Your Personal Safety

What is personal safety? It's taking steps to protect yourself from crimes. Personal safety involves:

• Avoiding Crime: Without a doubt, prevention is your best protection against crime.
• Knowing what to do if you're a victim:By knowing how to react you can:
• Help avoid injury
• Cooperate in the prosecution of the criminal

You can increase your personal safety.  Many crimes can be prevented if you:

• Trust your instincts. If you suspect something is wrong, or if a situation seems dangerous, you may be right! Don't dismiss suspicious people, cars or situations. Report them immediately.
• Avoid dangerous situations. Don't invite trouble. Use your best judgment about where you go and what you do.
• Work with law enforcement officials. People working together can prevent and solve many crimes.

Should I carry a weapon?

It's best not to, unless you're thoroughly trained in using it. Weapons may be easily turned against you if you're not prepared. If you decide to carry a weapon, check with the Sheriff's department for information regarding state laws and applying for a Conceal and Carry License.  Carrying a whistle or noise maker can bring attention to your situation and pepper mace (used properly) can be a strong deterrent to an attacker, allowing you to escape.

Should I learn self-defense?

Learning to defend yourself is a good idea. But don't overestimate your abilities. It may take years before you can use some techniques effectively.

Responding to an attack

• Evaluate the Situation: Look around. Are there sources of help available? What state of mind is your attacker in?
• Stay Alert: Listen and observe carefully so you can make the best decision now and provide important evidence later. Remember the time, person's appearance (height, weight, clothing, hair,scars), the vehicle color, make and license number. Write this down as soon as possible.
• Remember Your Goals are Escape and Survival: Escaping and surviving an attack are the most important considerations. Keep them in mind as you act and react.  Only you can evaluate a situation and decide what is best.
• If the Attacker Wants Your Valuables, Give Them Up: Valuables can be replaced -- your life can't.
• If You are Raped: Contact the police and get medical attention immediately. Preserve evidence--don't shower, douche, or change clothes!

LIGHTS:

• Leave at least one on -- inside and out when you're away.
• If you're away, use a timer to turn lights on and off.

UNWANTED CALLS:

• Don't give out personal information such as your name, address, social security number or credit card numbers.
• If you have an answering machine, use it to screen unwanted calls.
• Notify the police of threatening or harassing calls.

LOCKS:

• Buy high-quality dead-bolt locks -- and use them!
• Be sure any door and window locks can be opened quickly if there is a fire.

STRANGERS:

• Install a peephole if possible.
• Don't open the door for strangers, unexpected repair people, deliveries, etc.
• Always ask for a company I.D. Call to verify it if you're suspicious.

NEIGHBORHOOD FRIENDS:

• Watch other houses or apartments, and let your neighbors know of anything suspicious.
• Offer your phone to neighbors for emergency use , and use theirs when necessary.
• Keep in touch with your neighbors.

IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS IN YOUR HOME:

• Don't go in!
• Call the policefrom a nearby phone.