If you are in danger, scream and...

If you are in danger, scream and run, or yell “fire.� Run toward

lights or people.

Always lock car doors after entering or leaving your car. Don’t

leave valuables in plain view.

Have your car keys in your hand and check the back seat area

before entering your car.

If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or to

a police or sheriff’s station.

Your best defense is to be prepared -- know your options ahead of

time. Your

safety may depend upon your ability to stay cool and calm.

Require salespeople or repair people to show identification.

The No. 1 killer of teenagers, before they go to college, is

alcohol-related highway accidents.

About one-third of local arrests involve alcohol. Alcohol abuse

impairs judgment, causes injuries and kills.

Keep emergency phone numbers handy or memorize them.

Discuss safety plans with family, friends, neighbors, children and

baby-sitters.

Use a purse with a shoulder strap. Carry it with the side that

opens toward you. Hold your purse securely.

Park away from vans or cars with someone “waiting around.�

Keep a “call police� sign under the front seat of your car.

If someone signals that something is wrong with your car, drive to

the nearest service station to check it. Do not stop and get out of

your car.

Never leave an extra key under the door mat, above the door, under

a flower pot, etc. Leave one with a trusted neighbor.

Have a light on in the room where you are and have a light on in a

room where you are not. It gives the impression of more than one

person being at home.

List your name on the mailbox and in the phone book with first

initial and last name only.

Give your home a lived in look by arranging for pick up of papers

and mail in your absence.

Never answer questions on the phone until you are certain of the

caller’s identity.

Teach your children to answer with a simple “hello.� Do not

answer by saying the name of the family.

Hang up on obscene, threatening or nuisance calls. Make a police

report if they continue. Do not have your phone number printed on

your personal checks. Try to provide only a business number.