Having to think about crime and violence around the holiday season just doesn’t seem fair! But, unfortunately for many families, it is our new norm. Here’s 5 simple steps to help keep your family from becoming victims:
- Improve your alertness!- Keep earbud volume low when walking, inspect your vehicle from the outside when parked in garages, parking lots and streets, when entering and exiting buildings be aware of who is around you (look to the left and right), emergency exits, useful items near you that can be used for defense, cover, and emergency call boxes.
- Tighten your security and make sure that the entire family is on the same defensive page- There is nothing wrong with having a family meeting to discuss how to keep each other safe.
- Lock your doors, windows and sliders
- Stay of your phone when shopping and walking. Make sure your teens understand that their phone is a distraction from them being aware of their surroundings.
- Let someone know when you leave home and when you return- Most cellular companies also offer family GPS tracking, it could be helpful to locate loved ones when concerned.
It is an excellent idea for family members to advise each other of their shopping plans. You’ve all got cell phones, use them to stay in touch on a regular basis.
Do your after-work shopping with at least one other person or go in the early morning when there are less crowds and always say hello to the store staff, that way if something happens between the store and home store employees might better remember you and anything suspicious.
Make sure that everyone close to you understands that there might be added danger this time of year, plan accordingly. Have an escape route in case of an emergency if it occurs.
