PLAYING DEFENSE IN YOUR HOME

Learning how to be defensive serves many purposes in life, and no place better than in your home. Burglars have many agendas, but they cannot play if they have no way. Statistically, people are careless with home defense. Price shopping may drive a homeowner to purchase flimsy, cheap hardware for windows and doors. Laziness may breed poor habits, such as failing to lock windows and doors on leaving the home. But, in today’s craziness, none of us can afford to slack when it comes to personal security.

No matter where you live, you are vulnerable. Predators roam and prowl the least suspecting places. But, a cautious individual may be spared pain and suffering from a burglary or worse, an attacker, by taking certain, consistent measures.

Do not leave your doors and windows unlocked. When you leave your home, whether for a minute or a day, be sure to lock all windows and doors. A burglar enters in a brief few seconds, so why make it easier for one to enter your home, invade your space and privacy, and above all, threaten your person and property?

Don’t answer a doorbell or knock at your door without knowing who it is first. Do not let yourself be a target for a scam. Never let unknown people into your home. Whether you are in a small town where “there is no crime,” or in a populated city, these rules apply equally.

Keep your valuables out of sight and be sure to have them written down with pictures and serial numbers in a safe for insurance and police purposes.

Do not hide a house or car key outside of your home. Instead, find a trusting neighbor for these purposes.

Do not leave a ladder or any other similar item in sight that a burglar could use to access the upper level of your house.

The U.S. Department of Justice has indicated that as many as 30% of all homes will be invaded over the course of the next 20 years. Do not let yourself be a statistic. Be smart at all times and practice safety for you and your loved ones.

If you have any questions about how Windows Plus can help you safeguard your home, contact Reg or Tom at 703-956-6172.

Summer 2011 – Windows Plus Newsletter

“When the Storms Come, They Come a-Running”

Storm chasers. What this can mean to you is that wanna-be “contractors” chase homeowners when the storms hit, expecting to get your business, or at least, your money. Be very cautious in these situations. Know your contractor: Check out the company, ask for referrals for the company and the installers, request identification from anyone who will be working in your home, review the contract for the work to be done, find out about the company’s insurance, guarantees and warranties, inspect work in the neighborhood where the contractor has completed work, and ask for receipts. And, you just cannot be too careful. “Don’t throw caution to the wind.” Call Windows Plus for your home improvement needs – 703-916-8372 or 703-956-6172.

Home Repair Scams

Following is a statement that we received from a crime prevention officer in Fairfax County. It is very important information for all residents: “”Please be aware of increased activity with home repair scam suspects in our area. I have been involved with several of these cases in the past weeks.Ó Ð from one of our CIS Detectives here. Remember solicitors need a license, never pay upfront for work to be done at a later date, and when possible consult with a neighbor or family member if the price seems high or unreasonable.”

Crime does not discriminate, so everyone is vulnerable. Please take extreme precautions to protect you and your loved ones. When we work with residents, we provide our licensing information, addresses, contact data, contracts, references and insurance information. Please request this sort of documentation from anyone who will be working in or around your home. Safety matters. Call Reg or Tom with your questions on home improvements in your home. 703-916-8372 or 703-956-6172. Thank you for keeping your community safe.