The following security suggestions have been compiled for your consideration and implementation. No security measure is infallible, but, when routinely used it will drastically reduce your likelihood of becoming a victim.

PROTECT YOUR CHILD
PROTECT YOUR HOME
PROTECT YOUR AUTOMOBILE

PROTECT YOUR CHILD

In the Car:

Use a rear-facing seat for infants until 1 year old and 20 lbs.; forward-facing toddler seat for those over 1 year old and weighing 20-40 lbs.; belt-positioning booster seat until 80 lbs. and 4'9".
          

Have children under age 12 ride in the back seat and wear a seat belt, with the shoulder strap across the chest.

Never leave a child alone in the car.

At the Playground:

Make sure equipment has protective surfacing under it - mulch, wood chips, sand, fine gravel, or rubber matting.

Inspect equipment for damage, wear-and-tear and head entrapment hazards - openings that are closed on all sides and between 3-1/2" and 9" in size.

Always keep visual contact with your child.

At Play:

Proper safety gear is a must: for softball and baseball - helmet; for bicycle - helmet; for skates and skateboard - helmet, elbow pads, wrist guards, gloves, knee pads; for scooter - helmet, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads.

Keep sports equipment in good condition.

Have your child take lessons for any new sport or physical activity.

Traffic Tips:

Teach your child to cross streets only at corners, to use crosswalks, and to obey traffic signals.

 Supervise all children under age 10 when crossing a street

 Your child needs to know to obey traffic signs and signals when on a scooter, skates, skateboard or bike - and to beware of cars at alleys and driveways.

Personal Safety:

Teach your child NO, GO, and TELL: If a stranger offers something or asks for help, say "NO", GO away quickly, and TELL a trusted adult what happened.

   Always have your child tell you where he/she is going and when he/she is expected back.

Sun Safety:

To prevent skin cancer later in life, have your child wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 when outside - even on cloudy days. Re-apply every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Have your child wear long-sleeved clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., when it is strongest.

Home Alone: If your child must ever be alone at home, set up some house rules.

Tell your child:

• Go straight home after school.

• Keep doors and windows locked, and open the door only to people you know and trust.

• If someone calls, say your parent can't come to the phone right now, and take a message.

You'll need to decide with your child what the rules are about cooking, using tools and appliances, taking a shower or bath, having friends over, and going out.

Your child will also need to learn safety skills, such as where your first-aid kit is located and how to use it. Review with your child what to do in case of emergencies, including fire, a plumbing problem, or a power outage. Finally, ask your local Red Cross chapter, police or fire department about first-aid and safety courses for children.

PROTECT YOUR HOME

1. When away, make your home look and sound occupied.

1. Use an inexpensive timer for lights and radio or TV.

2. Cancel newspaper and other daily deliveries.

3. Lock all windows and doors.

2.  Make sure your locks work.
 

1. USE DEAD BOLT LOCKS!!!!

2. Test the doorknob locks your are using now.

3. Open the door, lock it, and then try to push the bolt back into the door.  If you can push the bolt back into the door, then it is NOT SAFE.

3.  Don't label your house and car keys.
 

1. If you lose them, a simple check of the phone book will tell a burglar  where to visit.

2. Color code keys to avoid burglars from identifying them and particular doors.

4.  Don't put your name on the mailbox or the front door/yard.

1. A burglar can "case" your home, then call on the phone to see you're home.

5.  Make sliding glass doors more secure.

1. This is a burglar's favorite entry point. Usually they are secluded and uneasily seen from neighboring yards and streets.

2. Use a "CHARLIE" bar or a similar device.

6.  If a dog is welcomed at your house, GREAT!!!

1. Burglars and thieves will avoid angry or barking dogs.

7.  Leave some outdoor lights on when away.

1. A security light can be installed at a low monthly charge.

2. Motion detector lights are very helpful. They automatically come on when nearby movement occurs.

3. During the day, leave drapes and blinds open so movement inside can be detected.

8.  Look after your neighbors and have them look after you.

1. If you see anything suspicious, call the police or sheriff.

2. DON'T intervene in an incident. You might get hurt.

9.  Let your police department know when you are away from home.

10. Don't leave tools, ladders, or anything that might be used by a burglar lying outside.

11.  Inventory your property, tools and valuables. Engraving your drivers license (If it is not your social security number) or name and phone number will aid in the recovery of stolen property.

12.  Use a SAFETY DEPOSIT BOX.

PROTECT YOUR AUTOMOBILE

1. Never leave keys in the car.

2. Lock your car.

3. Keep your dome and inside lights working.

4. Park in well lighted areas.

5. Keep packages and valuables out of sight. Drive with your purse on the floor, not in the seat.

6. Use a locking gas cap.

7. Do not label your keys with names, car type or address.

8. Know your tag number.