The guidelines below are presented to give some ideas to apartment dwellers regarding personal security and security of their belongings. These are suggestions that might make your apartment less accessible to robbery. We recommend that you seek the guidance of qualified professionals; especially if you have any security-related questions or require a security evaluation of your dwelling.

• When moving into an apartment, look for these security-oriented features:
• Doorperson or Guard who screens visitors
• Attended elevators
• Properly secured interior fire stairwells
• Properly secured garages
• Remotely operated door opening systems, with intercom systems or closed circuit television
• Interior view mirrors in self service elevators
• Adequate interior and exterior lighting
• Lack of alcoves or other blind spots that can be used as hiding places (inside or outside the building)
• Roof doors operable only from inside
• Door to your apartment solidly built and attached securely (not a hollow core door)
• Peephole in the door to your apartment
• When moving into an apartment, change the locks to your apartment.
• Protect spare or emergency keys.
• Equip door to your apartment with chain locks, deadbolts, and peepholes.
• If female, do not indicate gender on mailbox or doorplates.
• Do not leave notes on doors indicating anticipated time of return.
• Protect windows. However, remember that windows opening on to fire escapes should prevent illegal entry but not prevent emergency exit.
• Know your neighbors and work together for your mutual security.
• Report anything peculiar, faulty equipment or an unusual incident.
• If your building has a health club, follow all the basic security measures described for securing your apartment. Do not take anything of value to the health club and secure all personal belongings in a locker.
• Make sure to secure all windows and doors leading to your terrace.
• When renting a condo or coop, be certain that all security equipment is in working order.