Looking out for number one is paramount for ensuring personal security.  Whether this is keeping your finances safe, you’re home safe or yourself safe when out and about, at work or in your home. Feeling safe in your community is something that we all want and something that we don’t want to obsess over either.  Getting the balance right is important for ensuring that you do keep yourself out of harm’s way whilst ensuring that the process isn’t an effort. So just what needs to be covered when thinking about personal security?

Residential Security:

Keeping your home safe is important for ensuring that you are kept safe. You will need to carry out certain personal security measures on your home whilst you are out and others whilst you are in; some will apply to both.

Whilst At Home:

  • importance of personal securityFront and back doors should be fully locked when going out or going to bed. During the day or in the evening you don’t necessarily have to put all the locks on but you should have at least one on to secure the doors shut.
  • Others doors such as garden gates,  garage doors, guest house doors, shed doors and patio doors should also be locked.
  • Spare keys should never be left hidden outside your home even if it is convenient for you. Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour or friend instead.
  • If you have locks on your windows you should use these also, don’t just shut the window, lock it shut using the key provided.
  • If you have a burglar alarm check them and use them. If you don’t have one it is a good idea to invest in one as they keep intruders at bay.
  • Smoke detectors and fire alarms should also be checked regularly.
  • Families with small children should think about rehearsing safety drills to ensure that in the case of an emergency everyone knows what to do.

When You Leave Your Home:

  • Leave a light on in the house to give the illusion that somebody is home.
  • Make use of motion sensor lights as they startle and deter intruders.
  • If going on holiday it is a good idea to get a trusted neighbour to draw and undraw curtains so that people think you are home.
  • Keep valuables out of sight.
  • Unplug and turn off appliances that don’t need to be left on.

Street Security:

Walking the streets alone can be dangerous particularly when you’re by yourself and at night. To keep yourself safe on the streets you should take the following personal security measures.

  • Avoid walking alone in back lanes, back streets and in areas that are secluded.
  • Keep belongings close to you and zipped pockets to make it difficult for pickpockets to get hold of your things.
  • Be alert at all times, know where you are and who is around you.
  • Keep money well hidden, don’t flash your cash.
  • Hide your pin number from others when using a cash machine.

At Work:

You should expect to feel safe in the workplace but unfortunately, people can experience assault and robbery whilst at work. Here are the following personal security measures you should take whilst at work.

  • Keep all of your belongings on site or with you.
  • Avoid staying late at work alone.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know who’s in the building with you.