Personal Security

Personal Security Checklist

The most serious obstacle to personal safety is an attitude of complacency or fatalism. “It can’t happen to me” and “if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen” is dangerous thinking.

Today, the most prevalent threat you face is crime.

A criminal attack against you or your family can take place at any location, as can a fire or other disaster. However, you can influence what happens to you by assuming more responsibility for your own security.

• Start neighborhood watch on your street. Contact the crime prevention unit of your law enforcement agency.
• Do not leave your vehicle running unattended in your driveway to “warm up”.
• Do not leave your garage door open, even for a few minutes, or even if you are home. Over 30% of burglaries are due to open garage doors while the owner is home.
• Install additional sensor lights around your home and property; leave lights on all night long.
• Do not leave a young child in a vehicle alone, even for a minute. If you witness a violation like this call police right away and give the exact location, description and license number.
• Buy a shredder and use it! Shred all mail and other sensitive material before you discard it.
• Replace burned out light bulbs or broken light fixtures in and around your home.
• Photograph valuables such as jewelry, watches, etc., and keep these photos with your insurance information.
• Record the serial numbers, date of purchase, make and model of TVs, DVD’s, cameras, etc. if you are a victim of burglary, this information will be placed in a nationwide law enforcement data bank identifying the item as stolen property with a case number from the reporting agency.
• Always lock your vehicle after you exit, even if it is parked in your locked garage.
• Check your credit history once a year. Regularly reconcile your bank accounts and take time to check your credit card statements.
• Write down your vehicle license number and VIN number and keep it in your wallet in case you need to report your vehicle stolen, you will have this important information to provide for law enforcement.
• Conceal your registration and insurance information in your glove compartment. Vehicle burglars have been removing this information to use for identity theft.
• Store guns, expensive jewelry, etc. in a safe at your home. Use a locked “security closet” to store valuables at your workplace. This will deter criminals who are in a hurry to flee from getting some of your most prized possessions.
• Do not leave any items visible in your vehicle. Criminals will target vehicles for a break in when they see packages, purses, bags, etc.
• Check the locks on your home’s doors. Make sure the screws in the door strike plates are at least 1 ¾ inches long and you have deadbolt locks with at least 2-inch throws.
• Never carry your original social security card in your wallet. Store it in a secure area at your home.
• Have an emergency disaster response plan at your home and workplace. Contact your local fire department, Red Cross or police department for information about disaster preparedness through neighborhood watch.

A more comprehensive list of personal security awareness information is available by clicking here.