Do you ever wonder how safe is your home? Are there updates that you can complete to make it safer? What about personal safety when you are walking down the street or just out? I think many people wonder so let us look at some practical solutions. There are a variety of safety specialists that you can find online to check your home out. An easier and more cost-efficient way to go is your local police district. All seven police districts have a few officers that collaborate with the community, and they have special training on crime prevention techniques. These officers will come out and give your home a once over to look at updates. This is something I use to do in my crime prevention days.
One of the first things they look at is there any bushes or trees around the exterior of your home that a thieve can hide in. You want all your windows to be visual from the street so people walking or driving by would see someone breaking into your home. Also, good lighting helps at night to keep people away. Most thieves do not want to be seen so they will do everything to stay out of the light. Always keep your front porch light on at night. Most thieves are lazy and do not want to work hard to break in somewhere. They make an entry where it is going to be easy. Newer windows have stops in them so they can only go up so far, then lock in place. On those hot nights we all sometimes want to open the windows to get some air in to cool off. Having an alarm system is a tremendous help because they will scare many people away.
When you are out and about always be aware of your surroundings. Do not have on earphones or other listening devices when walking because you do not know what is going on around you. People are always looking for someone to prey on. Ladies if you have a purse have it over your shoulder and tucked under your arm. Walk like you are confident and know where you are going. At night walk with your keys between between your fingers to use as a weapon to defend yourself. Pepper spray is also something good to use to defend yourself. If you are attacked on the street, you will have to decide if you are going to fight or run. No one can tell you what to do because everyone must decide for themselves. If you do decide to run, I suggest you yell “fire” instead of “help.” People are indifferent these days and many do not respond to people yelling for help. If they hear the word fire, they are more likely to respond.
So, these are just a few suggestions but being aware of your surroundings is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe.
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