We care about your safety and that of other occupants and guests. No security system is failsafe. Even the best system can’t prevent crime. We recommend that all residents and occupants use common sense and follow crime prevention tips, such as those listed below. There are many other crime prevention and safety tips readily available from police departments and others. Always act as if security systems don’t exist since they are subject to malfunction, tampering, and human error. Milestone Management disclaim any express or implied warranties of security. The best safety measures are the ones you perform as a matter of common sense and habit and remember that your personal safety is your own responsibility.
In Case of Fire:
- Get out of the apartment. Once out – STAY OUT! Do not go back in for ANY reason.
- Call 911 from a safe location, then call the community office.
- Give the dispatcher as much accurate information as you can.
- Try to let neighbors know to get out. Help elderly and disabled folks or families who have multiple children.
- Have someone meet the fire trucks when they arrive.
- Keep the fire lanes open.
- If you can’t get out, use a mobile phone to stay in touch with 911 dispatchers. Shine a flashlight or wave a sheet out the window to alert firefighters that you’re trapped.
- Stay calm.
Staying Safe:
- In case of emergency, call 911. Always report emergencies to authorities first and then contact the community office.
- Report any suspicious activity to the police first, and then follow up with a written notice to us.
- Know your neighbors. Watching out for each other is one of the best defenses against crime.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas that are not well-traveled or well-lit.
- Keep your keys handy at all times when walking to your car or home.
- Do not go inside if you arrive home and find your door open. Call the police from another location and ask them to meet you before entering.
- Make sure door locks, window latches and sliding glass doors are properly secured at all times.
- Don’t put your name or address on your key ring or hide extra keys in obvious places, like under a flower pot. If you lose a key or have concerns about key safety, contact the community office.
- Check the door viewer before answering the door. Don’t open the door if you don’t know the person or have any doubts. Children who are old enough to take care of themselves should never let anyone inside when home without an adult.
- Regularly check your security devices.
- Immediately report to us in writing (dated and signed) any needed repairs of security devices, doors, windows, smoke detectors, as well as any other malfunctioning safety devices on the property, such as broken access gates, burned out exterior lights, etc.
- If your doors or windows are not secure due to a malfunction or break-in, stay with a friend or neighbor until the problem is fixed.
- When you leave home, make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you plan to be back.
- Lock your doors and leave a radio or TV playing softly while you’re gone. Close curtains, blinds and window shades at night.
- While gone for an extended period, secure your home and use lamp timers. Also stop all deliveries (such as newspaper and mail) or have these items picked up daily by a friend.
- Report bad lighting or overgrown shrubbery to your community office. You are never being too picky when it comes to your safety.
- Know at least two exit routes from your home, if possible.
- Stay alert when entering your apartment. Don’t talk on your cell phone or look preoccupied when walking toward your building. Criminals look for a weak target and are more likely to pass up someone who appears focused, aware and strong.
- Don’t give entry keys, codes or gate access cards to anyone.
- Avoid riding the elevator alone with a stranger. If you find yourself alone with someone you do not know, stand near the control panel so you can exit quickly if you feel uncomfortable in any way.
- Inventory the description, serial number and cost of your valuables. Keep a copy of your records online, in a fire-proof locked box or in a bank safe deposit box. Take pictures or video your most valuable items and attach to your receipts to make any insurance claims run as smoothly as possible.
- Get acquainted with disabled residents in your building. In an emergency, they may need assistance getting out or you may be able to direct emergency personnel to them.
- Always lock the doors on your car, even while driving. Take the keys and remove or hide any valuables. Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Check the backseat before getting into your car. Be careful stopping at gas stations or automatic-teller machines at night—or anytime when you suspect danger.
- Barbecues should be located on the ground level and be a minimum of 5 feet from any structure.
- Don’t park in fire lanes or in front of fire hydrants.
- Never run extension cords under carpet or from unit to unit.
- Purchase light timers and set them so that your lights turn on when you’re away from home in the evening.
- Take in your newspaper, mail and packages on a daily basis.
- Notify a trusted neighbor if you are going to be gone for more than a couple of days. Also inform your community office of your absence.
- Lock your windows when you go to bed or leave the apartment. Unlocked windows are the easiest way or criminals to enter a building.
- Check your smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly and practice using fire extinguishers.
- Replace the batteries in smoke every six months.
- Don’t leave smoking materials burning. Never smoke in bed. The most common cause of apartment fires is careless disposal of smoking materials.
- Make sure there is a number on your apartment door. If there isn’t, contact the community office.
- Keep a written note of your apartment number and building number inside your home near the phone where it will be handy for babysitters etc. in an emergency situation.
- Notify the community office if pool gates are not closing and latching properly.
- If children use the pool, an adult must always be inside the gate, in the pool area, constantly watching the children.
- NO ONE should swim alone – regardless of age.