Never give a caller any reason to think you are home alone
Do not give your name, phone number or address to a telephone caller
Hang up on obscene or frightening phone calls. If they persist, blow a whistle loudly into the mouthpiece. Write down the date, time, and what was said and heard in each call.
If threatening or obscene calls persist, report them to the phone company and block the phone number after making a police report.
In Your Car
Always check the back seat of your car before entering
Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up at all times
Always park in a well-lit busy location
If someone tries to force their way into your car, blow the horn
Keep your car properly maintained
If you think you are being followed by another car do not go home, drive to the nearest police or fire station, open gas station, or other well-lit place, do not get out of your car, rather, use your horn to summons help
Be sure your house, garage and driveway are well lit
When you reach home, leave your car lights on until you open the garage and have your house key ready before you get out of the car
Leave your car in gear when you have to stop at intersections
When you go out, be sure to let someone know your destination, route and expected time of return
Use busy, well-lit streets when possible
Be sure you have enough gas to get to your location
If you wish to help a stranded motorist, do not stop, go to the nearest telephone and call for help
If you park your vehicle during the day and return at night, park near the street and building lights when possible
Stay alert and attuned to things going on around you, do not leave your car if you observe any suspicious persons in the area
Have your car key ready before you approach the car so you do not make yourself vulnerable while searching for the right key
When parking in a valet lot, leave only your ignition key
If your car breaks-down in an isolated area, turn on the emergency blinkers, raise your hood, get back in your car as quickly as possible, lock your doors and keep the windows rolled up. If someone stops, ask that they send help, do not get out of your vehicle or accept rides from anyone other than properly identified repair and delivery personnel.
Never open your door to anyone you do not know. Always verify by telephone that these persons work for the company they say they represent and have been sent for the reason stated.
Most service company employees carry identification cards. Examine the identification carefully. If such a person does not have an ID, get their name and call the company they claim to represent before letting them in.
In Your Home
Keep doors locked at all times
Do not hide door keys outside your home
If door keys have been lost, change locks or re-key immediately
Avoid giving your house keys to anyone other than family members or trusted friends
Be sure the exterior of your home is well lighted at night
Instruct children never to answer a doorbell or a knock at the door
Put curtains or blinds on all windows and keep them closed at night
Install solid wood or metal doors equipped with good deadbolt locks
Move exterior door hinges to the interior or install non-removable hinge pins
Install a wide-angel peephole for a full view outside the door
Do not leave clubs or night spots with strangers or invite them to your apartment or home
When moving into a house or apartment, change or re-key all locks
Know the neighbors you can trust in an emergency
When returning home, have your keys ready and enter the house as quickly as possible
Use your initials rather than your first name in the phone book and on your mailbox
If you hear a prowler inside your house, get out of the house, if possible, through a back door or window to avoid any confrontation with the prowler
If you sense that something is not right, do not go into your home or apartment, call the police
If a stranger asks to use your phone, get the information and place the call for the requestor, do not allow any stranger into your home
Never let it be known that you are home alone
Avoid going out alone at night
While Walking
Avoid walking alone at night
Walk only on busy, well lit streets
Vary your daily routine
Carry a whistle
Do not walk too closely to the inside of a sidewalk, near bushes, alley entrances, driveways or entrances to private places
Try not to overload yourself with packages
Do not hitchhike or accept rides from strangers
If a car approaches and the driver bothers you, walk in the opposite direction
If someone asks you for directions from their car, do not walk over to them, make them speak louder
Don’t walk through dark parking lots, parks or other dark places
If you think someone is following you, do not go home, go instead to a neighbor’s house, open business or other well lighted place where there should be people to help you
If you arrive home by taxi or with a friend, ask them to wait until you are inside your home
