1. Ask “Who is it?
2. Never say, “I am home alone.”
3. Never open the door to a stranger.
4. If you are a female home alone, speak through the door and tell the stranger that your husband is busy right now.
5. If you are a child home alone speak through the door and tell the stranger that your dad is busy right now.
6. Install a see through “peep hole” in the door so you can observe what is going on at your front door.

• Have the apartment's locks changed right when you move in.  You may feel more secure with a deadbolt lock.  Apartment renters, make sure you have permission first.
• Use your peephole, never open the door for strangers
• Don't leave your apartment door unlocked, even if you're home
• Get to know your neighbors, and watch for suspicious people on the premises
• Home security alarms are available for apartment and condos as well; look into portable door/window alarms or a wireless home security system ( things that can move with you when it's time to find a new home)
• Don't leave your windows open, make sure they all have secure locking mechanisms
• Only use your last name, or if necessary last name and first initial, on your door or mailbox.  This keeps strangers from knowing your gender or how many people live in your apartment.
• Protect your assets by getting renter's insurance to protect your belongings.

Tips taken from http://www.homesecurityinformation.com/apartment-condo-security.htm

Since most home burglaries occur when your home is unoccupied here are a few safety precautions and tips to take.

1. Remove Obscurity: Make sure there are not bushes blocking windows that may hide a burglar breaking in.
2. Present an Occupied Appearance: Most burglars have no interest in meeting their victims so simply leave a few lights on to make it seem that you're home.
3. Reveal Nothing:  Use only service people or companies that are strongly referred by friends.  Don't risk revealing anything about your valuables to strangers.
4. Personal Information: Write only your name on key rings for parking lots, carwahes and service garages. Do not give the wrong people your personal information.
5. Clean Your Lawn: An unkempt lawn indicates that the homeowner is away for a long period of time so keep your lawn clean and mowed regularly.
6. Daily Safety Checks:  Make sure that your alarm system is turned on at night and in your absence.  Use doors with wide-angled peep holes that are at heights everyone can use.  Include electronic motion sensors near peripheral doors and install glass break detectors near windows.  Keep all doors locked at night and when you are not home.

*Information taken from http://www.esxweb.com/page.cfm/Link=1/t=m/goSection=1

Panic Button

A panic button is a remote control device or a button on a security control panel that sends an alarm signal without requiring the use of a security access code.

Panic Pendant

A panic or medical pendant is a portable electronic device that sends a wireless signal to the security control panel. They can be worn around the neck with a neck strap, clipped to a belt, or placed in wall-mounted holders.

Radio Backup

This state of the art technology allows us to install a radio alarm backup system without telephone lines. These cellular backup support systems may also be added to your present alarm protection system as a back-up which send alarm signals by radio to the central surveillance monitoring station.

Sensor

A sensor is a device that detects a change from one state to another.

Smoke Detector

A smoke detector is an electronic device which senses the presence of smoke and sends a smoke alarm signal to the security control panel. A smoke detector conveys early detection of a fire by an audible alarm warning.

Waterflow Alarm

The waterflow alarm is a type of emergency safety alarm which is activated by the flow of water though a fire sprinkler system. This flow alarms the central surveillance monitoring station and alerts the authorities concerned.