Personal Safety Tips

Friday the 13th Edition

I have to admit that I am more vigilant(more like paranoid, ok?) now because of my recent experience of crime. This week on our way to the chiropractor, my husband and I were captive audience of what seems to be a scene from the reality tv show “Cops” when we were at a stop light. I felt my self bracing for an impact when I saw an SUV speeding towards us(behind a wire fence and dividing islands), the driver lost control as he made a sharp turn, ran over the dividing islands and then smashed two parked cars. I can still hear the screeching of tires and the noise from the vehicle smashing into other cars. The smell of freshly disturbed dirt still lingers in my senses after the driver of the SUV tried a futile attempt to evade a police car right behind it. It knocked down the fence and shrubs in the process. We were less than 20 yards away! We went back the same way after 15 minutes and there was a swarm of police cars. Then yesterday, a police helicopter has been circling around our neighborhood for about 30 minutes(it must have been a serious bust because from experience they only sent a lone police car when I reported the van break-in). I found out from my neighbors(parents of my daughter’s classmates from the same neighborhood picking up their kids that afteroon) that a crime scene has been cordoned off in a place not too far away from our community. Not too long ago, I only see such things on the news. It’s very alarming that I don’t need to turn the TV on to see reality TV live! From the incidents I have related, one would think that I live right in the middle of a city. I used to think that I live in a quiet suburban community. I have never really taken personal safety as seriously as I do now.

No matter where you are in the world, it is wise to take necessary pre-caution.

One common message that public protectors say: You are you own best defense.

Three simple rules of safety

* Stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings, wherever you are. Don’t be taken by surprise. Be aware and be prepared.

* Stand tall and walk confidently. Don’t show fear. Don’t look like a victim.

* Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave right away and get help if necessary. –from: http://www.ci.decatur.il.us/police/personalsafety.htm

A part of an article by Rick Reventhal of Fox News.

Some of the suggestions are common sense, others may seem unnecessary, but all bear repeating.

Here is the Burlington PD’s checklist of ways to better protect yourself:

• Don’t get complacent, no matter how safe you think your town is
• Travel in groups or pairs, not alone
• Walk with confidence
• Always be aware of your surroundings
• If a situation gives you a funny feeling, trust your gut.
• Get away, or be loud to call attention to yourself
• Stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets or parking areas
• Walk with your keys in hand, and look into, around, and under your vehicle before you get in
• Walk toward the middle of the sidewalk, not too close to shrubs, walls, or potential hiding places
• If you think someone is following you, cross the street, move to the nearest group of people, or ask for help
• Keep purses and bags close to your body and don’t carry too much stuff
• If someone tries to rob you, give up your valuables immediately
• If someone is following you in your car, drive to a police station or busy store or restaurant.
• Take down a plate if you can. Call police if it won’t compromise your safety
• Report suspicious behavior to police
• Minimize places around your home where people can hide, such as large plants or shrubs
• Keep windows and doors locked

Check this out for more Crime Prevention Tips.