GENERAL SAFETY

• Create a safety plan.

• Listen to and act on your intuition. It's better to be safe and risk a little embarrassment, than stay in an uncomfortable situation that may be unsafe.

• If you are in danger or being attacked and want to get help, yell "Call 911!"  or give specific directions to onlookers; for example: "You! Get the police!" or "Walk me to the store on the corner, I'm being followed."
  

• Have your keys ready when approaching your car or building.

• Vary your routine: drive or walk different routes every day.

• If you suspect that someone is following you, by foot or in a car, don't go home (or they will know where you live). Go to a trusted neighbor or to a public place to call police, or go directly to the police station.

• Do not label keys with your name or any identification.

• Don't talk about your social life or vacation plans where strangers can overhear you.

• Always carry enough change for a telephone call.

SAFETY AT HOME

• Have lights in all entrances.

• Have good locks on all doors and windows.

• Do not use your full name on your mailbox, in the phone directory, or on your answering machine.

• Do not leave a schedule of your times away from home on your answering machine.

• If you live alone, do not let strangers know. Invent a roommate or big dog.

• Know which of your neighbors you can trust in an emergency.

• Check who is at the door before opening it, and do not open the door to an unexpected visitor.

• Don't hide extra keys in easily accessible places. Criminals will find them.

• Ask for photo identification of all repair persons, etc. If you are still suspicious, call to verify employment.

• Never give personal information to telephone solicitors.

• Consider creating a "safe room" with a separate telephone line or cellular phone, and strong locks. If someone breaks in, you can retreat there (with children) and call for help.

• Do not let strangers into your home to use the phone. Offer to make the call for them.

SAFETY WITH YOUR CHILDREN

• Teach your children about STRANGER DANGER. Never talk to strangers and never accept candy, money or gifts from a stranger.

• Tell your children about ploys that strangers will use to get them into their vehicles, such as asking them to help them look for a lost pet.

• Teach them the BUDDY SYSTEM. Don't play outside or ride bikes alone.

• Teach them the BOUNDARIES. Establish where they are going to play and re-affirm never to play in the street.

• Teach them TIME AND LOCATION NOTIFICATION. Establish where they are going and a time when they will be home. If they change locations they must call home before they do so.

• Teach them never to play with or touch any guns. If they find one call an adult, don't touch it!

• Teach them that if they are ever home alone not to open the door to strangers.

• Teach them that if they feel threatened by a stranger to run away as fast as they can.

• Communicate with your children and let them know who can pick them up from school or other places other than you.

INTERNET SAFETY TIPS

• Always place the computer in a public part of the house, not in a child's bedroom

• Sign an Internet Safety Contract with children outlining when, where, and for how long the are allowed to be online.

• Use a firewall, virus protection and parental controls software on every computer connected to the Internet.

• Never respond to unsolicited emails, especially if they are requesting any type of personal information. Legititmate companies will never ask for your social security number, your ATM pin, or any other personal information by email.

• Shred all old financial documents and all pre-approved credit card offers.

• Check yor credit report every year.

• Safegaurd your social security number at all times. Do not use if for your drivers license number, or any type of ID number.