SAFETY ON THE STREET AND WHILE TRAVELING

THE BEST DEFENSE IS BY FAR A GOOD DEFENSE!

You need to plan ahead and think about what you would do if 
you encountered trouble with your vehicle or with a potential 
offender. You should have a plan in mind ahead of time and 
not be caught off guard having to make choices and decisions.

ON VACATION - TIPS FOR A SAFE TRIP

Once you've secured your home you're ready to take a 
vacation. Vacations are meant to be a time of fun and 
relaxation, so don't let it be spoiled by crime. Use these 
security tips and enjoy a worry-free trip.

ON THE ROAD:

     Carry plane, train or bus tickets out of reach; if stolen 
they are as good as cash. If you stop overnight, remove 
all bags and valuables from your car and take them inside. 

WHEN SIGHTSEEING:

     Ask hotel personnel for directions before leaving to 
avoid getting lost. Ask which areas of town should be 
avoided. 
     Looking lost can make you vulnerable. If you do get 
lost, stop at a business to ask for directions rather than 
stopping a stranger on the street. 
     If traveling with children, make sure they have the 
name, address and telephone number of the hotel in the 
event they get lost. 

ON THE BEACH:

     Try not to take a lot of valuables to the beach with you.  
     Never leave anything valuable in your hotel room, use 
the hotel safe.  

PERSONAL AUTO SAFETY TIPS: 

     Park in a well-lit area. 
     Hide your valuables in the trunk of your car. 
     Have your keys ready. 
     Spot check your vehicle before getting in for flat tires; 
broken windows; someone hiding in the car; etc. 
     Keep doors locked and windows closed. 
     Never pick up hitchhiker's - male or female. 
     Never leave keys in the ignition or in a hiding place. 
     At an intersection always keep your car in gear and give
yourself enough room to pull around the car in front of you in 
case someone starts to approach your car. 

DON'T BE AN EASY TARGET!

     Don't walk looking at your feet. It is a sign of weakness. 
If someone is approaching you, sweep your gaze across him 
and then over his head.  Meeting someone's gaze projects 
a strong self-image.
     If you think you are being followed, cross the street 
diagonally. If still followed, walk down the middle of the 
street where you can be seen, or mingle in with a group.

PLAN YOUR WORK AND BE SURE YOU WORK YOUR PLAN!

     On a Bump & Rob do not get out of your car. Continue 
driving with your flashers on and go to a public place. If a so 
called "unmarked" police car tries to pull you over follow the 
same procedure.
If it is an unmarked police car he will have plenty of bright 
lights and sirens ready to stop you.

     Be a tough target. To a potential offender, it's not how 
tough you are, it's how tough you look. 
     Don't behave like a potential victim. Appear confident 
and assertive. 
     Carry and use an umbrella for safety and as a weapon. 
     Trust your instincts. 
     Carry a single key between two fingers with the key 
projecting from your fist. Aim at the offender's face, eyes or 
throat. 
     Take action! Remember, the offender is looking for an 
easy target. 

SOME STARTLING STATISTICS:

     Every 21 seconds an automobile is stolen. 
     25% of all automobiles are stolen from your residence 
     4 out of 5 stolen cars are unlocked. 
     2/3 of all women attacked are at the hands of family, 
friends or acquaintances. 
     Relatives or friends are responsible for 33% of all 
attacks  on women. 
     When traveling to remember Florida's top county for auto 
theft is Dade county---followed by Hillsborough county and 
then Broward county. 

NEVER GET IN A CAR EVEN AT GUN POINT!

     Don't allow the offender to trap you alone. Never 
allow  yourself to be taken into a car---even at gun point. 
It is almost always a one-way trip! The initial contact 
between the victim and the offender is the time the offender 
has the least control. Be prepared to react early in the
confrontation.

PHONE, RADIO, RADAR ALERT!

     Auto burglars are choosing targets by looking for 
vehicles  without cigarette lighters in their receptacles. 
This indicates a good possibility that a phone, radar unit, 
radio or other device that uses the lighter receptacle for 
power is in the  vehicle, possibly out of view. Be sure 
when you are not in  your vehicle that you insert the
cigarette lighter in the receptacle to reduce your chances 
of becoming a victim of auto burglary.

     A Cellular Phone Is A Very Good Safeguard.
SOME HINTS FOR SELF DEFENSE AT HOME

     Golden Rule. The best lock in the world is no good if it 
isn't used. . . Keep your doors and windows locked with 
approved type locks and sturdy doors. 
     Install a peephole to allow you to check who is at the 
door with out having to open the door. 
     Use chain locks . . . they won't keep a burglar out 
necessarily, but will tend to deter his entry.
     When answering the door, keep it locked until you 
know who is there. Chain locks must be bolted well into 
the door.
      Any time you lose your key, you should have all locks 
replaced.  Also, if you move to a new house or apartment, 
as you don't know who may have a key to your door, 
replace the key lock combination. 
     Don't Publicize. Don't leave notes saying you aren't 
home because you are only inviting the criminal. 
     Use only your last name and first initial on your door, 
mailbox or phone book. 
     Have neighbors pick-up your newspaper and mail and 
park the car in your driveway while you are gone. 
     Keep the shades drawn after dark and lock all windows. 
Also leave a light on in a room other than the room you are in. 
     Always keep front door lights on at night. 
     Do not let strangers inside to make any phone calls. 
Offer to make the call for them or encourage them to go 
some place else to call. If they need the police make the 
call and help when police arrive. 
     If you don't know your repairman, policeman, salesman, etc., 
always ask for some official identification before unlocking 
your door or allowing anyone to enter your house. Any 
doubt, call the agency to verify the visit. 

