Personal Safety Tips

Avoid being attacked!

• Be aware of your surroundings.
  
• Be alert to suspicious persons or vehicles (if occupied)
• Ask for an escort when walking to your car at night
• Use ATM's inside of grocery stores instead of outside of banks

If Attacked:

• Throw the attacker off guard - strike back fast and aim for vital areas like the eyes and throat to make it hurt.
• If there are people nearby, scream and draw as much attention to yourself as possible. Screaming 'FIRE' will usually attract attention.
• Remember, your common sense is your best weapon.

For Children:

Outline what your child should do if they become separated from you. If separated while shopping, the child should not look for you but go immediately to the nearest checkout counter and ask a clerk for assistance. Tell them never to go to the parking lot.

• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
• Advise your child to walk and play with other children if you are not around.
• Be sure your child's school or daycare center will not release them to anyone but you or someone designated by you. Set a code word with your child to be used as a signal if you send an unfamiliar adult to pick them up.
• Tell your child that no one has the right to touch them or make them feel uncomfortable or ask them to keep a secret from you.
• Report to the police any incident where a stranger tries to join in children's play, offers your child money or gifts, asks your child to go any place with him or her, or tries to talk to or touch your child.

For further information contact Crime Prevention at 235-9406