Summer is officially over. The air is getting crisper and leaves are starting to change as fall starts to arrive. As the days get darker earlier, the Prescott Valley Police Department urges you to remember these nine September safety tips. Giving attention to these tips will help to keep your family and home secure and protected as a new season rapidly approaches.
- Check your alarm systems and be sure all security lighting is working properly. If you don’t have a security system, think about investing in one. There are many great security systems on the market – select one that best fits the needs of your home.
- Test your smoke detectors. A properly working smoke detector can save your life by warning you in time to evacuate if a fire occurs.
- Check all the locks on your doors and windows to make sure they're functioning properly. Be sure to close the windows, especially those that folks tend to forget about, such as bathroom and kitchen windows, and make sure to lock your back door.
- Lock your garage and shed. Make sure those locks are in good working order and that any perimeter fencing around your yard is secure.
- If you have a fireplace, remember to get it checked. Debris can build up in a fireplace and present a safety hazard. It's also a good idea to look at the bricks, mortar, and liner condition.
- Now is also an ideal time to get your furnace serviced so it's in tip-top condition before the nights get cold.
- Remember with less daylight, potential burglars have more time to work without being easily seen. Remove from plain view any valuable items such as computers, smartphones, keys, and any important correspondence that contains your personal information. These are especially inviting targets for burglars surveying your home through windows.
- If you're traveling for an extensive period of time, discontinue mail and newspaper deliveries until your return. Purchase a light switch timer or smart light bulbs that can turn lights on and off automatically to create the impression that someone is home. If possible, have a trusted neighbor check the house periodically. Don’t give burglars an open invitation. The Prescott Valley Police Department has a "House Watch" program for local residents who are away from their homes for a period of time (less than 60 days). For more information or to sign up, visit https://www.prescottvalley-az.gov/FormCenter/Police-Department-7/House-Watch-Program-79
- While you are home, don't open the door to strangers. Use your peephole, or camera doorbell if you have one, to see who is at your door. Ask to see proof of ID from people claiming to be from a business or utility company or call the company for verification.