Insurance Journal (1st Quarter 2019)

Health Corner
Rana Naveed ur Rehman
MBA (HRM), Cert CII (UK)
Assistant Vice President (Health)
East West Insurance Co. Ltd
Household
Emergencies
(Part-6)
In my previous article, I was covered
the air-conditioning and centralheating
system problems related
household emergencies. In this part, I
will cover the home security related
household emergencies.
Home Security:
By identifying vulnerable areas of
your home and taking adequate
precautions, you can affectedly
reduce the risk of being burglarized.
Installing additional locks and bolts is
an effective way of deterring thieves.
Security devices such as peepholes,
door chains and alarms are also easy
to install and they not only safeguard
your property but also provide peace
of mind, particularly when you are
away from home.
Assessing Your Home Security
1) Identify Vulnerable Areas
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Check all your doors and windows
for strength and security. Imagine
that you have locked yourself out
which window or door would you
choose to force open or break?
Look at your house again and reassess
your security.
Contact your local police
department for advice.
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any side doors. For added security,
you should install heavy bolts at
the top and bottom of the inside of
each door.
Back and side doors must have
sturdy locks because they are often
hidden from view and badly lit,
which means that a burglar can
attempt entry unobserved.
For security when answering the
door, install a strong door chain
and peephole.
If a door opens outward, install
hinge bolts to the back edge so that
the door cannot be levered open on
the hinge side.
3) Install Patio Door Locks
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Install locks and deadbolts at the
top and bottom of patio doors and
French windows to prevent them
from being forced open.
4) Install Window Security Devices
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Windows are popular points of
entry for burglars.
Secure windows with locks or
deadbolts to prevent the catches
being released through a smashed
window. There are several types
for metal and wood windows.
5) Assess Lighting
6) Consider an Alarm
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For the best security, either install
a burglar alarm yourself or have
one installed professionally.
Dealing with Intruders
1) Be vigilant
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If you arrive home and see anyone
loitering outside, pass by your
house and ask a neighbour to
accompany you to the door.
If you return home to find that the
front door is open, do not enter
your home. Move a safe distance
away and, if you have a cellular
phone, call the police.
Alternatively, go to a neighbour's
and phone the police from there.
If you come home and your key
won't open the door, it could mean
that an intruder has secured the
door from inside so as not to be
disturbed. Move away quickly and
call the police.
If you return home to find that
your home has been ransacked,
call the police immediately. Do
not touch anything until the police
arrive so as not to destroy any
fingerprints left by burglars.
2) Make a Noise
2) Install main Door Security
Devices
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Install locks on the front, back, and
If you install security lighting to help
you unlock your door on dark nights,
remember that this could be equally
useful to a burglar.
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If you do enter your home and
meet an intruder, run out and shout
or scream as loudly as you can.
Don't try to apprehend him or her.
Insurance Journal January, February, March 2019
31
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