ELEVATORS:

     You should never get into an elevator with a lone, 
suspicious looking person. Wait for the next elevator. It is 
wise to stand near the instrument panel and never back in 
the corner. If you are already in the elevator and the only 
other person on board makes any improper advances
then quickly place your hand over the emergency alarm 
button or reach for the emergency telephone.
Get off at the next stop and if followed scream "fire" to 
get attention.

REPORT TO POLICE:

     The telephone is your best friend and can save your 
life in an emergency if you are prepared to use it properly. 
You need only give the operator your name and address 
and describe briefly what kind of emergency help is 
needed. If you return home and suspect someone is i
nside don't go in.  Call police from a neighbor's. 
If you see or hear any suspicious sounds around your 
neighborhood, call the police also. They are there for you!

SOME TIPS FOR PROTECTION WHILE WALKING:

     If you can avoid it, do not walk alone at night on dark streets. 
     Don't try any shortcuts in vacant lots, etc. 
     Stay close to the curb and away from bushes, dark doorways and
other places where a would-be mugger or rapist may be lurking. Walk 
in lighted areas and carry a flashlight and whistle. 
     If you think you are being followed, turn to look at the possible
source of danger. 
     Carry a whistle sound device or yell "fire" if you need help, if
you feel in danger. 
     Stay in well-lighted areas and have your house or car keys
available in your hand. 
     Never let your purse dangle. Hold it close to your body, and never
set it down on store counters, restaurants or bus seats. Carry a handbag
alarm. 
     Make sure you always have the right change for making a telephone
call. 
     Never take a ride from a stranger no matter how tired or loaded
with parcels you are. It is easier to prevent a problem than it is to
have to work your way out of one when it could have been avoided. 
     Do not get near a strange car to answer questions. Keep your safe
distance. 

SAFEGUARDING YOU AND YOUR CAR:

     Never, never leave your purse or belongings on the car seat to
attract a criminal. It takes only seconds to break into any car. 
     Look into your car back seat before getting in, should someone be
hidden. Park in lighted areas. 
     Intersections and stop lights are favorite places for would-be
attackers. Keep car in gear and if threatened, blow horn and drive away,
even through a traffic light. 
     Always keep your car doors locked and windows up. 
     Never pick up hitchhikers. FBI figures show 50% of hitchhikers have
arrest records for serious crimes. 
     If you have car trouble, raise hood and stay inside with the doors
'locked. If strangers stop, ask them to report your predicament to the
nearest service station. Turn on flashers. Use a CB radio to call for
help. 
     If you are being followed, do not drive into your driveway or
attempt to leave your car. Drive to nearest police station or open
business for help, such as a gas station, all night shopping center. 
     Never leave your title papers or driver's license in your car. 
     Do not hide spare keys under the carpeting, over the sun visor or
in a magnetic box under the wheel. Criminals read ad's for all those
"hide a-key" boxes. 

BUT WHAT IF I AM ATTACKED?

     Use the element of surprise-scream! Or, blow a loud police whistle 
     Scratch with your fingernails, car or house keys 
     Elbow to the ribs, solar plexus, neck, etc. 
     Knee to the groin area 
     Bite if a hand comes near your mouth 
     Make a scene. Draw attention. 
     Try never to be caught unaware. Don't be a "willing" victim. 
     The purpose of self-defense is not to permanently injure or kill,
but simply to temporarily incapacitate. Then try to get away. 
     Yell "fire" and most persons will call the fire department faster
than police or sheriff. 

VULNERABLE BODY TARGETS:

The human body has many structural weaknesses which are definitely
vulnerable targets to attack.  There are many ways to handle defense-not
just one way. You must learn to use the one comfortable and easy for you. 
For example, if a victim has been thrown down to the ground, it would be 
impractical to think that you could stomp the instep of his foot, but 
instead, you would have to choose an area around the face, such as 
the eyes, lips, ears or nose.

EYES:

One of the most vulnerable areas. . . can cause permanent damage. . . 
if the choice is between your own life and the eyes of an attacker 
the decision must be made without hesitation and with quickness.

NOSE:

When hit with force and accuracy can cause excruciating pain and 
render the assailant helpless

HEAD AREA:

     A "knife" blow to the side of the neck, or a pointed fist to the
Adam's apple is another means of inflicting severe discomfort to your
attacker. 
     By twisting the lips or the ears, by using the heel of the hand
under the chin, by poking the finger into the eyes, and by jabbing the
elbow into the solar plexus, you can cause enough pain to cause your
assailant to become more interested in his own pain reflex, then in
holding onto you-thereby, giving you an opportunity for escape. 

