Personal Safety

Personal Safety

Preventative Measures:

Through these suggestions we hope to minimize your chances of becoming a victim of a crime by reducing the opportunity for a crime…in your home, car, or on the street.

Basic Street Sense:

Wherever you are, stay alert and know your surroundings. If possible, know the names of the streets you are on, have passed, and are going to.

Send the message that you are calm, confident, and know where you are going. (Even if you do not.)

Trust your instincts.

Know the neighborhoods where you live and work.

Stick to well-traveled streets.

Tell loved ones or friends where you are going, when you expect to be there, and how they can get in touch with you. If you are going to be late, CALL to check in.

If you are going out of town or deviating from your normal schedule, let your loved ones know where you are going, how long you will be gone and when you will return.

Never flash large amounts of cash, credit cards or other tempting target items. If you are carrying a large amount of cash, keep it in a separate location.

Limit the number of credit cards you carry.

If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body, do not let it dangle.

Use automated teller machines during daylight hours.

Do not wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movements.

Have your key in hand before you go to your car.

Look into your car before you get in.

The first thing you should do after getting into your car is to lock the doors.

If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. Go to an open business or lighted house.

Working late? Make sure that there are others in the building, and when leaving, ask someone to walk you to your car.

Shopping? Park in a well lighted public area as close to the main store as possible.

Carry a fully charged cell phone with you.

Safety tips for using an Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

Use automated teller machines during daylight hours.

There is safety in numbers. Take a friend with you.

Observe your surroundings. If anything looks suspicious, call law enforcement and leave the area.

Be ready to transact business. Have your card and any other paperwork necessary for your particular transaction ready and in your hand.

Remain observant during your transaction. Look up and around frequently. If you see anything suspicious, leave immediately and call law enforcement.

Before you use the ATM, if you are alone, roll up the windows, turn off your car and lock your doors.

When you are done, leave quickly. Do not count your money or otherwise visually expose your transaction. Put everything away once you are back in your car with the doors locked.

Simple Protective Measures for Property and Ourselves

Do not use identification on your keys. If your keys are lost or stolen and your address is on the keys or key chain, they have your address.

Install peepholes in your exterior doors.

Remember, there is safety in numbers. The buddy system works well no matter what the age.

In Your Home

All exterior doors should be of solid core construction.

Re-key all exterior doors when you move into a new home.

Install peepholes in all exterior doors.

Install auxiliary locks on all windows and sliding glass doors.

Replace all jalousie doors and windows.

Install good exterior lighting.

Be alert to suspicious persons and activity in your neighborhood.

Do not advertise that you live alone.

Keep more than one light on in the house.

Do not hide an extra key outside.

Keep your doors locked.

Close your blinds at night or whenever you are undressing or sleeping.

DO NOT OPEN DOORS FOR STRANGERS.

In Your Car

Park in well lighted areas.

Always lock your car.

When driving, keep your doors locked and windows up.

If you think you are being followed, do not drive home. Drive to the nearest gas, fire, or police station.

If you have car troubles, raise the hood then wait inside the car with the doors locked and windows up. If a motorist stops to help, crack your window slightly and ask him to call for help. If you want to help someone, make a phone call for them, but do not stop.

Carry a cell phone.