Emergencies, crime incidents (like burglaries), and other worrisome events don’t usually come with a lot of warning. That's why we encourage everyone to be proactive about safety and security—at home and in your community. To help you stay safe in South Carolina, we’ve put together this list of local and statewide resources to make sure you know where to turn before the unexpected happens.
South Carolina Home Security and Safety Resources
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Top 5 burglary-prevention tips

1. Get a home security system
In the United States, homes without a security system are three times more likely to be burglarized. Burglars want to get in and out with minimum hassle—why risk getting caught by a security system when they could just move onto the next house? Security systems send a message to burglars that your home is not to be trifled with.

2. Keep tabs while you’re away
With the smart home features available today, it’s easy to monitor the happenings in your home whether you’re sitting on your sofa or out running errands. Look into handy features like remote activation of your security system, control of your lighting and appliances, and live video streaming to your phone.

3. Make your home less appealing to thieves
Don’t forget to take care of the obvious. Always lock your doors, and leave a spare key with a friend or neighbor (instead of under a flower pot or doormat). Don’t forget to close your windows at night or when you’re out. Trim bushes lining your home to eliminate hiding places, and invest in outdoor lighting to keep dark spots near your home entrances visible.

4. Make friends with your neighbors
Strengthening the security of your neighborhood can start with getting to know your neighbors. You might find friends who can watch your place when you’re away, look out for a lost pet, help solve package theft mysteries, or aid in an emergency. And you can work together to build safety resources your community needs.

5. Prep your home before vacation
Avoid announcing specific vacation plans on social media or making it clear that the house is empty. To maintain a lived-in appearance, stop the mail and newspapers before you leave, and set indoor lights on variable timers. Let trusted neighbors know you’ll be gone; consider asking them to park their car in your driveway or make footprints in the snow (if it’s winter).

Crime resources
Crime prevention
South Carolina Department of Corrections
South Carolina Association of Crime Prevention
South Carolina Crime Stoppers Council
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
City crime prevention
Mount Pleasant Police Department
Neighborhood watch
Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Crime Watch Program

Disaster resources
Emergency preparedness
The South Carolina Baptist Convention: Disaster Relief
South Carolina Dialogue Foundation
South Carolina Dept. of Social Services
The Salvation Army Carolinas Division
South Carolina Emergency Management Division
Fire safety
North Charleston Fire Department

General safety resources
General safety
South Carolina Department of Public Safety
National Safety Council: South Carolina Chapter
South Carolina Department of Insurance: Safe Home
Child abuse prevention
Children’s Trust of South Carolina
South Carolina Dept. of Social Services
South Carolina Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers
Keeping Pee Dee Kids Safe at Home
Domestic violence
South Carolina Victim Assistance Network
South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
South Carolina Attorney General: S.T.O.P Violence Against Women Program
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