Surviving Divorce & Separation: Renting: Apartment Safety:
Before committing yourself to a particular apartment:
- Make sure that locks on the apartment doors offer excellent security. Be sure the locks are changed when you move in.
- Make sure the doors in the apartment have eyeholes (peepholes).
- Make sure the entrance is well lighted.
- Make sure the intercom buzzer to enter the building or complex works properly.
- Make sure you understand the policy on letting delivery people onto the property or into the building.
- Make sure mailboxes show no signs of forced entry.
- Make sure windows at ground level are secure with heavy duty locks or bars.
- Make sure the landscaping around the apartment is not over grown and above window height.
- Make sure garage doors are kept locked and controlled by a remote or a key.
- Make sure car ports are well lighted and close to your apartment.
Safety Tips After Moving In
- Never leave your apartment unlocked. Even when just going to the laundry room or to check the mail.
- If you give the superintendent an extra key in case of emergencies or if you misplace your own, be sure to sign an envelope with the key in it.
- Try to make friends with your neighbors and be knowledgeable about your surroundings.
- Don't get on an elevator with a stranger. If you must, stand next the operation panel in case you need to sound the alarm.
- Never spend time alone in the laundry room at night. If possible, arrange to do your laundry with a friend.
- Never open the door to a stranger. Most strangers that visit your apartment will be utility workers, and you should call to verify their ID (can be given under the door).
- Never prop open any outside doors.
- Use only your first initial on your mailbox, doorbell, and in the phone book.
- Be sure to report criminal acts or suspected criminal acts to the police and the superintendent.
- When you leave your apartment for a lengthy period of time, be sure to leave a few lights and even the television on in order to portray that you are home.
- When making arrangements with utility people, do not tell them you will not be home at a certain time.
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