08/15/2026
NO POWER DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN NO PROTECTION 🚨
Northwest Indiana, we are now 5 days into power outages in some areas, and unfortunately, concerns about break-ins, vehicle theft and safety after dark are growing.
With streetlights out, homes dark and some security systems/Wi-Fi cameras potentially offline, please take a few extra precautions to protect yourself, your family and your property.
🔦 LIGHT UP WHAT YOU CAN
Use battery-operated or solar lights near doors, windows and walkways. Motion-activated solar lights can also help discourage someone from approaching your home unnoticed.
🚪 PHYSICALLY CHECK YOUR DOORS & WINDOWS
Don’t rely on your alarm to tell you something is open. Before dark, walk through your home and manually check every exterior door, window and sliding door. Use a dowel or sturdy bar in sliding-door tracks if needed.
🏠 DON’T FORGET THE GARAGE
If your garage door opener has no power, make sure the door is actually closed and secured. If you’ve disengaged the automatic opener to operate it manually, remember that it may need to be manually locked.
🚗 SECURE YOUR VEHICLES
Lock your doors, close all windows and remove valuables, garage remotes, purses, bags and anything that could attract attention. If possible, park close to the house or in a well-lit area. Keep your keys/key fobs away from exterior doors and windows.
📱 KEEP YOUR PHONE CHARGED
Use portable power banks and conserve your battery. Make sure everyone in the home knows where flashlights are located. Avoid candles when possible because of the fire risk.
👀 LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER
Check on your neighbors—especially seniors and people living alone. If you see unfamiliar vehicles repeatedly circling, people checking car doors or suspicious activity around homes, don’t confront them. Get to a safe location and contact law enforcement.
⚠️ IF YOU HEAR SOMETHING OUTSIDE
You do not need to go outside to investigate. Stay inside, secure yourself and your family, turn on whatever lights you have available and call 911 if you believe someone is attempting to enter your home or vehicle.
And one more thing: don’t post publicly that your home is empty or that you’ve left town because of the outage.
These outages have been frustrating and exhausting enough. Let’s be intentional about keeping ourselves—and each other—safe until the lights come back on. ❤️
Stay alert. Stay connected. Stay safe.
