Crime Tips & Prevention

At Home

• Be sure to lock all doors, even when you are home.
• Make sure you have sturdy metal or solid wood doors at all entries into your home and they are all equipped with deadbolt locks.
• Trim trees or shrubs around entryways, windows, or driveways where an intruder might hide.
• Illuminate places such as entryways, hallways, and stairwells.
• When going on vacation set timers on lights, so it appears that you are home and contact the post office to hold your mail.
• If you receive monthly checks or payments, consider using the direct deposit methods at your bank.
• Avoid confrontations with burglars.

In Your Car

• Always lock car doors and take keys when you leave your car, even if you’ll be gone “just a minute.”
• If you notice you are being followed, go to the nearest brightly lighted area and call 911.
• Don’t leave valuables in plain view in your car.
• When traveling, carry only the credit cards and ATM cards you absolutely need.
• If you see a suspicious car or see a car fleeing an accident, write down the make, model, color, and LPN.

Emergency Situations or Disasters

• Make sure children know their last name, Mom or Dad’s first and last names, address, and phone number.
• Make sure children know to call 911 in an emergency.
• Take a class in CPR and first aid to help with medical emergencies.
• Have a fire escape plan.
• Know an alternate route home.
• Designate a meeting place in case you are unable to get home.
• Assemble an emergency preparedness kit and include flash lights and water.
• Keep cash on hand, ATMs do not work when power is out.

Violent Situations

• Understand anger is a normal feeling.
• Violence toward others is not normal and also illegal.
• If at all possible, remove yourself from the situation if only temporarily to let the situation defuse.
• How you deal with a person can make the difference between managing a conflict and having the conflict turn violent.
• Be aware of triggers that might produce an angry reaction or escalate the situation.
• Point out that even though we see our self as out of control, we often choose to blow up or stay calm.
• Remember no one has the right to be abusive or violent toward you.