Safety Tips

PROTECT YOUR HOME - Advice and checklists for protecting your home from intruders.

PROTECT YOURSELF ON CITY STREETS - Street crime is on the increase in most large U.S. cities. It is also becoming more prevalent in small communities.

PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES - Billions of dollars worth of property stolen each year is never returned to the owners. Why?

PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN TRAVELING - Checklists for auto, bus and elevator safety.

GUARD AGAINST PURSE SNATCHERS - Purse snatching is a crime of opportunity. With a little thought you can eliminate much of the risk.

GUARD AGAINST ARMED ROBBERY - While a purse snatching is one of today's most common crimes facing women, strong arm robbery (hold-ups, muggings) is the most prevalent act where men are generally the victims.

SAFEGUARD AGAINST RAPE - If you are a female, chances are 1 in 10 that you will be a victim of sexual assault. The attacker makes no distinction between age, race, appearance or any other characteristics.

PROTECT YOUR HOME WHILE AWAY - Be sure to lock before you leave, and let a neighbor have a key. When leaving your home, practice the following advice - it could pay big dividends.

 

PROTECT YOUR HOME

SAFETY AT YOUR FRONT DOOR

1. Never automatically open your front door. Make sure you know your caller's identity before admitting him.

2. If the person at your door is a stranger, ask for identification to be passed under the door. If he is unable to do this, do not admit him.

3. It is advisable to have a wide angle viewer (peep-hole) in the door so that you can check a person's identity without unlocking your door.

HOME SAFETY

1. All doors in your home leading to the outside should have dead-bolt locks.

2. When away at night, leave a light burning.

3. Do not leave a key over a door or under a mat.

4. The single lock on a garage door is inadequate to keep intruders from prying up the opposite side and crawling in. Use a padlock. But never leave it unlocked.
This is an invitation to have the padlock removed so that a key can be made, and the lock returned to its position. Later, the burglar returns when no one is home and enters at his leisure, using "his" key.

5. Mark your valuables and keep an accurate record of all your most valuable possessions. Read "How To Protect Your Valuables From Theft" - elsewhere on this web site.

6. When leaving on a trip:
A. Stop all deliveries.
B. Connect a light to a timer.
C. Notify the police and have a neighbor check your home periodically.
D. Have someone maintain your lawn.

7. Be a concerned neighbor. If you see a suspicious person, car or situation, contact the police.

SAFETY FOR THE APARTMENT DWELLER

1. If you live in an apartment building with an intercom system to the front door, make sure the landlord keeps it in operating order.

2. Never admit anyone unless you are expecting him or know him.

3. Never admit anyone to the building who is there to see another tenant or to deliver something to another apartment.

4. Anyone asking admission so that he can do some work for another tenant should not be admitted, but should be referred to the building's manager.

5. If you see someone in your building who looks out of place or is acting suspiciously, contact the police.

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PROTECT YOURSELF ON CITY STREETS

Street crime is on the increase in most large U.S. cities. It is also becoming more prevalent in small communities. The following list of "safeguards" will help protect you - and may even save your life!

1. When leaving home, make sure that all doors and windows are locked - including the garage door.

2. Watch for loiterers and do not carry large sums of money.

3. If possible, travel with another person. This is especially true after dark.

4. When carrying a purse, women should have only 3 or 4 one dollar bills placed inside. Credit cards, currency, driver's license, keys and jewelry should be carried in a coat or sweater pocket or concealed on your person to reduce the opportunity of large losses. If you do carry a purse, don't wrap the strap around your shoulder, neck or wrist. If your purse is grabbed, a strong strap will not yield easily and you may be injured. Some purse snatch victims have been thrown off balance & received concussions, broken hips, arms or legs. Do not carry anything more valuable than you can afford to lose. Always leave all unnecessary credit cards at home. When you shop and carry a purse, put it in your shopping bag.

5. At night, travel only well-lit and well-traveled streets.

6. Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.

7. Walk on the side of the street nearest to oncoming traffic. If accosted by someone in a car, run in the direction opposite the way the car is headed.

