Eight Tips on Security For the Home Worker

Telecommuting isn't a trend anymore; it's here to stay, and many of us are working from home rather than traveling each day to the office. While planning for other work-at-home requirements like office space, a computer, and plenty of snacks in the fridge, be sure to place protection right at the top of your list. Ensuring security while working at home--alone--is no trivial matter.

Here are some tips to review.

• If you have visitors during the day, separate home from office by closing off the door to your bedroom or any see-through to the private areas of your home or living space.

• If you're having a meeting, ask a friend or business partner to attend the meeting with you, especially if you have never met the person you're meeting with.

• Set up a 'Buddy System' and ask neighbors to regularly check the apartment hallways or streets to ensure security.

• Program emergency speed dial on your phone.

• Make a phone call, or at least give the appearance of doing so, when a stranger unexpectedly comes to your door - it provides you with a connection to the outside world.

• Schedule meetings with clients for some neutral location away from your home office.

• Don't advertise the fact that you're on vacation. Stop the newspaper, don't leave an I'm-out-of-town message on voice mail, and be sure to have a neighbor pick up your mail or let the Post Office know you want the mail stopped.

• Get a big dog.