How do I protect myself?

There are a lot products that you can buy that will help to make you and your family safer. These don't take the place of common sense things like leaving a light on at night when you leave to go to dinner, locking your doors, or stopping your mail service while you are on vacation. They don't protect you from foolish acts like walking in dark, unfamiliar areas of town, not noticing the people and situation around you as you pass through parking lots and walk into and out of the bank. They won't protect you if you set your purse or credit card down in a public place and then get up and carry your empty tray to the garbage can.

But they can protect you when you are sleeping, when you are aware and walking through the parking lot, when you are approached by a stranger. Security products and surveillance systems won't always keep the bad guys from trying.... they just keep them from succeeding all the time.

We will be posting some security tips - ten a time - that will give you the edge when dealing with the undesirables out there.

Tip #1.

Keep your cell phone charged and carry it with you.

Tip #2.

Have your keys in your hand and ready to use when walking to your vehicle. The quicker you approach the car and enter it, the better. Lock the doors as soon as you get in.

Tip #3.

When approaching your car, glance under it from a distance to insure no one is hiding under it.

Tip #4.

If a van has parked next to the passenger side of your car, you should enter your car from the other side. If this is near impossible because of the design of the car, as is mostly found these days, walk in a wide circle observing the van to see if there is anyone in it. Move quickly when entering your vehicle. If not sure, walk back to the the store and ask a clerk or security person to walk you to your car.

Tip #5.

Don't pick up hitchhikers. No, really. I still see people doing this from time to time. Those days are gone....

Tip #6.

If you must go out at night, park near the door of your destination when possible and under a light when available. Have groceries to load in the trunk? Ask a clerk to assist you. An added benefit of this is they can take the basket away with them.

Tip #7

Install outside motion detectors on your house so when you drive up, the driveway and door is illuminated. Bad guys like shadows, not light.

Tip #8

Always set your alarm. Alarm system have settings for when you are in AND when you are out. Setting it when you leave is not enough. Learn the instant setting for when you are sitting comfortably in your living room or sleeping in your bed. Have a pet? That's okay. You can still set your system for instant alarm if a door or window is opened and bypass the motion detectors.

Tip #9

Go ahead and let the alarm company post their signs on your lawn and on a few of you windows. This encourages thieves to target your neighbors instead.

Tip #10

Have kids? Talk to them about 1-9. Start early with their safety education. It may save their lives.