comments, or suggestions to improve the safety of Midway Meadows?
E-mail them to Karen Fernandes.

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