Child Safety
Young Children Should:
-Never be left unattended.
-Never be forced to be affectionate to family members.
-Be taught to check first before taking anything (gifts) from anyone.
-Not invite anyone into the house without the permission of a parent or babysitter.
-Not go into people's houses without letting anyone know where they are.
-Be taught to check first before going anywhere with anyone.
-Never play in deserted buildings or isolated areas.
-Scream and yell fire if they are forced toward a building or car.
-Be taught it’s ok to talk to parents about any issues they feel uncomfortable about.
Older Children & Teens Should:
-Tell parents where they are at all times or leave a written or recorded message at home.
-Never hitchhike.
-Never say they are alone if they answer the phone: They can offer to take a message or say their parents will phone back.
-Avoid shortcuts through empty parks, parking lots, fields, or alleys.
-Never open the door to someone they don’t know.
-Learn to recognize suspicious behavior and remember a description of the person or vehicle to give to parents or the police.
Home Security
-Keep your doors and deadbolts locked at all times - even when someone is at home.
-Never let a stranger inside your home.
-Do not leave notes outside to indicate that you are away from home.
-Don’t advertise your new microwave, stereo or TV by leaving the empty boxes at the curb. Put discarded boxes in trash bags.
-Keep a key chain whistle or panic alarm nearby.
-Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
-When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
-Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
-Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
-Make sure doors and passageways are kept clear inside your home.
-Do not place valuables where they can be seen by someone looking in from outside your home.
-Be sure all your property is marked for identification purposes.
-Be wary of solicitations for donations, door-to-door salesmen, or couriers delivering gifts.
-If you have houseguests advice them of your safety precautions and ask that they follow them.
Travel Security
-Ask a neighbor or family member to watch your home while you are away
-Ask a neighbor or family member to pick up mail, newspapers, and package deliveries.
-Make sure neighbors have a phone number so they can reach you in an emergency.
-Set automatic timers to activate your lights and other appliances to give your home an occupied look.
-Be sure you home is locked and that the shades, blinds and draperies are in their normal position.
-Take a fully charged and working cell phone with you.
-Be sure your vehicle is in good operating condition and has plenty of gas.
-Be sure to pack a survival kit for emergencies– blanket, candles, radio, water, etc.
-Remember, security measures apply to hotel rooms just as they do at home or anywhere else.
Shopping Safety
-Criminals target people in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit. Be careful!
-Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Criminals & con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
-Shop during daylight hours whenever possible.
-Dress casually and comfortably.
-Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
-Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Never display the cash you carry.
-Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
-Keep cash in your front pocket when possible.
-Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse.
-Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
-Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
-Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of movement.
-Keep your purse closed and carry it securely under your arm. Never place your purse on a counter, leave it in your shopping cart or let your children carry it.
-Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
-Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
Senior Safety
-If you carry a purse, keep it close to your body and tightly closed.
-If you carry a wallet, keep it in the front pants pocket if possible.
-Avoid secluded or dark routes, even if they’re the shortest.
-Whenever possible, run errands or do your shopping with a friend. There’s safety in numbers!
-Have your car or house key in hand as you approach your vehicle or home.
-If you live alone, don’t advertise it. Use only your first initial in phone books, directories, and apartment lobbies.
-Never open your door to strangers, even if they claim to need assistance. Call the police for them, but do not open the door!
-Work out a "buddy" system with friends, and check on each other daily.
-If you receive checks in the mail regularly, arrange for them to be deposited directly into the bank instead.
-Protect windows and sliding glass doors with good locks or other security devices.
-Never put your purse or wallet on a counter while you examine merchandise in a store.
-Make your home appear occupied when you go out by using a timer to turn on lights and a radio.
