Personal Tips

Take care at night:

Avoid walking or running alone at night. Instead go walking or jogging with a friend.
Don't use headphones while walking, driving or jogging.
Always walk in well-lighted areas.
Avoid the use of short cuts.
After dark, keep away from large bushes or doorways where someone could be lurking.
Always stay near the curb.
If someone in a vehicle stops and asks for directions, answer from a distance. Do not approach the vehicle.
If followed, go immediately to an area with lights and people. If needed, turn around and walk in the opposite direction, your follower will also have to reverse directions.
Do not display cash openly, especially when leaving an ATM.

Whenever you go outside, lock the door and take the key with you, even if you are just stepping next door or out mowing the back yard.
Don't put valuables where they can be seen from the window, especially items that can be easily carried.
Be sure your garage door can be secured. Do not leave it open when you are away; an empty garage broadcasts your absence.
Don't keep large amounts of cash or really valuable jewelry around the house.
If someone comes to your door asking to use the telephone, make the call yourself. Don't invite them in.
Don't hide a spare key under the doormat or under a flowerpot. Thieves know all the good hiding places.
Plant thorny bushes under all windows. Trim back any trees or shrubs near doors and windows to eliminate hiding places for would-be thieves.
Don't leave ladders outside. Keep any tools that could be used to break in your home safely locked away in a garage or shed.
Get a barking dog or "beware of dog" signs. If you own a dog and go out of town, have someone come in and care for your dog in your home.
Always double check doors at night and lock all windows.

Keep a safe house when you are on vacation:

Strive to make your home look as lived-in as possible while you're away.
Don't broadcast your plans but do let your neighbors know.
Arrange to have your mail and newspapers either stopped or picked up daily.
Turn down the ringer on the telephone. An unanswered telephone is a dead give-away.
Be sure you don't announce your absence on your answering machine message.
Leave your blinds like you normally would if you were home. Only close them all the way if that is what you would normally do.
Be sure to close and lock the garage as well as any storage sheds, gates, etc.
Be sure someone knows your itinerary and your estimated time of arrival and return.

Be safe � make sure your vacation doesn�t turn out to be a tragedy!

Vacations and picnics can be a lot of fun. But take care� tragedies can happen, especially if your vacation or picnic spot is near some water body.

Don�t venture into unknown waters even if you are an expert at swimming.
Be aware that the water currents are unknown to you and it could be dangerous.
The water could also be unclean and thus dangerous to your health.
The water could even be the home of wild reptiles and the like, posing a danger to your life.