Summertime is a time for vacation and outdoor fun. Safety is the most difficult and less thought about task during the summer. Avoiding a disastrous vacation should be your top priority before and during the fun times. Even though you are rushing around and thinking about a million things, stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you. Please follow the tips below for a safe and fun vacation and summer.
Ã?â‚??If possible, park your car in an area of high pedestrian activity. Avoid remote areas.
Ã?â‚??Lock your car and close the windows, even if you are only gone for a few minutes.
Ã?â‚??Loose change is a meal for a street person; they will break your window for small change.
Ã?â‚??Your cell phone can be sold and reprogrammed and is a sought after item for theft.
Ã?â‚??A laptop computer will keep a drug user in a high state, at your expense.
Ã?â‚??Lock your packages out-of-sight in the trunk. Place your valuables in the trunk before you get to your destination, not after, the thief may be watching.
Ã?â‚??Be sure and lock your car, many opportunists simply look for unlocked cars.
Ã?â‚??If waiting for a ride from a friend or public transportation, do so in busy, well-lit places.
Ã?â‚??Consider security film for your automobile's windows.
Ã?â‚??Always report a theft to the police.
Ã?â‚??Teach your children to go to the store clerk and ask for help if you become separated while shopping. They should never go to the parking lot or the car alone.
Ã?â‚??Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible; and if the credit card receipt has carbons, ask for these too. Notify issuers immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen, or misused.
Ã?â‚??Be extra careful with purses and wallets. They may become targets for crime in crowded shopping areas, at bus stops, and on public transportation.
Ã?â‚??Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
Ã?â‚??At home, be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes. Leave lights and a radio or television on so the house looks occupied. Do not put large displays of holiday gifts in view of your windows or doors.
Ã?â‚??If you go away for the holidays, try to keep your home appearing "lived in". Get an automatic timer for your lights. Have a neighbor watch your home and pick-up your newspapers and mail.
Ã?â‚??If you use lights on your tree, make sure that they are in good working order.
Ã?â‚??Immediately mark your new electronic gifts with your driver's license number (as long as it is not your social security number), and note all serial numbers, keeping records in a safe place.
Ã?â‚??Remember to be a good friend and neighbor during vacation and holiday times: Share these tips with others in your family and neighborhood. Soon, you may wish to form a neighborhood watch group. People helping people, that's what it is all about!
Ã?â‚??And lastly, when hosting a party, find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests; and when going out drinking, please remember: Don't Drink and Drive.
Statistics reveal a continued increase in violent crimes each year. Lets help protect each other by sharing information and knowledge of safety practices. Implement these safety practices and further safe guard yourself and your family by carrying a non-lethal self-defense product such as Mace, pepper spray, personal alarm or a stun device. Carrying one of these products can drastically reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Before you purchase any of these products, please check the legality and restrictions of such products with your local authorities.
