Wednesday, September 10, 2008

PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS FROM THE RCMP

Safety at Home and in the Community

No matter what a person’s age or physical status, personal safety is important. Here are just a few suggestions on how you can keep
yourself safe at home and in the community. It’s not just good advice, it’s Ageless Wisdom.

Around the House

  • Keep doorways and windows visible to neighbours
  • Leave lights on outside after dark
  • Keep shrubs cut back
  • Install good locks and always use them
  • Close drapes or shades after dark
  • When answering the door, do not open it, ask: “Who is there?”, use your peephole or check through a window

On the Telephone

  • Do not give out any personal information
  • If you are contacted by a telephone solicitor and you are not interested in the product or offer, simply decline and hang up
  • If you are contacted by a telemarketer that you feel is fraudulent, contact Phone Busters, a police associated program to combat telemarketing fraud
  • Do not give your credit card number over the phone unless you are absolutely certain the caller is legitimate

On the Internet

  • Do not give out personal information over the internet or email
  • Do not open email, files, or links from people you do not know and trust
  • Use caution when providing your credit card number on-line, contact your bank or credit card company for tips for online shopping safety

When Walking

  • Walk in well-lit areas away from doorways and bushes
  • Avoid alleys
  • Carry your keys and personal identification in your pocket
  • Do not wrap your purse strap around your wrist or wear it across your chest
  • If you think you are being followed, cross the street and walk in the opposite direction, go to the nearest public place

Travelling by Car

  • Plan your route ahead of time
  • Place valuables on the floor not on the seat next to you
  • Keep car doors locked at all times
  • Have your keys ready before approaching your car
  • Look around, then inside, your car before entering
  • Park in well-lit and open areas
  • Use an anti-theft device
  • Do not leave purses or other valuables in your car
  • If you are being followed, do not go home, go to the nearest public place

On a Scooter

  • Always travel slowly on the sidewalk - if sidewalks are not available travel on the edge of the road facing oncoming traffic
  • Cross the road only at crosswalks or corners
  • Use reflective tape on all sides of the scooter and a reflective flag to make yourself visible

In the Event of an Emergency

  • Stay calm
  • Cooperate with the criminals, no amount of money is worth getting hurt over
  • Look carefully for any unusual traits such as tattoos, scars, and clothes
  • CALL THE POLICE when it is safe to do so

Important Phone Numbers:

EMERGENCY
Non Emergency – Call your local Police

911

BC Coalition to Eliminate Abuse of Seniors

1-866-437-1940

Better Business Bureau, Mainland BC

604-682-2711

BlockWatch

1-888-405-2288 (ext 221)

Canada Revenue Agency

1-800-O CANADA

Phone Busters

1-888-495-8501

VictimLINK

1-800-563-0808

VictimLINK TTY

604-875-0885


allvoices

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