• Always be aware of usual and unusual activities in your neighborhood and immediately report suspicious behavior
• Secure all windows and doors that are accessible from the outside, including those upstairs
• Never leave a spare key hidden outside—burglars know all the best places
• Install peepholes so you can screen your visitors
• Ask to see identification from service and delivery people before letting them into your home
• Install deadbolt locks on all exterior entrances
• Make sure smoke detectors are working and up-to-code, or consider adding a monitored smoke or heat detector
• Post emergency phone numbers by the telephone, including your cellular phone or pager numbers, for your children or babysitter to use when you are not at home
• Make sure visitors staying at your home also know your address and where emergency numbers are located

For additional tips and a free "Guide to Keeping Your Family and Home Safe and Secure," contact a Protection One branch near you.