|
|
 |
Travel Security
- Always have your keys out and ready before leaving a building or approaching
your car as well as your residence. Trying to locate your keys after you reach
your car or home provides criminals an excellent opportunity to sneak up on
you. Have your car door lock key and ignition key out and accessible. Also
be aware that criminals may hide inside your vehicle or underneath your car
and attempt to attack you. Keep your windows locked and rolled up as well.
- Never give a parking attendant or mechanic or similar all of your keys.
Only provide them with the ignition key and know the names of the people.
You may want to keep a written logbook to assist you for future reference
of who handled your keys and the dates. Color each key so that you know which
lock the key is used for and can quickly locate the same to avoid fumbling
around.
- Also, look behind you as you are walking from time to time. If you see
the same person or vehicle following you more than twice, you may want to
proceed to a well-populated area and seek help and reevaluate the situation
quickly. Don't be afraid to call the police; that is what they are there for.
- When you enter your vehicle, assuming the bad guy isn't inside already
hiding, be sure to lock your door immediately. Don't attempt to start your
vehicle first, until you secure your doors.
- If someone or something appears suspicious, have a notepad and pen available
in your vehicle so that you can write down vehicles plates. Drive away to
a well-populated area and report it to the police.
- If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident and have a cell phone,
immediately call
911 if possible. If you feel uncomfortable due to night time hours or darkness,
tell the driver through your window without opening your door that you have
called 911 and will proceed to a well populated area where the police are
waiting and write their vehicle license plates and personal description down
on a note pad.
- If you haven't done so already, purchase a cell phone and keep it charged
regularly. Have a back up charged battery. Cell phones are the best means
of help.
- If you are being accosted or assaulted and have nowhere to run, consider
going underneath a vehicle (not the bad guys); it is very hard for them to
take you.
- Always maintain your vehicle regularly, i.e.: tune-up, oil change, etc.
Filling up your vehicle with gas during day light hours in a familiar area
is best so that you aren't forced to drive in an unfamiliar area possibly
at night which is dangerous.
- Do not leave your car running while you are in a store. Do not leave your
keys in your ignition with or without your car running because they are susceptible
to being stolen.
- Never pick up hitchhikers. It is never safe to have a stranger in the car
with you. When you see a hitchhiker, do not pick them up. Even if they seem
to be an innocent lady or girl, they may be accompanied by a bad guy hiding
in the area awaiting for your arrival. If you want to be a good citizen and
need to take action, call 911 and advise them of where the stranded hitchhikers
or persons may be. Hitchhiking is considered a crime.
- Create and establish a street, community, or neighborhood watch program.
Your town administration highway department office can install the signs.
You should communicate with your neighbors, if they aren't the criminal of
course, and discuss
suspicious cars, people, or ideally what action to take should something unusual
occur.
Return To Personal Security Tips
|