8. Beware of people who approach asking directions; keep a polite but safe distance.

9. A good suggestion for men is to carry a second wallet containing a few $1.00 bills and old expired credit cards, which are normally destroyed or discarded. If confronted at knife or gunpoint, give the suspect the second wallet and concentrate on a good physical description to help the police in making the arrest.

10. Upon returning home, particularly after dark, do not linger at the entrance of your residence. Make a quick check for mail or newspapers, and enter immediately. If you feel something is strange, don't enter but go elsewhere and call for police assistance.

11. If you feel someone is following you, go to the nearest occupied residence or building, and ask for assistance.

If you are confronted with a dangerous situation, cry out for assistance. Yelling "FIRE! FIRE!" instead of "Help!" will generally bring faster attention.

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HOW TO PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES FROM THEFT

One of the most effective tools you can use to retrieve property stolen from your home is a simple electric engraving pen. With this pen you can inscribe your name or a number on the most valuable items in and around your home. Before you do this, check with local police to see which they prefer you use - your name, driver's license, social security number or whatever.

Engraving your name or number on your valuables helps deter robbery in two ways: First, you discourage the thief since marked property is much more difficult to sell. Second, if a thief does steal your property, it is much easier to catch and prosecute him when he is discovered with goods in his possession that are easily identifiable as stolen.

Billions of dollars worth of property stolen each year is never returned to the owners. Why? Because without some identifying mark or number, the police are unable to verify stolen property, or trace the owner. More than half the property recovered by the police is eventually auctioned off or destroyed because the goods have no identifying characteristics.

In some cities, local law enforcement agencies will lend you and your neighbors an engraving pen free. In these communities, you may borrow an engraving tool for several days. If this service is not available to you, you can purchase an inexpensive electric pen from your local hardware store for as little as $10 to $15. This small investment could be worth a great deal more to you at a later date.

Items already marked with a serial number - such as cars, TV's, cameras, typewriters, radios, stereos, tape decks, appliances, etc., may not have to be engraved with your name or personal number. Check with local police first. If they recommend you inscribe your identifying mark on serialized items, inscribe this information just above the manufacturer's serial number.

On unserialized property, inscribe your name or number on the upper right corner of the rear or backside of each item. Should you decide to sell or discard the item at a later date, you should invalidate your number by using the engraving pen or any sharp tool to draw a single line through your name or number from the upper left to the lower right hand corner. Do not deface your name or number in any other way. It is also advisable, when selling "marked" property, to write out a simple receipt, specifying on it that you were the previous owner. This could prevent legal hassles for the new owner at a later time.

To protect smaller valuable items such as jewelry, silverware, etc., it is wise to take a photo of each item. A Simple, instant-type camera photo is sufficient.

After you have marked and/or photographed all your valuables, make a detailed list of these items and keep it in a safe place. When new items are acquired, add them to your list. As other valuables are sold or discarded, cross them off the list.

If you use credit cards, they should also be recorded on your list. Either copy your account number from each card and expiration date, or have photo copies made for your records. Safeguard these records, preferably in a safety deposit box.

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HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN TRAVELING

SAFETY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

1. While waiting for a bus or streetcar, stand near others who are also waiting.

2. If the immediate area is deserted or in darkness, stand near an occupied building in a lighted area until transportation arrives.

3. Once on a bus or streetcar, be aware of those around you. If someone looks or acts suspicious, notify the driver.

4. If the coach is empty or nearly empty, sit as far up front and as close to the driver as possible.

5. If someone begins to bother you, get up and notify the driver immediately.

6. Upon arriving at your stop, be aware of those who get off with you. If you feel you are being followed, go to the nearest occupied building and ask for assistance.

7. After dark, attempt to get off the bus in well-lighted areas. Use only well-lighted streets to reach your final destination.

AUTO SAFETY

1. Make certain your car is always in good working order, with safe tires and an adequate amount of gasoline for your planned trip.

2. Always check your car before getting in - to make sure that no one is hiding inside.

3. If you have a garage, be sure you lock the door as you leave.

4. It is best to park in attended lots. if you must leave a key with the attendant, leave only the ignition key. In all other cases, lock your car.

