Orff4

The feeling of security
By Tim Orff

Everybody wants to feel safe in his or her home and in his or her automobile. But everyday, crimes are committed on victims who don’t properly prepare for the unexpected. Basic safety tips, no matter where one lives in the world, should be practiced with caution. A few simple rules can help save a life.

The home is a “feeling of security” for you and your family, but how do you know whether you really are safe inside your home? According to ADT Security Systems, a home security business, www.ADT.com, the average family has a one-in-four chance of being the victim of a serious crime each year. ADT also states, that even worse, burglary is often compounded by violence.

Unfortunately, today many burglars can override security systems by using state-of-the-art hacking equipment, leaving your house vulnerable. Fortunately, there are a number of tips that one can use to help keep your house safe and secure. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) states on their website that one out of ten homes will be burglarized this year. It also says that many burglars will spend no longer than 60 seconds trying to break into a home. But using good locks and having good neighbors who can watch out for you can be good deterrents to burglars.

Some simple rules that anybody can use to protect their homes can be found on the NCPC’s website: www.ncpc.org. Some of these rules are:

o Make sure every external door has a sturdy, well-installed dead bolt lock. Key-in-the-knob locks alone are not enough.
o All outside doors should be metal or solid wood.
o Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer in all entry doors so you can see who is outside without opening the door.
o Thieves hate bright lights. Install outside lights and keep them on at night.
o If you travel, create the illusion that you’re at home by getting some timers that will turn lights on and off in different areas of your house throughout the evening.
o Invest in an alarm system.

Many neighborhoods around the country here created a “Neighborhood Watch” program for the community. Just ask your local law enforcement for help in setting up such a program.

Similar to the home, many people view their automobile as a sanctum for safety. This is not always the case. Sadly, auto theft is quickly becoming a booming illegal business, where vehicles are often stolen for the sale of parts. According to Vinguard, an auto theft prevention organization, vehicles are stolen every 19 seconds in North America, and their research indicates most vehicles are stolen from shopping malls, streets, driveways, parking lots, garages and car dealerships.

According toVinguard's web site, www.vinguard.org, most experienced car thieves can steal a car in less than one minute, and can take only 40 seconds to cut through a steering wheel, to remove “The Club,” a popular form of auto theft protection. Auto theft is a large concern in the United States that costs taxpayers over $10 billion a year.

But how can we be safe when we are in our car? The City of Fullerton, California’s Police website, www.ci.fullerton.ca.us, gives safety tips for citizens. According to the Fullerton Police, being safe within your vehicle is a three-step process: 1.) being safe getting into your car, 2.) on the road, and 3.) getting out of your car.

Here are their tips for being safe getting into your car:

o Walk with purpose and stay alert.
o Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
o Approach your car with the keys in hand.
o Look around and inside the car before getting in.
o Be cautious of cars parked with the engine running.

One has to remember that everyone can be a victim; it doesn’t matter what type of car you drive.

While on the road, keep these tips in mind:

o Check to see if a vehicle appears to be following you.
o Keep your doors locked, and windows rolled up, no matter how short the distance or how safe the area is.
o When coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and may need to get away.
o Avoid driving alone. Travel with someone if possible, especially at night. If travelling alone, keep a cell phone or CB handy in case of emergency.

Even if the trip has been normal and the drive has been safe, you are never out of the woods. Many carjackers and criminals will make their move after you get of your car. Some tips to stay safe while getting out of the car are:

o Park in well-lit areas, near sidewalks or walkways. Avoid parking near dumpsters, woods, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility.
o Never leave valuables in plain view, even if the car is locked. Placing the valuables in an unseen place of the car will prevent attraction to thieves.
o When parking in a garage, try to park in a garage with an attendant. Leave only the ignition key, with no identification.

Being safe in your house and on the roads is important to one’s wellbeing. Knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death. Being well prepared and well educated about the unexpected will keep your mind focused and sharp.

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