Personal Safety

 

Crime can occur anywhere and at any time; anyone can be a victim. It is important that you think about your safety and take measures to stay safe. Awareness, common sense and good judgment are your best defenses to limit your possibility of becoming a victim. The following are safety tips to help you.

 

 

Going Out Alone

 

Know the route that you want to take. Make sure you are familiar with the streets and that they are well-lighted if you have to travel at night.

 

Let others know when you are leaving and when you expect to arrive at your destination.

 

Always know the address and phone number of the place where you are going.

 

When you return home, have the key that unlocks the door ready in your hand. Once inside, lock the door.

 

If you have one, take your cellular phone.

 

Home Security

 

Display your address in a spot where it is visible from the street so emergency personnel can easily find your home.

 

Make sure every exterior door has a sturdy dead-bolt lock. These doors should be made of metal or solid wood; install a peephole.

 

Place motion detectors on your outside lights and either timers or light-sensitive sensors on your interior lamps.

 

Place a piece of wood or a metal dowel in the inside track of sliding glass doors.

 

Keep your yard clean. Prune back shrubbery that is near the house so it does not hide windows or doors. Cut back tree limbs so that no one can use them to climb to an upper-level window.

 

Keep your garage door closed at night.

 

 

 

Walking

 

When jogging or walking, team up with a partner, if possible. There is safety in numbers.

 

Be aware of your surroundings and what is going on around you. Avoid isolated roads or paths. Stick to the well-lighted, well-populated routes.

 

Wear clothing that makes you visible to motorists, bicyclists and other walkers.

 

Always carry identification and an emergency medical information card, if you have one. Take your cell phone with you.

 

Strangers at the Door

 

Never open your door to someone you do not know.

 

Use the peephole in your door to see them. If they are standing too close, tell them to back away from the door. Speak to them through the door and ask them who they are and the reason why they are at your door.

 

If they seem suspicious, do not allow them to gain entry or feel compelled to speak to them. Tell them to go away and end the conversation. If the stranger refuses to leave, call the police.

Do not sign anything without first reading and understanding what you are signing. Do not be afraid to ask questions about what the document is and why they need you to sign it. If you are confused or not sure, do not sign. Give the excuse that you do not sign anything without consulting with a member of your family, lawyer, banker, etc.

 

Do not give out personal or financial information without having a clear understanding as to why they need it. Ask them what they are going to do with the information.

 

You have the right to tell them to leave at any time. If they do not, call the police.

 

Service and Delivery People

 

If possible, have all deliveries made through prior arrangements. Ask for identification from any delivery or service people who come to your residence.

 

Do not hide keys around the outside of your house for the delivery or service people to use while you are not at home. Do not leave valuables visible to anyone coming into your home.

 

Try to use reputable and reliable businesses for service calls. Take time to check on references on any company that you plan to use.

Apartment Security

 

If you live on the ground floor, make sure that your windows and doors are locked when you leave your apartment, if even for only a short time.

 

Make sure every exterior door has a sturdy dead-bolt lock. These doors should be made of metal or solid wood; install a peephole.

 

Place timers or light-sensitive sensors on your interior lamps.

 

Place a piece of wood or a metal dowel in the inside track of sliding glass doors or sliding windows.

 

When you go out, leave a radio or TV on to make it seem like someone is home.

 

Traveling

 

Make sure your house has that lived-in look. Leave shades and blinds in normal positions. Put at least two interior lights on timers or sensors.

 

Stop mail and newspaper delivery or have a trusted neighbor or friend pick them up. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your place while you are away. Arrange for someone to cut your grass or shovel the snow.

 

Take only those documents that you will need while on vacation. If taking medication, make sure to keep them in the original bottles.

 

Carry your purse close to your body. Put your wallet in a front pocket of your trousers.

 

If you return home and find it has been broken into, go to a neighbor's house or a safe place and call the police.

 

Using Public Transportation

 

Be familiar with the bus times and routes. Know where you are going, where you have to transfer and how to get back home. Try to use convenient, well-lighted and frequently used bus stops.

 

When boarding a bus, pick a seat close to the driver, if possible. Most bus drivers have two-way radios that they can use to call for help.

 

If you are harassed while on the bus, attract the attention of the driver.

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Be alert to who gets on and off the bus with you. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, walk immediately to a place where there are other people.

Fraud

 

Never give out any personal, financial, or family information over the phone unless you initiated the call or know for certain to whom you are talking.

 

Never rush into anything involving money or property. Allow yourself time to make decisions. Consult with a trusted family member or friend.

 

If a telemarketer tells you that you must pay to claim your prize or that the money has to be wired immediately, it is most likely a scam.

 

If a telemarketer makes you uncomfortable or confused; gets nasty, insulting, or sounds desperate on the phone HANG UP!

 

It is against the law to use the U.S. mail system to participate in an international lottery or sweepstakes.

 

If any offer by any door-to-door salesman or any telemarketer sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

 

Using an ATM Machine

 

Try to plan your visits during the day rather than at night.

 

Choose an ATM that is located in a busy public place.

 

Pre-plan your transaction and try not to spend too much time at the machine.

 

When you make a withdrawal, quickly put your money in your purse or pocket.

 

When visiting a drive-through ATM, keep your doors locked and be prepared to drive away quickly. If anyone approaches your car on foot, roll up your window and drive off.

 

If you have not finished your transaction, and you are approached by someone suspicious, press the CANCEL button, receive your card and leave quickly.