Don’t keep anything in your vehicles. Take out your gym bag, GPS, Laptop, and any other item that can be removed. By doing this you greatly decrease your chance of becoming a victim.
DO NOT leave your purse in the vehicle while shopping. You'll likely be missing a purse and have a broken window when you return to your car.
Keep all doors and windows closed and securely locked (see #2.) An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a 1″ throw and reinforced strike plate with 3″ screws holding it in place. All windows should have window locks. And, remember to keep that door to your attached garage locked at all times! Always completely shut your garage door every time. Never leave it open a foot or two at the bottom for air circulation!
Prepare -The File of Life contains a card for you to fill in with your medical history. The magnetic strip on the back allows you to place it on your refrigerator for emergency personnel to locate quickly.
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, but it is also illegal in several states!
Take pictures of your jewelry and write down a description of the item. (The picture will greatly increase your chances of getting the item back)
Write down all Serial Numbers and descriptions to items and keep them in a safe place. (Not on your Computer) Take pictures of the items as well as writing down the serial numbers and store them on an external hard drive and put it into a safe or safety deposit box. This hard drive could also contain a copy of family photos and be kept safe.
Organize a community watch program to protect your neighborhood. It’s easy to do, it’s interesting, and it stops crime. An alert community is a safe community.
DO NOT leave your purse in your shopping cart unattended and even when loading your groceries into your vehicle. When you get to your vehicle the first thing you should do is unlock the vehicle and put your purse inside. Lock your vehicle while you load your groceries into the trunk. It is important to remember to keep your keys with you.
Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
Create an illusion that you are home by using timers on several lights, radios, and/or TVs, making your residence appear occupied, even when it isn’t, will definitely deter criminals.
Never leave a message on your phone telling people that you are away from home on a vacation, or that you’ll return in a few days or a week,… “so please leave a message”, etc. Very dangerous!
Get to know your neighbors and the vehicles they drive. If you see a vehicle or a person who doesn’t belong on your street call the Police Department.
Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Have a trusted neighbor collect mail or put a vacation hold on your mail at the Post Office and stop the newspaper delivery while you are away. Try asking a neighbor to park their car or truck in your driveway or parking space to make it appear that you are home. (Post Office Vacation Hold can be done at http://www.usps.com/ or call 1-800-275-8777)
Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104º.
Keep some window shades up, some blinds open a bit, and a curtain or two open to maintain a more normal everyday appearance to your home.
Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. Large, ornamental hedges may be beautiful, but they provide a hiding place for burglars who need only a minute to break in through a window or door.
Always lock your vehicles and make sure the windows are rolled up even in the garage. I know it is tempting to crack your window one inch during the summer for ventilation but this gives the criminal away to grab your window and force it down.
Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted. Low voltage outdoor lights cost very little to run all night and they will discourage intruders.
Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal rod or piece of wood in the track and be sure to install vertical bolts in the frame to help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it out of its track, while allowing an opening of about 8 inches for air to circulate.
Hydrate: Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.