| Living in an apartment building has its advantages and | | | | conspicuous. Don't write your whole name down on |
| disadvantages; just like anything else. One particular | | | | your mailbox, just initials will do. Think about perhaps |
| issue that warrants attention is crime. Break-ins and | | | | getting an unlisted number; this does cost a little bit, but |
| robberies are becoming more common, for both | | | | it's worth the few extra dollars. |
| apartment dwellers and home owners. However, given | | | | Secure your doors. Always, always have the locks |
| the traffic that goes through an apartment building | | | | changed when you move into a new apartment. Don't |
| each day and the proximity of the dwellings, the home | | | | be too generous with your copies either. While you |
| security measures to be taken are different than | | | | may feel obliged to make copies for your loved ones, |
| those you'd take when living in a house. Here's a look | | | | that's not always a good thing. You never know who |
| at some ways you can stay safe in your apartment. | | | | might get their hands on your keys. |
| First thing's first, renter's insurance. If you were a | | | | Deadbolts, chain latches and peepholes are a |
| homeowner, you'd probably get homeowner's | | | | necessity. If you don't have these, get them installed. |
| insurance, if you're a renter, you definitely want renter's | | | | Peepholes are especially important as they allow you |
| insurance. This guarantees that if something should | | | | to see who's outside your door. You should always be |
| happen, you're covered. Sometimes all the home | | | | careful when answering the door. Check the peephole |
| security and safety measures in the world can't | | | | first and always ask for ID if it's a service or |
| protect you or your apartment from bad elements. | | | | repairman. |
| Insurance is a good thing. Still, having insurance | | | | Don't leave spare keys hidden under a welcome mat |
| obviously doesn't mean that you can just rest on your | | | | or on top of the door frame; this is simply a very poor |
| laurels. You do need to take a proactive stance | | | | home security practice. Thieves know all the tricks. |
| against crime and shield yourself from break-ins. | | | | Be on the look out when entering your apartment. |
| Apartment complexes are high traffic areas; every | | | | Also, try to avoid riding in an elevator alone with |
| day people come in and out of your building. You can't | | | | another person. Stand near the control panel if that |
| control this. Often people will have their friends over or | | | | does happen, so that you can make a quick exit. |
| family. Still there a numerous repair men, and other | | | | Leave a light on if you're going to be out during the |
| service people making their daily rounds. Sure you can | | | | night. You may even want to put a few lamps on |
| get familiar with your neighbors and recognize them | | | | timers to make it look like someone is always at home. |
| instantly, but in larger apartment buildings it's impossible | | | | Get a home alarm. Wireless home security systems |
| to know every face. To protect yourself, try not to be | | | | are very easy to install and the really work. |