Common Sense Indoors
- Good locks on
windows and doors make it difficult for assailants and buglers
to get in.
- When you are
home alone, pull shades or curtains after dark.
- If you let someone
in and have second thoughts, be assertive. Tell them to
leave, or you leave. Call a friend or neighbor to come over.
Pretend you are not alone by mentioning a friend or family member
asleep in the next room.
- Make sure hallways,
entrances, garages and grounds are well lighted.
- Leave porch lights
on at night, or when you expect to return after dark, leave an
interior light on in a room or two with the shades down.
Leave a radio on.
- Install a peephole
in you door.
- When someone
is at you door, never open it until you know who is there.
Repairmen, salespeople, police and survey-takers carry identification.
Ask to see it and call the company to verify if you have any questions.
- If someone wants
to use the phone, make the call for him/her without opening the
door.
- Leave spare house
keys with a friend - not under the doormat or in the planter.
Get to know your neighbors so you can get help if necessary.
Be familiar with who is coming and going in the neighborhood.
- List only last
name and initials on your mailbox and door. Consider not
listing your address in the phone book.
- Avoid giving
out information about yourself or making appointments with strangers
over the phone.
- Telephone answering
machines should have a brief recorded message stating "we can't
come to the phone now."
- Have a preconceived
escape plan for you home.
- Make sure all
doors (don't forget sliding glass doors) and windows have dead
bolt locks, and use them! Install a peephole in the door.
Keep entrances well -lighted.
- Be wary of isolated
spots - apartment laundry rooms, underground garages, parking
lots, and offices after business hours. Walk with a friend,
co-worker, or security guard, particularly at night.
- If you come home
and see a door or window open, or broken, don't go in. Call
police from a public phone or neighbor's home.
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Common Sense Outdoors
- Avoid walking
or jogging alone, especially at night. Stay in well-traveled,
well-lighted areas.
- Be careful if
anyone in a car asks you for directions - if you answer; keep
your distance from the car.
- Have your key
ready before you reach the door - home, car, or office.
- If possible,
avoid dark or concealed areas. Walk in the street if it appears
safer.
- If you think
someone is following you, turn around and check so you
are not caught off-guard. Cross the street or change direction
- If a car follows
you or ~ stops near you for directions, do not approach the car.
Change direction if you feel threatened and walk or run toward
other people, stores or a lighted house.
- Park in areas
that will be well lighted and well traveled when you return,
- Always lock your
car - when you get in and when you get out.
- Look around your
car and in the back seat before you get in.
- If your car breaks
down, lift the hood, lock the doors, and turn on the flashers.
Use a ''Call Police" banner or flares. If someone
stops, roll the window down slightly and ask the person to
call the police or a tow service.
- Don't hitchhike
and never pick up a hitchhiker.
- Be alert! Walk
with confidence and purpose.
- Be aware of your
surroundings - know who's out there and what's going on.
- Don't let alcohol
or other drugs cloud your judgment
- Trust your instincts.
If a situation or place makes von feel uncomfortable or uneasy,
leave.
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