Senior Safety

At home ...

Always keep your doors and windows locked. Install dead-bolt locks on all doors.
Keep your home well lit at night, inside and out, and keep your curtains closed at night.
Install a peephole in your front door so you can see callers without opening the door.
Ask for proper identification from delivery- men or strangers. Don’t be afraid of asking — if they are legitimate they won’t mind.
If a stranger asks to use your telephone, offer to place the call for him/her yourself. Never let a stranger into your home.
Do not leave notes on your door when you are gone, and do not hide your keys under the mat or in other conspicuous places.
Never give out information over the phone indicating you are alone or that you won’t be home at a certain time.
When you are gone for more than a day, make sure your home looks and sounds occupied — use automatic timers to turn on lights and a radio or television.

While you’re out ...

Carry your purse very close to you — don’t dangle it from your arm.
Never leave your purse in a shopping cart.
Don’t carry more cash than is necessary.
Avoid walking alone at night.
Have your paychecks or government checks deposited directly to your bank account.
Never withdraw money from your bank accounts for anyone except YOURSELF. Be wary of con artists and get-rich schemes that probably are too-good-to-be-true.
In your car...
Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly maintained to avoid breakdowns.
Always lock your car doors, even when you’re inside and keep your windows rolled up.
Lock packages and other valuables in the trunk. Do not leave them on the back seat or on the floor of the car where thieves can see them.
When you return to your car, always check the front and back seat before you get in.
If your car breaks down, pull over to the right as far as possible, raise the hood, and call 9-1-1 for help. Do not get out of the car or roll down the window until the police arrive.

If you are a victim at home ...

If you arrive at home and suspect a stranger may be inside, DON’T GO IN. Leave quietly and call 9-1-1 to report the crime.
If you are attacked on the street, make as much noise as possible by shouting “9-1-1” or blowing a whistle. Do not pursue your attacker. Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible.
If you have been swindled or conned, report the crime to police. Con artists count on their victim’s reluctance to admit they’ve been duped, but if you delay, you help them succeed and prey upon others.

Please review other Crime Prevention pages at this website also.