Safety Tips

Stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings, wherever you are. Don't be taken by surprise. Be aware and be prepared.

Stand tall and walk confidently. Don't show fear. Don't look like a victim.

Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave right away and get help if necessary.

Have a plan and remember that nothing works every time or on everyone.

Choose busy streets and avoid going through vacant lots, alleys, or other deserted areas. At night, walk in well-lighted areas whenever possible. Try not to walk or jog alone. Take a friend or neighbor along for company.

Get to know the neighborhoods and neighbors where you live and work.

Find out which stores and restaurants are open late and where the police and fire stations are located.

Carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it. Avoid pickpockets by carrying your wallet in an inside coat pocket or front trouser pocket.

Always lock your car and take the keys, even if you'll only be gone a short time.

Keep your car in good running condition and keep the tank at least a quarter full. Lock doors while driving. Keep a flashlight, blanket, water,and crackers in your trunk for emergencies.

If your car breaks down, raise the hood and place emergency reflectors or flares near your car, then stay in the locked car. When someone stops to help, don't get out. Tell him, or her, through a closed or cracked window, that you have already telephoned the police to come and help, but would they also call.

If you're coming or going after dark, park in a well-lighted area that will still be well-lighted when you return.

Be especially alert when using enclosed parking garages. Always be alert. Don't walk into an area if you feel uncomfortable.

Leave only your ignition key with a parking attendant. Don't leave your house key or other keys on the key ring.

Never pick up hitchhikers. Never! And, don't hitch rides yourself.

Keeping Kids Safe

A great thing about kids is their natural trust in people, especially in adults. It's sometimes hard for parents to teach children to balance this trust with caution. But, kids today need to know common-sense rules that can help keep them safe and build the self confidence they need to handle emergencies.

Make sure your kids know:

How to call 911 in emergencies and how to use a public phone. Help them practice making emergency phone calls. Be sure emergency numbers - police, fire, poison control, and emergency medical - are by all phones.
Their full name, address, and phone number (including the area code), plus your work phone number. If you have a cellular phone and/or beeper, teach your children these numbers as well.
How to walk confidently and stay alert to what's going on around them. To walk and play with friends, not alone. (Parents should always be watching)
To refuse rides or gifts from anyone, unless it's someone both you and your child know and trust and have already set up ahead of time.
To tell a trusted adult immediately if anyone, no matter whom, touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. Talk to your children about this subject.

Here's an exercise you can do with your children. Take them to a big store, like Wal-Mart or the mall. Sit down with them and ask them, "If you became separated from me, what would you do? Who would you tell?" Listen to their answers and look at who they point out as the person they would choose to help them. Most will point out someone that looks like their teacher or grandmother. Ask them why they chose that person. Then go over the steps of what to do if they ever do get separated.

Safety at Home

If you're locked out of your home, can you still get in? Maybe through an unlocked window in the back, or using an extra key hidden under a flowerpot or up on a ledge? Remember: If you can break in, so can a burgular! A small investment of time and money can make your home more secure and can reduce your chances of being a victim of burglary, assault, or vandalism. Get to know your neighbors. Watchful neighbors who look out for you, as well as themselves, are a front-line defense against crime.

Basic Rules

Make sure all doors to the outside are metal or solid 1 3/4" hardwood.
Make sure all doors to the outside have good, sturdy locks - deadbolt locks with a minimum of 1 1/2" bolt.
Use the locks you have. Always lock up your home when you got out, even if it's "only for a few minutes".
Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available bars or locks, or put a wooden dowel or broomstick in the door track.
Make sure your windows, especially at ground level, have good locks - and use them!
Make sure all porches and other possible entrances are well lighted.
Trim any bushes or trees that hide doors or windows.
Keep ladders, toys, and recreational equipment inside when you're not using them.
Don't hide you house keys under the door mat or in a flower pot. It's much wiser to give an extra key to a trusted neighbor.
Keep written records of all furniture, jewelry, and electronic products. If possible, keep these records in a safe deposit box, fireproof safe, or other secure place.
Take pictures or a video and keep purchase information and serial numbers, if available. These help law enforcement agencies track recovered items.

For Apartment Dwellers

Make sure that entrances, parking areas, hallways, stairways, laundry rooms, and other common areas are well lighted. Report burned out bulbs or other problems to the manager.
Make sure fire stairs are locked from the stairwell side, with an emergency exit at ground level.
Laundry rooms and storage areas should always be kept locked unless a resident is actually inside.

When you go away

Ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers, and offer to return the favor.
Leave word about when you're leaving, when you'll return, and how you can be reached in an emergency.
Put automatic timers on at least two lights (and possibly a radio) to help your home look and sound lived in.