5 Home Security Tips for Wheelchair-Bound Family Members
Home security for a person bound to a wheelchair presents many challenges. Though violent crime in the United States continues to decrease, the nations handicapped continue to rate high in terms of crimes perpetrated against them. Below are some ideas to mitigate a handicapped persons exposure to crime:
1. It goes without saying the best thing to do when being a victim of a crime is to call for help. This may prove difficult for someone in a wheelchair. Insure they have access to alert devices. A phone is good, but an alert device with direct access to emergency services is better.
2. If a handicapped person lives alone, a care giver who checks on them is likely. When checking on the individual, be sure to look at the exterior of the house as well. Make sure the exterior is clean and well kept. Periodically check door locks to make sure they are in good working order. Ensure all windows remain locked if possible and practical for the resident.
3. Install motion sensors in the house that are accessible via a remote. This way the individual can turn the sensors on and off with the touch of a button.
4. Do not keep large sums of money or valuables in the home. Do not place valuable items, including electronics, with direct access to open windows. Criminals, unfortunately, have ways of finding out if a home has valuables worth stealing. A handicapped person may entice the criminals more as they are thought to be an easy target.
5. Perhaps the best way to protect a handicapped person is with a professionally installed home security system. A monitored system can be controlled with a handheld device, like a cell phone. Additionally, most home security systems are monitored 24 hours a day. This may also prove useful if a medical emergency arises.
The law abiding public cannot control what is in the hearts of criminals. Most people who see a handicapped person would never dream of harming them. When proper steps are in place, like those above, a criminal may feel the same way.
