Make Safety Part of Your New Year's Resolutions
Happy 2015! There’s nothing like a new year: 365 blank slates, enough to achieve each and every one of your resolutions. Kind of makes you feel invincible, doesn’t it?
Unfortunately, none of us are. And one of the things that can instantly derail us from our plans, our dreams and our hopes for the future is when our personal safety is compromised. Whether it’s at home, at work, or out running errands, we all know that an attack can come from anywhere – but what we often forget is that it can happen to anyone, including us and the people we love.
That’s why we at Signal 88 Security are encouraging everyone in our lives to make personal safety a part of their 2014 resolutions. Here are some things to keep in mind to get you started:
At Home
If you’re renting our buying a new home this year, make sure to change the locks before you move in. You have no idea who might be walking around with keys to your new place.
Remember: a determined intruder won’t always use the door. Windows should all have working locks too.
Consider installing a chime or alert on your doors and windows so that you know every time one is opened.
Keep your doors locked, even when you’re home.
Be cautious when answering the door to strangers – even ones who appear harmless.
Avoid leaving toys and bikes outside your home – you don’t want to signal to intruders that there are children living there.
If lights are on in a room at night, try to remember to draw the shades or the curtains so you’re not providing a road map of your home to any passers-by with shifty intentions.
Out and About
Always park in a well-lighted place, preferably in full sight of the entrance to a building.
But, not too close to the entrance. Thieves are more likely to try to steal cars close to the edge of a parking lot or garage exits, because they will have a faster getaway. It’s best to park in the middle of a lot or row of cars.
Don’t exit a building until you have your car keys in hand. Also, try to establish a sight line to your vehicle before you start walking toward it.
Talking on the phone while walking keeps you from being fully aware of your surroundings and makes a potential assailant think you’re an easy target.
Be aware that assaults can happen any time: day or night. They can also happen in places where you feel safe: work, the gym, even church.
Even if you are loaded down, try to keep a tight grip on your wallet or handbag at all times. Ideally, it should be in front of you.
