Safety Tip Tuesday - Crime Prevention Month
The National Crime Prevention Council designated October Crime Prevention Month in 1984 through a presidential proclamation. Since then, NCPC has worked with government agencies, law enforcement, schools, businesses, and civic groups to spread the word about crime prevention and safety.
4 Ways to Increase Your Personal Safety
Reduce or eliminate opportunities that may make you a target.
Increase awareness in places where you’re most comfortable.
Trust your instincts even if you feel embarrassed.
Prepare your schedule daily with safety in mind.
Take Crime Prevention to Work
Keep your purse, wallet, keys, or other valuable items with you at all times or locked in a drawer or closet.
Check the identify of any strangers who are in your office or in the hallway - ask whom they are visiting and if you can help them find that person.
Food delivery/ Fed Ex/ UPS/ delivery person etc. should always stop at the reception desk or entry gate so that the proper personnel can be notified.
Be discreet. Don’t advertise your social life or vacation plans and those of your co-workers to people visiting or calling your place of work.
Home Safety
Have your keys ready before you get to the door. Look back before entering your building or home. If you live in an apartment, close the lobby door behind you, especially if a stranger is approaching you. Do not hold the door open for strangers. Make all visitors and delivery persons use the doorbell.
Driving Safely
Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure there’s enough gas to get where you’re going and back.
Turn the ignition off and take your car keys with you, even if you just have to run inside for one minute.
Roll up the windows and lock car doors, even if you’re coming right back. Check inside and out before getting in.
Avoid parking in isolated areas. If you are uncomfortable, ask a security guard or store staff to watch you or escort you to your car.
Drive to the nearest gas station, open business, or other well-lighted, crowded area to get help if you think you are being followed. Don’t head home.
Use your cellular phone, if you have one, to call the police if you are being followed or you’ve seen an accident. Otherwise, stay off your cellular phone while you are driving.
Don’t pick up hitchhikers. Don’t hitchhike.
For more information on home & neighborhood safety visit NCPC.