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE:

Americans have begun to protect themselves and their families by
learning the easy methods of crime prevention and self-defense, 
rather than just crime victimization. Thus, if you remain alert on the 
streets, in your business and while traveling; if you take the proper 
security precautions for your home and store, you will make it more 
difficult for the criminal, and find that "an ounce of prevention is 
truly worth a pound of cure"

No matter the amount of preparation, you must know what to do in 
various situations if you are unfortunate enough to actually be the 
victim of a crime. There are a number of situations which you 
could encounter, but would you know how to react?

     Get in a local self-defense class and learn. 
     Become involved as a citizen. 
     Be aware of your physical surroundings. 
     Be a victor, rather than a victim! 
     Don't be afraid to go to the police. 
     Select your friends carefully. 
     Watch whom your children become friendly with, too. 

REPORTING THE CRIME:

In reporting the crime, the description of the assailant is very
important. Personal characterization is much more important to note than
his attire. Try to pay particular attention to characteristics that
cannot be changed, such as birth marks rather than hair color, or scars
or a beard. By remaining calm, you will be able to be more observant. To
aid the police in identifying the assailant, note as many of the
following characteristics as possible:

     sex; 
     skin color; 
     age; 
     weight; 
     body type; 
     color of hair; 
     color of eyes; 
     type of weapon; 
     which hand the weapon was held; 
     shape of nose; 
     teeth; 
     clothing; 
     hair style; 
     mustache or beard; 
     speech characteristics; 
     physical abnormalities; 
     conversation during the assault; 
     distinguishing characteristics, scars, birthmarks, etc. 

THE DRUG CULTURE A THREAT TO US ALL!

Drugs. They have destroyed families, ruined careers, shattered dreams,
killed children and adults.  Day by day, life by life, the illegal sale
and abuse of drugs is taking its toll on our communities.

Drug abuse and alcohol abuse are two of our greatest social problems.
Drug and alcohol abuse is involved in one-third of our child abuse, and
substance abuse is involved in two-thirds of all homicides.

Our society is one of "drug use." We take drugs to relax, to put us to
sleep, to wake us up, to give us energy, to lose weight, and the list
goes on. Although we know the dangers involved with most drugs, we
continue to subject our bodies to this substance abuse.

The cocktail-like mixing of dangerous drugs has spawned a new
word-polydrugism. Eighty percent of the people arrested for driving
while intoxicated are shown, by laboratory tests, to have at least one
other drug in their systems besides alcohol.

When marijuana and alcohol are used together, the marijuana can suppress
the natural vomiting reflex that often accompanies too much drinking.
This can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be deadly. At the least,
it can encourage overdosing on alcohol so frequently that there is
increased damage to the brain and liver.

Combining cocaine and alcohol is a big thing. Cocaine makes them high
but edgy, so they drink to balance it off a little bit. Add to that a
swimming pool or an automobile, and the combination is lethal. The
abuser feels he is stronger and can drive better, do a better job, lift
heavier things, take more risks and do things they are not capable of.
It increases self-deception.

"Crack" or "rock" is a new potent form of cocaine that is smoked, and
produces an intense rush and high six to ten seconds after it is smoked.
The "high" only lasts three to five minutes, and leaves the user
extremely depressed. "Crack" is producing more violent and erratic
behavior than any known chemical today. The possibility of a fatal
overdose reaction to cocaine is much greater with "crack"because of the
large doses of the drug that are delivered to the brain.

Where to Go for Help. How to Spot Drug Abuse. How to Approach the
Abuser:
Q. I think my child is using drugs. What are the signs that will tell I
me for sure?
A. Look for a distinct personality change in your-child, marked by
moodiness and even violence.  Slipping grades at school and extreme
fatigue are other signs.

Q. Once I'm sure, how and when should I confront my child?
A. Don't approach your child when he or she is high. Instead, gather
your facts and wait for a rational moment when the two-of you can talk
calmly.

Q. What drugs are most popular in the schools?
A. Alcohol still is the most popular among students. Besides drinking,
students are caught most often with marijuana, crack cocaine and pills.

Most states have a serviceable drug "hot-line" that you can call for
help. There are various agencies within most school systems that can
offer help as well.

Education is a must. Education through the home, the school, and through
the church. The dangers must be emphasized, and children of all ages
must be taught to say no to any and all drugs.

BIG DEAL IT COULD NEVER HAPPEN TO ME OR COULD IT? SO, JUST IN CASE,
I SHOULD:

     Always be Aware. Have a continuous grasp of what's going on around
you be on guard for suspicious characters of perilous situations! 
     Try Being Discreet. Refrain from showing or carrying large sums of
money and avoid flamboyant dress or actions! 
     Report to Police-All criminal acts which are attempted or suspected
to be in progress. 

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Safety and Tips Page!