Safety Tips

Two Basic Rules

Stay alert.
Keep your mind on your surroundings, who's in front of you, and who's behind you. Don't get distracted.

While Driving

Never leave your keys in the ignition while your car is unattended.
Parkin well-lighted areas and lock your doors, no matter how long you'll be gone.
Put valuables out of sight or in the trunk.
Check the front/rear seats and floorboards before entering your car.
Drive with all doors locked.
Never pick up hitchhikers. If your car breaks down, put the hood up, lock the doors, turn on the flashers, and move to the passenger seat. Do not leave your car. If someone stops to help, roll down the window slightly and ask them to call a tow truck if you don't have a cell phone.
Avoid underground and enclosed parking garages if possible.
When parking or returning to your vehicle, carry your keys and be aware of your surroundings.
Consider investing in a cellular telephone.

Locks, Doors, and Windows

Install and use good deadbolt locks in your doors (about half of all burglars enter through unlocked doors and windows).

Outside

Make sure all porches, entrances, and yards are well lighted.
Maintain the neighborhood. Litter and rundown areas attract criminals.

Key Sense

Do not hide house keys in mailboxes, planters, or under-doormats.
Do not put personal identification on key rings.
Leave only your ignition key with mechanics or parking attendants.
If you lose the keys to your home or move into a new home, change the locks.

Answering the Door

Install a peephole or viewer in all entry doors so you can see who is outside without opening the door.
Do not trust door chains. They can be easily broken.
Don't open the door to anyone you don't know. Insist service personnel verify their identity before allowing them in.

Answering the Telephone

Don't give any information to "wrong number" callers.
Check references of any person calling about a survey or credit check before offering information.

Firearm Safety

Firearm Safety is the responsibility of every adult, whether or not you own a firearm. As an adult, you are responsible for properly securing your firearm. If another person is injured as a result of your negligence in properly securing a gun, you can be charged with a crime or be held civilly liable. If convicted, you could be fined or sentenced to time in prison.

What Your Children Need to Know

Children should know that guns are not toys, that guns are dangerous and can hurt people.
If they see or find a gun (even if they think the gun looks like a toy), they should follow these three steps to safety:
They should not touch or handle the gun.
They should get away from the gun quickly, leave the area.
They should immediately tell a trusted adult (parent, guardian, teacher or police officer) about the gun.
It is illegal to bring weapons to school, onto school property, or into vehicles used by a school to transport students to and from school property.

After an Assault

Go to a safe place and call the police.
The sooner you report the crime, the greater the chances your attacker will be caught.
Go to a hospital emergency room for medical care.
If sexually assaulted, DO NOT shower, bathe, douche, or destroy any clothing you were wearing. Do not disturb any physical evidence.
Call someone to be with you. You should not be alone.