Autumn Crime Prevention and Safety Tips:
Protect what matters this Fall
As the Fall season sets in, temperatures drop and the Sun sets earlier each day. While we are all busy enjoying the weather, it is important to remember that this time of year is perfect cover for petty criminals. The majority of people practice basic crime prevention without giving it a lot of thought. We lock the doors when we leave our homes or take the keys when we park the car. Yet many of us fail to take what in many cases are obvious crime prevention measures because we routinely underestimate the risk of a common crime occurring.
Here are a few simple tips that will help to keep you from being a victim.
Put on those lights! Criminals don't like bright lights. A carefully placed floodlight on a motion sensor is an economical way to prevent people from lurking in the shadows. Set some interior lights on timers (set the timer to random, if possible).
Lock those doors! Most vehicle thefts are spontaneous events. If a thief is confronted with a locked door it is likely that he will move on to the next car.
Do not leave your vehicle running with the keys inside to allow it to warm up, even if the doors are locked. Most vehicle thefts occur using the vehicle key.
When working in your backyards, ensure that the screen door or the front door is locked.
Keep your valuables in the house! You would not believe how many people will leave valuable electronics like laptops and GPS units in a vehicle. If you have purchased valuables like electronics, cut up the boxes so as not to advertise that you have these expensive items.
Where are your serial numbers? When we solve a burglary one of our priorities is returning property to the rightful owner. That is why it is important to keep those serial numbers listed somewhere.
Safety tips for Fall Driving
There's nothing more beautiful than a fall drive, but this season brings some unique hazards for drivers. Being aware of these potential dangers can help keep you and your family safe and prevent accidents.
Be aware of poor visibility. This time of year is when frost on the windshield begins. Clear your windshield before beginning your journey and turn on your defogger if necessary.
Falling leaves can also obscure your vision as can rain or fog. Shorter days are part of the fall season, making it more difficult to see children playing or people walking and riding bicycles. Slow down if you cannot see well.
Slow down on Wet Pavement. Frost can also form on the road surface without being visible, so be cautious in wooded areas, bridges and overpasses, where ice can quickly develop.
If it's raining, keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. Wet roads make it more difficult to stop, and wet leaves also make the pavement slippery.
Fire Safety Tips for Fall
Service your Furnace. Be sure to call your heating and cooling company to inspect the furnace to make sure it is in working order and that there are no leaks. Keep all flammable materials away from your furnace. This includes clothing, paint products, toxic materials, cardboard and more.
Use Fireplaces Safely. Inspect the chimney to confirm it is free of debris, creosote buildup, and is unobstructed so combustibles can vent. Keep the fire in its proper place by using a fireplace screen to keep sparks from flying out. Never leave a burning fire unattended and make sure it is completely out before going to bed.
Use Caution with Space Heaters. A space heater can be an effective way to warm up a chilly room, but it's essential that you read the instructions for your unit before you use it. If it requires venting, make sure you are venting it to the outdoors as they can increase the risk of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Never use your stove or oven to heat your home and make sure you allow at least three feet of empty area around the space heater. Keep it away from clothing, bedding, drapery and furniture. And remember to shut them off if you leave the house.
Exercise Candle Caution. Candles are a great way to give a room that warm glow or scent, but they can also cause fires. Never leave candles burning if you go out or go to sleep, and keep your candles on a steady surface and away from pets or children.
Change Smoke Alarm Batteries. We tend to plug in a lot more devices in the fall and winter. It is important to test all smoke alarms and have a family fire drill. Remember to replace used and expired fire extinguishers as well.
By keeping these important fall safety tips in mind, you can be sure you are doing everything you can to protect yourself and your family from seasonal dangers. This will leave your mind free to enjoy the beauty of this glorious season.
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