It’s that time of the year again! We’ll all be shopping, visiting with friends and a myriad of other things. We will be thinking about what to get Aunt Mary, when to put up the decorations, and who’s coming to our holiday feast. We don’t have time to think about personal safety, right? Think again …
Because we tend to get distracted during this time of year, we are more prone to becoming victims of crime – theft, robbery, and assault. Unfortunately, not everyone has the holiday spirit.
What can we do to help ourselves and mitigate the chance of becoming a victim? Here are a few guidelines:
1. We’ll begin with the one almost EVERYONE violates - Talking on your cell phone or texting makes you easy prey. "Stay in the Zone – Put down the Phone!"
2. Be sure to walk in well-lit, highly-traveled streets … even during the daytime. Never take unfamiliar shortcuts, and walk with someone else whenever possible.
3. If someone is walking behind you or approaching from the front, and you are unsure of their intent, make direct eye contact to let them know that you are aware and you see them. Be prepared to take action if necessary.
4. When approaching your home or vehicle, have your keys in your hand prior to reaching the door. When approaching your parked car, look around and make sure no one is hiding in or around your vehicle; check the back seat too. Get in quickly. lock the doors and drive away.
5. If you think you are being followed, abruptly switch directions or duck into a business or public place and ask for help or call 911.
6. Finally, and this fits with all the previous recommendations, always be aware of what’s going on around you, especially close to you. Most victims will tell you they never saw the attacker or didn’t believe they were in any danger.
All of us at GTAC want you to have a happy and joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year! We’d love to see you at some of our classes next year!!
BE SAFE · BE READY · BE PREPARED
