Personal Safety
Safety in Your Home
For the majority of people, a feeling of security is found in the safety of their homes. However, many Canadians fail to take even fundamental precautions to secure their homes against robbery. There are a number of precautions you can take that will reduce the opportunities that a burglar is looking for.
Prevention Tips
1. Conduct a security check of your home to determine possible entry points and any weaknesses they may have.
2. Keep all entrances and garages well-lit at night.
3. Do not leave tell-tale signs that you are away.
4. Install good locks and always use them.
5. Install a wide-angle door viewer which permits you to see callers before you open the door.
6. Never open a door to strangers without credentials.
7. Change your routine often. Burglars can operate on your routine!
8. Do not keep large amounts of money in your home.
9. Mark valuable items for identification. The Operation Identification program has been developed by police to assist people in marking their property.
10. Keep valuables in a safety deposit box at your bank. If this is not possible, keep them locked up in a reasonable hiding place in your home.
Away From Home
It is important to take extra care in securing your home when you are going to be
Away for any length of time. Not only should your home be secure but it should
also appear lived in.
Prevention Tips
1. Secure all windows, doors and garage before you leave.
2. Leave a radio playing to indicate that someone is home.
3. Leave one or two lights on, preferably timers that turn on according to how dark it is outside.
4. Discontinue mail, milk and newspaper deliveries.
5. Arrange to have someone pick up any newspapers or mail that are left on your step.
6. Leave a key with someone you trust.
7. Let your neighbours know your going to be away, for how long and where you can be contacted if necessary.
Safety on the Street
If street crimes (purse snatching, robberies, assaults, etc.) are a problem in your neighbourhood and you have a fear of being victimized, there are ways in which you can reduce the risk of victimization and increase your sense of personal security.
Prevention Tips
1. Walk only in well-lit areas.
2. Do not burden yourself with packages and a bulky purse.
3. Never display large sums of money in public.
4. Go shopping in pairs or in a group.
5. Walk in the centre of the sidewalk, away from alleys and doorways.
6. If you suspect you are being followed, cross the street, go to the nearest home, service station or business and call the police.
7. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas that increase your chances of being assaulted.
8. Report problem areas to police. The police welcome the information and can also advise you of prevention methods.
Safety in Your Vehicle
There are some common-sense rules that motorists should follow under certain conditions. Rely on your judgement and assessment of the situation to tell you what you should do.
Prevention Tips
1. Remember to keep your vehicle locked at all times, whether moving or parked.
2. If you are driving at night, use well-lit streets and parking lots that are open
for easy observation.
3. Be cautious of any stranger approaching your vehicle. If you feel you are in danger, press the horn repeatedly in short blasts; this will attract attention.
4. If you think you are being followed, pull into the nearest gas station or safe place. Do not drive home.
5. Plan and know your route before you leave, whether it is for a short drive in the city or a long trip in the country.
6. Do not pick up hitchhikers.
7. View the interior of your car before getting in to make sure no one is hiding inside, even if the doors are locked.
8. Have keys in hand so you do not have to linger before entering your car.
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