Bristol is only 20 miles south of the large city of Hartford but offers an entirely different lifestyle for its residents. The 60,477 residents have plenty to do in their own city and a short trip to Harford for everything a larger city has to offer. This city is safer than 33% of similar cities in the United states, but there are still a few safety concerns. People living in Bristol or visiting there can enjoy theme parks such as Lake Compounce, visit the American Clock and Watch Museum, or enjoy many other city attractions. This city is on lists for the best places to live from sources such as Hartford Magazine’s “Best Bang for the Buck category.” There is also the annual Mum Festival and Parade to enjoy. How Safe Is Bristol? Bristol is one of the safer cities in the United states, being safer than 33% of similar cities in the country. People in Bristol have only a one in 775 chance of being the victim of a violent crime and a one in 50 chance of being the victim of a property crime. The state and national averages are considerably higher than that figure. Some neighborhoods are safer than others. When a person is considering purchasing a home here, they can go online to sites such as NeighborhoodScout to input the home address and see what the neighborhood’s crime statistics are. They can also contact the local police department to ask about crime issues for that area and ask what the normal response times are to calls for assistance. But, what about people who already have a home and don’t or can’t move to a safer neighborhood? It is still a good idea to research the crime statistics and police response times for an existing home. This will help the homeowner decide what security measures they should take to make their home as safe and secure as it can be. There Are People Who Need Security Measures Even In Safer Neighborhoods. Some people, because of their jobs or belongings, will always find it necessary to employ security measures where they live. People who are famous or very well known because of their careers may attract undue attention and have concerns for their family’s privacy and safety no matter where they live. For these people, a good security system may be the best answer. There are people who have jobs that deal with sensitive information or lots of money. They may bring sensitive work home with them on occasion. Because they are at risk from criminals, they may need security systems to keep them and their information safe. Other people such as judges, lawyers, police, politicians, and others who deal with sensitive public issues may need security because of possible enemies and people who may disagree with their findings and opinions on sensitive issues. They need good security systems and protection. Very wealthy people and people who have a lot of valuables in their homes need extra security. Someone with a large collection of coins, stamps, weapons, or art may feel a need to have a good security system to avoid theft. Security Systems These groups of people who need a good security system in place may choose to hire a local security company with a good reputation to install and monitor an extensive security system. These systems will include interior and exterior security cameras and alarms. There will be a pad at each door to input a security code or, in some systems, a voice or fingerprint identification confirmation. When the system senses someone entering the home without the proper identification or code, the police will be called and respond. There should be photographic or voice verification on these systems to avoid false alarms at the local police stations. False alarms can cost the homeowner money in fines. Other homeowners may not feel the need for such extensive security measures but need some form of security. They can go to the local electronics stores or even big box stores and purchase home security systems that the homeowner installs and monitors themselves. This saves money but puts more responsibility on the homeowner. The homeowner must have the ability to properly install and monitor the system. There are some inexpensive security measures for the homeowner to take. All doors and windows should have good, deadbolt locks and window latches. The yard should be clear of all debris, and shrubs should be trimmed for better visibility. There should be outdoor lighting using motion detectors to scare criminals away. The homeowner should get to know their neighbors and cooperate with them for neighborhood safety. The homeowner can consider owning a family dog who will bark to scare away intruders. Any of these measures a homeowner takes will improve home security. But, whatever security measures are taken, the whole family must be part of. Every family member must be aware of home security. All doors and windows must be secured when the family is not home and at bedtime. If there are security systems in place, all family members must know how to engage them and how to disengage them to avoid false alarms or breaches in security. It is a good practice for every family to employ all the security measures they can afford and feel comfortable with to be safe wherever they live. Even safe cities have a certain amount of crime, and home safety should be a major concern. For more information, go to the website. |