5. Do not leave packages or personal items in open view in the car . . place them in the trunk.

6. At night, park only in lighted areas.

7. If you are in danger of being harmed or robbed, while in your car, start sounding your horn until assistance arrives.

8. Never pick up a hitchhiker.

9. If you have a flat tire in an area you feel might not be safe, try to keep driving until you reach a safe location.

10. If you feel you are being followed, drive to the nearest police or fire station, or open filling station.

ELEVATOR SAFETY

1. Observe elevator interior before entering. Wait until the next elevator if you are uncertain of any occupant.

2. Females riding the elevator alone should always stand near the control panel. If accosted, press ALL buttons.

3. If a suspicious person enters the elevator, exit before the door closes.

4. Before exiting from the elevator, observe the corridor for suspicious activity.

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HOW TO GUARD AGAINST PURSE SNATCHERS

Purse snatching is a crime of opportunity. With a little thought you can eliminate much of the risk.

Every female carrying a purse is a potential target. Senior citizens are especially susceptible to these criminals since they may not be readily able to defend themselves and pursue their assailants.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Purse snatching is a crime that can be easily prevented. Most purse snatchers are juveniles under the age of 18, who are waiting for the next opportunity. When you hide the "prize" you protect yourself!

Suppose you are going shopping and waiting for the bus. You are by yourself and your purse is exposed and in open view. You already have made two mistakes - you're alone and your purse is vulnerable. Frankly, your personal safety might depend on NOT clinging to that purse, even though it seems a normal way to protect the contents. The grabbing and shoving that may take place can result in you being injured.

SHOP WITH A FRIEND, TRAVEL TOGETHER

The first precaution you can take is to go shopping with a friend - man or women. You're safer when in the company of someone else. If you must be out at night alone, stay in well-lit areas. Walk close to street lights, staying well away from dark corners, alleys and building entrances.

HOW TO OUTSMART THE PURSE SNATCHER

When carrying a purse, women should have only 3 or 4 one dollar bills placed inside. Credit cards, currency, driver's license, keys and jewelry should be carried in a coat or sweater pocket, or concealed on your person to reduce the opportunity of large losses.

If you carry a purse, don't wrap the strap around your shoulder, neck or wrist. If your purse is grabbed, a strong strap will not yield easily and you may be injured. Some purse snatch victims have been thrown down and have received concussions and broken bones.

Never carry anything more valuable than you can afford to lose. Always leave all unnecessary credit cards at home. When you shop and carry a purse, place it in your shopping bag. Never leave your purse on a store counter or in a grocery shopping cart - even for a moment.

DON'T CARRY WEAPONS THAT CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU

You should carry a police whistle and a small flashlight on your key chain where they're readily available. Make a habit to carry your key chain in a pocket - NOT in your purse. You should never put your name and address on your house or car keys. Although this might tell an honest man where to return them too, it will also tell a thief where you live.

CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY

Most victims are attacked from behind and therefore don't get a good look at their attacker. If attacked, call the police immediately. Try to remember all the details - help your police to help you!

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PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ARMED ROBBERY

While a purse snatching is one of today's most common crimes facing women, strong arm robbery (hold-ups, muggings) is the most prevalent act where men are generally the victims.

By observing the basic rules of "common sense" your chances of being victimized are greatly reduced. Since most strong arm robberies occur during the hours between sunset and sunrise, the best rule to follow is simply to stay inside at night. However, to even consider being confined to a secure area after the sun goes down is not only impossible, it is also ridiculous. By observing basic precautionary measures, chances of you becoming a robbery victim are greatly reduced. Here are some general rules to follow:

1. Travel well-lit streets. Avoid dark corners, alleys and entrances to buildings. Always try to walk on the side of the street nearest to oncoming traffic.

2. If you must travel at night regularly, don't carry more than you can afford to lose. One suggestion is to carry a second wallet containing a few $1.00 bills and old credit cards, which are normally destroyed or discarded. If confronted at knife or gunpoint, give the suspect the second wallet and concentrate on a good physical description to give to the police.

3. There's safety in numbers! If possible, walk with a companion - either male or female. An armed robber is less likely to confront two or more people, than a lone individual.

