![](https://www.stuttgartcitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/IMG_0147-640x427.jpg)
USAREUR G3 Antiterrorism Division
House hunting? Consider these common sense suggestions for home selection off-post, and emergency planning tips to enhance your family’s safety and protection.
Prior to selecting a location:
- Use an internet mapping tool such as google maps to verify the selected location provides more than one entry/exit route.
- Determine availability of adequate, nearby parking.
- Ensure there are no major industrial areas within close proximity of selected residence.
Safety and security question to ask:
- Ask local security agencies, such as Military Police, Antiterrorism Officer, or G2 / S2 about security concerns within selected area.
- Conduct a terrain walk of selected area, look for signs of attempted break-ins on doors and windows.
- Does the neighborhood generally seem to be safe and well kept, or does it look run down and unsafe (check residence during daylight hours and hours of darkness)?
![](https://www.stuttgartcitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/IMG_0148-225x300.jpg)
Dwelling layout considerations:
- Overall look and appearance, verify adequate general maintenance, such as no broken windows or damaged doors.
- If necessary, verify fire escapes / exits are available and functioning, and ensure they can be secured.
Test lighting inside and out:
- Check area lighting, are street lights installed (check during hours of darkness).
- Check residence lighting, does the residence have exterior lighting / interior lighting.
- Check entrance ways, hallways, walkways, parking areas, elevators, stairwells, mail areas, and laundry areas for adequate lighting.
DON’T S
- Don’t choose a dwelling near an industrial zone, power plant, or other hazards i.e., flood zones increases the likelihood of damage due to fallout from man-made/natural disaster.
- Don’t choose a dwelling located on a dead-end street. It limits emergency entry and exit and could increase likelihood of house break-ins.
- Avoid dwellings with unsecured underground parking. It can increase the effect of vehicle borne improvised explosive devices.
- Don’t choose a dwelling with obvious signs of forced entry or attempted forced entry, such as scratches on doors, putty around latches and window frames.
DO’S
- Ensure the dwelling has multiple entry / exit doors to provide emergency escape alternatives.
- Ensure all exterior doors have dead-bolt type locks.
- Ensure all doors and frames are heavy and solidly constructed.
- Ask if lock cylinders can be changed.
- Ensure the entrance door has a peephole or intercom system.
- Windows with grills, bars, or horizontal blinds installed provide greater security.
- Ensure windows can be secured from the interior.
- Built-in security alarm systems can help deter break-ins.
- Ensure the dwelling has fire or smoke detectors / alarms installed, and purchase fire extinguishers if not already present in the dwelling.
- Good external lighting can provide additional security.
- Fences may deter theft and add privacy.
- Consult with personnel within your local housing office, security officials, and your local Antiterrorism Officer prior to, during, and when making a final selection.
Once moved in, remember to make an emergency plan with your family, neighbors or place of work.
- Create an emergency contact list that is easily accessible, or that you can carry with you in your wallet or phone.
- Establish meeting spots near your home and in town but further away.
- Make sure everyone knows where to go. If necessary, draw a map and discuss with family members.
- Make an emergency kit that is always ready to go when you are.