To keep our communities safe, we all have to work together.

Personal home safety means taking charge of your security at home and in the community. Involve your whole family in creating a personal home safety plan that fits your families needs. Get to know your neighbors and work with them to keep your neighborhood safe. Law enforcement is committed to making your city a safer place to live, but they can't do it alone.

• Make sure that the exterior of your home is well lit, and that there are not any large trees or brush that block the view of your front door from the street.

• Make sure that all exterior doors and windows are locked and secure.

• If there is a door that leads from your garage directly into the house, make sure that it is locked and secured.

• If you have a burglar alarm, be sure that you have it armed.

• Do not keep large amounts of cash in your home.

In addition, the Sheriff's Department is offering life-saving tips should you become a victim of a home invasion robbery.

• Stay calm.

• Cooperate. No amount of cash or property is worth getting hurt over.

• Don't fight back. Instead, concentrate on getting information so you can be an effective witness.

• Look carefully at the intruders, even if they are masked. Is there something unique about them such as scars, tattoos, eye color, accents, large or small facial features such as nose or ears? Pay attention to what they are wearing, what color is their clothing and any distinguishing writing or brands on shirts, hats, or shoes. Listen to everything they say, and how they say it. Catch any distinguishing odors such as tobacco, alcohol, or aftershave.