4. When waiting for a bus or streetcar, try to select a well lighted area. Aim for a busy stop where many people will be coming and going.

5. Don't hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.

6. Avoid taking shortcuts through deserted areas such as parks, playgrounds, vacant lots, etc.

7. Be cautious when entering your car - someone may be hiding inside. Or, when leaving your car - someone may be waiting. Park in well-lit areas.

8. Never carry weapons that can be used against you.

9. If someone ask directions, keep a polite but safe distance.

10. If you are alone and think you are being followed, head for an occupied building such as a bar, restaurant, filling station, fire station, etc. If none are available, cross the street in the middle of the block. If there is street traffic, try to stop a car for help.

IF YOU ARE CONFRONTED

1. DO NOT RESIST! Cooperate! Give the criminal whatever he asks for - wallet, keys, jewelry, credit cards or whatever. Your life is more valuable than replaceable possessions.

2. Don't make any sudden, unexpected moves. A nervous criminal may think you are reaching for a concealed weapon.

3. If the suspect claims he has a gun, knife, razor or whatever in his pocket, never try to force his bluff.

4. Never try to be a hero and apprehend the criminal yourself.

5. Notify police as soon as possible.

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HOW TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST RAPE

If you are a female, chances are 1 in 10 that you will be a victim of sexual assault. The attacker makes no distinction between age, race, appearance or any other characteristics.

Common sense is your best defense against attack. Because every rape is different, there's no one solution for thwarting an attack.

If you are attacked, evaluate the situation and look for ways to escape. Some women have avoided rape by talking their way out of it, acting crazy or fighting back. A kick in the groin isn't usually successful because men instinctively protect this area, and you may lose your balance. If you decide to respond physically, remember that your first priority is to get away. Act quickly and derisively to throw the attacker off guard while you escape.

After an attack:

A. Go to a safe place
B. Call the police.
C. Preserve evidence - don't shower or douche; blood and semen are important evidence. And don't change your clothes or disturb the scene of the crime.
D. Get medical care.

Medical attention is vital! Many hospitals provide free care for rape victims and offer pregnancy prevention and venereal disease treatment. Remember, even if you do get treatment immediately, follow-up tests for V.D. are essential.

Never be embarrassed because of the incident. Though difficult to talk about, it is important to tell doctors what sex acts took place so they will know what medical attention is needed.

Try to remember in detail your exact experience, for police records. Give as accurate and complete description of your assailant as possible. This is extremely important! Your complete co-operation with local authorities may help in preventing similar attacks on other girls and women.

 

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME WHILE AWAY

Be sure to lock before you leave, and let a neighbor have a key. When leaving your home, practice the following advice - it could pay big dividends.

GOING TO THE MARKET OR OUT TO DINNER?

A residence which presents a "lived-in" appearance is a deterrent to burglars. Never leave notes that can inform a burglar that your house is unoccupied. Make certain all windows and doors are secured before departing. An empty garage advertises your absence, so close the doors.

When going out at night, leave one or more interior lights on and perhaps have a radio playing (TV sets should not be left unattended). Timers may be purchased that will turn lights on and off during your absence.

Do not leave door keys under flower pots or doormats, inside an unlocked mailbox, over the doorway, or in other obvious places.

WHEN PLANNING VACATIONS OR PROLONGED ABSENCES

Discontinue milk, newspaper, and other deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. Do not leave notes.

Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove advertising circulars and other debris regularly. On the other hand, several toys scattered about will create an impression of occupancy.

Notify the post office to forward your mail or have a trustworthy person pick it up daily. Apartment house tenants should also heed this hint since stuffed mail receptacles are a give-away when no one is home.

Inform neighbors of your absence so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Leave a key with them so your place may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary the positions of your shades and blinds.

When you leave, do not publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspaper accounts of other people's vacation activities.

If you find a door or window has been forced or broken while you were away, DO NOT ENTER. The criminal may still be inside. Use a neighbor's phone immediately to summon police.

Do not touch anything or clean up if a crime has occurred. Preserve the scene until police inspect for evidence.

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO -

1. Lock before you leave.
2. Trust a neighbor with a key.
3. Be a concerned neighbor yourself.

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