What to do After a Break-in

What to do After a Break-in

If you have ever been the victim of a burglary, you know how frightening and disturbing the break-in can be. Most people are in some form of shock, and it is difficult for them to know what to do after a burglary occurs. This short guide will inform you of the top five things to do after a break-in occurs.

1. Call the Authorities

The most crucial task to perform immediately after a break-in is to call the police. The authorities need to come to your place of residence and document the evidence to help catch the burglar. Make sure you do not touch anything until after the police have been there and given you the all clear. You do not want to tamper with evidence that could potentially cause the cops to miss capturing the suspect.

2. Take pictures, video, & write down everything you can remember

One of the most urgent steps you can take after a break-in is to immediately grab a camera and take pictures of the damage that was done to your property. You can also shoot a video on your phone or mobile device to show different angles of the room and what was taken. Make sure to leave everything as it is until the police have filed their report. Lastly, write down everything that you can think of pertaining to the intruder before you forget it. How tall was he or she? What type of build? Did he have facial hair? Did he or she have any scars or tattoos? What time of the day did it occur? This information is vital to the police to be able to do their job and catch the burglar.

3. Call your insurance company

The next most important thing to do after a burglary is to call your insurance company. You need to call them and file a claim immediately so they can get you the needed money to repair a broken door, broken window, or other means of entrance by the burglar or burglars. Make sure you have your policy number ready as well as any other pertinent information they may need. If you have security camera systems in place at your residence, the insurance company may want a copy of the video from the security cameras to ascertain the damage and come up with a total amount of claim to be paid out to you.

4. Install a security system

It is vital that you install security camera systems throughout your home, including your outside perimeter. Security cameras can protect you by alerting the police that an intruder has entered the premises. Different models have different features, but most all of them can contact the police for you if needed.

5. Upgrade the security of your home

In addition to installing security camera systems throughout the house as well as security cameras outside around your perimeter, make sure to take other precautions and upgrade the security of your home.  Precautions you can take include installing a fence, adopting a large breed dog, and changing your main entrance door locks. One last task you can accomplish is to install motion lights outside your home that are tripped anytime a person or animal moves. These security precautions will keep you safe long into the future.

As you can see, being the victim of a burglary is a frightening and anxiety-ridden experience. Make sure are prepared by having a list of items to do if you have to experience this tragic affair. If you follow our advice on the top five things to do after a break-in occurs, you will be able to catch the criminal who performed the burglary and keep yourself and your family safe from future break-ins.

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5 Apps You Must Have in Case of an Emergency

5 Apps You Must Have in Case of an Emergency

Smartphones, like security cameras, have taken over the world. Everyone seems to be on their phone or mobile device everywhere you look. If you think smartphones are becoming an issue as people are less social, that may be. But smartphones, just like security camera systems, have increased the safety of individuals in remarkable ways. This short article will inform you of the top five apps you must have in case of an emergency.

1. Be Safe

If you happen to find yourself being followed as you walk down a dark alleyway or if you are a runner that has someone matching your pace slightly behind you, BSafe may be the app for you. Although it is not security camera systems, it does act as a safety provision by alerting the contacts you have pre-selected and provides them with your GPS location. It will send an SOS message after you tap the emergency button on your phone.

2. ICE

ICE stands for In Case of Emergency and it is a very handy app to have in an emergency. If you have been hurt and become unconscious, the paramedic or nurse that is assisting you can find out pertinent information that is important in their care for you. It lists your allergies, medications you currently take, and medical history. In addition, it has your emergency contact, so hospital personnel or the authorities can call your loved ones. If you are at home when you become unconscious and have a security camera in place, medical staff or the police can watch the footage to see what you may have been doing when you collapsed to help determine the cause of your injuries.

3. First Aid

First Aid is a great app to have in case of an emergency. If you are a hiker or are in a remote location and have an accident occur, you will want to have the First Aid app. The app contains information regarding first aid that you need when injured. The best part about the First Aid app is that it downloads to your SD card so you can have access to it even without being connected. This is especially important for individuals who are in remote locations or are on a section or thru-hike.

4. Google Maps

Google Maps is a great app to have in an emergency because it can give you the shortest route to the hospital if you or a loved one are injured while visiting a new location. It can also be a lifesaver if you are being followed and need to get away from your potential attacker. It can give you the nearest businesses and the time in minutes to get there to get away from the creep who may be following you. If you are lost, Google Maps is also to the rescue. Just put in a known location, and it will get you there in the shortest amount of time possible.

5. Disaster Readiness

The disaster preparedness app from the American Red Cross is another great app to have in an emergency. It can give you pertinent information on what to do if inclement weather or a natural disaster strikes. If you live in a region that has tornadoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes, make sure to download this app. If you are at home while experiencing a natural disaster, make sure to have a security camera installed in your home if you live alone or have family members that are frequently gone. Most security camera systems have a way to notify the police if you have been injured once the natural disaster has ceased.

As you can see, although smartphones may be taking away our ability to enjoy the moment as we always need to be taking a selfie or a video, they have increased our safety be creating apps that can assist us when we need help. If you follow our advice on the top five apps you must have in case of an emergency, you and your family members will be safe alone and in the most remote areas as long as they have a signal.

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