Crime Prevention & Safety Tips

• Personal Safety Tips

• Vehicle Safety

• Items to carry in your car

Personal Safety Tips

• Know how to defend yourself. Take a reputable self-defense class.

• Develop a plan of action.

• Avoid walking alone, especially at night.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Be aware of potential "hiding spots."

• Walk with confidence, briskly. LOOK alert. BE alert.

• If you feel you're being followed, change direction. Go immediately to a
  populated area.

• If confronted, make noise. YELL! Don't panic. Use your adrenaline to your
  advantage. Use your plan of action.

• If attacked, give a full description to the police as soon as possible.

REMEMBER......

• Alcohol can affect your vision, motor functions and ability to think clearly. If you are
  under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, your chances of escaping an attack are
  greatly reduced.

• If you choose to carry chemical weapons or other devices, make sure you have a good working knowledge of the product itself and the proper training to use it.

• Don't fall into the "it can't happen to me" syndrome.

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Vehicle Safety

• Always park in a well-lit area.

• Always lock your vehicle.

• Don’t go alone. It's not always possible, but it’s still good advice. Be aware of your surroundings. Walk with confidence. Potential victims are usually chosen.

• In most cases the criminal looks for three things:
  1) A person who appears to be weak and/or vulnerable.
  2) A person who is unaware of his or her surroundings - not paying attention.
  3) Opportunity.

• Unfortunately, crime is a part of the society we live in. If we give the criminals numbers 1 and 2, they will find number 3. Personal awareness is the key to prevention.

• Carry small loads, keeping arms free for movement.

• Carry your keys at the ready.

• As your approach your vehicle, observe it. Look around the vehicle. Check back seat
  and floor before entering.

• As soon as you are safely inside your vehicle, lock the door.

• Never hitchhike, and never pick up a hitchhiker.

• Keep your vehicle in good mechanical condition.

• Never let your gas get below one quarter of a tank.

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Other Suggestions

• Record VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), registration and license plate numbers
  and keep them in a safe place. Attach a photograph of your vehicle.

• Carry insurance.

• Never leave your keys unattended in your vehicle.

• LOCK YOUR VEHICLE, ALWAYS. Lock it when you’re in it and when you leave it.

• Keep valuables out of sight or locked in your trunk.

• Carry a spare key on your person. Avoid using magnetic boxes that attach to the vehicle.

• Avoid bumper stickers that might antagonize individuals or groups.

• Avoid antagonizing other drivers.

• Travel on main streets and highways as much as possible.

• If you feel you’re being followed, drive to the nearest police station or populated area and sound the horn for help.

• If you see a disabled vehicle, don’t stop. If you want to help, drive to a nearby phone and inform police of the vehicle’s location.

• If your vehicle becomes disabled, attach a white handkerchief to the door handle or
  window, lock your doors and stay inside the vehicle. If someone stops to help, do not open your door or window. Ask the person to please go to a telephone and call for help.

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• 4-way wrench with leverage pipe, and tire iron or large screwdriver to remove hubcap.

• A good jack, preferably hydraulic, and the knowledge to use it.

• Aerosol canister for inflating tires.

• A change of clothing - warm jacket, gloves, boots, hat.

• Cellular phone or CB (Citizens Band) radio.

• Good spare tire, to be checked regularly.

• Flashlight with extra batteries, road flares, triangles, blanket.

• Jumper cables, map and/or atlas.

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