Time to get practical. Do NOT try to do all these things right away. Read through them and see what you are already doing. Check it off if it is already a part of your lifestyle. Then read through them again and see what grabs your attention.
Start with one or two new tips until they become a habit. Take it one step at a time and enjoy the feeling of freedom and safety that comes with being protected.
Around the house
1. Make sure you have spare keys to the house.
2. Get and use a camera doorbell system with an intercom.
3. Keep home alarms, cameras, doorbell systems maintained and working.
4. Make sure you have a clear view of the house from the road. No bushes or trees blocking the view.
5. Make sure your driveway and yard are well lit at night. Use motion sensors.
6. Replace bad lights right away.
7. Use a timer while traveling, so lights and TV/radio turn on and at random rooms and times. It serves as a deterrent and gives the appearance that someone is home.
8. Do not allow any maintenance or construction person in without first confirming with company by phone first.
9. Trust your instinct on suspicious activity around your house and neighbors. See something, say something.
10. Keep the yard clean and well maintained.
11 For apartments and mailboxes, use last names only.
12. Check to make sure all locks on doors and windows are in working order.
13. Lock all doors even when at home.
14. Do not hide your keys around the entrance.
15. Get a package lockbox or have packages delivered either while your home or other trusted location.
16. Do not leave your garage door opener in an unlocked car or in plain view.
17. If you lose a key, replace the locks.
18. Have at least two escape routes from the house for fire or other emergencies.
19. Do not place obstacles blocking escape routes.
20. Make sure you have more than one working fire extinguisher.
21. Place fire extinguishers in easy to access places.
22. Have a land line or secondary phone service for emergency.
23. Get all emergency phone numbers on speed dial on your cell.
24. Keep an emergency phone list (paper copy) near the phone in the house.
25. Keep entry ways clean and clutter free.
26. Keep any doors between garage and house locked.
27. Give friendly greetings to unfamiliar people in the neighborhood but remain alert.
28. Do not place flammable objects inside or next to the house without proper containers.
29. Keep your valuables (TV, electronics, etc.) out of view from the exterior of the house.
30. Make sure your children know how to contact police and fire department.
31. Separate house and car keys.
32. Keep an emergency stash but not too much cash at home.
33. Sperate valuables around the house or get a lockbox.
34. Before going to bed or before going out, secure all door locks and potential sources of fire.
35. Get to know your neighbors. You may need help during an emergency and you should remain aware of any potential threats. Stay aware of your surroundings.
36. Building community relations is an important safety practice. There is safety in numbers.
37. Know neighborhood police and fire station location.
Daily life
38. If you use coin laundry or shared spaces, try not to go alone or during off hours.
39. Keep your head up when walking a look around. Posture is Power.
40. If carrying a bag, keep it off roadside. If walking with a friend, keep it in the middle.
41. Get keys to your car out before you walk to the car, not at the car.
42. Change your schedule a little each day.
43. Do not to get on an elevator when you feel uncomfortable.
44. When waiting for the elevator, wait away from the door.
45. Stand in the elevator near the buttons.
46. Know where the emergency bell is on the elevator panel.
47. If possible, avoid dark places (shortcuts) when walking alone.
48. When you go shopping, park in a bright place.
49. Change daily activity patterns. Do not be too predictable. For example, do not go shopping same day and time each week.
50. Limit the amount of cash you carry and separate credit/debit cards.
With/for Children
51. Make a neighborhood safety map with your children.
52. Make sure children know how to lock doors and windows around the house.
53. Do not let your children play outside alone.
54. Play the awareness (eye spy) game at least once a week. Point out emergency exit signs.
55. Do not force children to hug, kiss or sit on laps when they do not want to.
56. Use family or handicap bathrooms when in public places.
57. Have a family meeting place in case of an emergency.
58. When shopping, use the first few minutes to walk the store so kids know the area.
59. When shopping, pick a meeting place in case of separation.
60. Teach kids to use words, not violence to solve problems.
61. Have them learn martial arts and self-defense from experts.
62. Teach children not to give their name when talking to strangers.
63. Teach children to tell someone when they see suspicious things or feel uncomfortable.
64. Know your children’s friends and parents of friends.
65. Set time each day to listen to your kids without judgement, just listen.
66. Teaching kids to eat healthy, spend time outdoors and less hours of online play is a good way to reduce risk on a number of levels.
67. Include children in making home security plan. Make it a game and have fun.
68. When in pubic, tell children to stay where they can see you.
69. When staying in a hotel, walk the fire escape routes with children and teach them where emergency exits are.
11 Principles every kid should know
70. Always keep your head up when walking. Make eye contact.
71. Multiple children together are always better than one when playing outside. Safety in numbers.
72. Teach kids to keep a safe distance when talking with people (5-6 feet).
73. Never receive gifts from anyone without permission from parents first.
74. Do not go with anyone anywhere without permission from parents.
75. If someone asks or needs help, help them by finding a trusted adult and explain the situation.
76. Have your child memorize your phone number and address by heart.
77. Have your children know your neighborhood and neighbors.
78. Do not keep secrets from family. All family members should share information, particularly if it pertains to safety concerns. Make safety information easily understandable for children.
79. It is ok to say “No thank you” when you do not want to do something.
80. Be careful who you talk to online and always let your parents know if someone contacts you. Have security settings monitored by a professional, particularly for kids apps.
When you travel
81. Leave itinerary with family and friends.
82. If possible, have someone to check in with once a day.
83. While away, ask someone to get your mail etc.
84. When you reach the destination, contact your family or friends.
85. Do not leave valuables in the room.
86. Put valuables separately in luggage.
87. Use cards instead of cash.
88. Copy your passport when going abroad.
89. When staying in a high-rise hotel, stay below the 12th floor.
90. Get hotel rooms away from stairs.
Cyber/online protection
91. Use all privacy settings and double verification when possible. If you can’t monitor these settings yourself, contact us for monitoring services. (email elisa@emdnyc.com)
92. Teach children not to give personal information over the internet.
93. Do let kids meet anyone they met online until a parent has vetted everything.
94. Change passwords on a regular basis and remind kids not to give them out.
95. Delete and do not share any posts or messages that are hurtful or abusive.
96. You do not have to respond to negative posts.
97. Avoid arguing online with anyone.
98. When doing things online, look for secure sites. A web address starting with HTTPS, the “s” stands for “secure."
Example: https://boostconfidencenow.com/
99. Pay attention to what permission smartphone apps ask for before you download or use them.
100. Watch your photos to make sure that they are appropriate. Is there anything that may embarrass you or give away your privacy. Know how to turn off location sharing on photos and respect other people’s privacy by not posting pictures of them without their permission.
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