There are many things you can do to improve your security and safety in today’s world that do not involve making a purchase, but instead require changing your behavior. Quite a few of those suggested security practices are below and in the next article. Do not let the sheer amount of information overwhelm you. Instead, read through and pick one piece of advice that is applicable to your daily routine and begin using it. After a few days, when that improved security practice is becoming a habit, review this information and choose another security improvement to put in place. In this fashion you will quickly improve the safety and security of yourself and your family, without any great interference in your routine.
First, and in my opinion most important, maintain an awareness of your surroundings. Be alert to potential threats, such as people or animals approaching too closely without reason, or hiding places where they may come from. Look at faces and, if it is not someone you know and trust, then look for their hands. In addition to anything which may be a weapon, a hand tucked under their arm, behind their leg, in their pocket, or otherwise out of sight is also cause for additional scrutiny. Watch for possible escape routes or even places to hide or shelter in an emergency. Be especially alert when you are about to stop your car in case a carjacker is lying in wait, or a mugger is waiting for you to leave your vehicle. By detecting threats and planning responses early, you are giving yourself the best opportunity to minimize the threat, or even avoid it entirely.
Don’t forget to “check your six” and look for people following you, whether on foot or in your vehicle. An easy way to check for someone following, without the dangerous and melodramatic methods often shown on TV, is to simply make several right hand turns. Make these turns in such locations as to remain in populated areas, and be careful to avoid dead ends. Certainly less embarrassing than running a red light or going the wrong way on a one way street if it turns out they are heading elsewhere, but if they are still behind you after a fourth turn in the same direction, then you are both going back toward where you started and it’s time to head for a safe location and call for help.
If at anytime someone or something makes you uncomfortable, then leave. An inconvenience is not worth a risk to your safety. Notify police of suspicious activities, even if it is just something out of place. Do not tie up an emergency line for frivolous reports, but the police, at least in most places, don’t mind checking something out before it becomes an emergency.
When possible, travel in groups of two or more and avoid secluded or high crime areas. Sometimes these security tips are impractical, just be aware of the increased risk and raise your alertness or take other measures accordingly. Keep you doors locked, both your home and car, whether you are in or out. Even lock your car when it is in your garage. Look around before opening your door. This applies both to when you are answering a knock or you are entering or exiting your home or vehicle.
Protect your personal information. Do not share any sensitive information with someone who does not have a legitimate need to know. If they claim they must have it and you are not establishing some sort of business relationship with them, then be doubly cautious. Guard your identity from thieves both online and off. Shred any sensitive documents before recycling or throwing out.
Keep a low profile and when travelling try to blend in with the locals. Don’t greet everyone with a challenging stare, but don’t immediately look away like a timid victim either. In many circumstances, a polite nod sends the message that you have seen them and you are confident of your ability to handle yourself. It is not uncommon in many urban areas to discover the only people who make eye contact are police or people with mental issues. Most bad guys don’t mess with either.
Share these and other tips with your friends, family, and neighbors. Either teach them yourself, or refer them to CrimeRepellent.com. The fewer “easy marks” there are around you, the less likely a criminal will seek victims in the vicinity. There are many more things you can do to improve your family’s security in this article. If you have suggestions of your own, we invite you to share them with other visitors to this site.