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Safety Tips

MAKE YOUR BUSINESS MORE ATTRACTIVE TO CUSTOMERS AND LESS ATTRACTIVE TO ROBBERS

  • CLEAN Keep your business clean and free of clutter.

  • VISIBLE Never restrict the view into your store; maintain maximum visibility.

  • ELIMINATE Locate and eliminate potential escape routes or hiding places.

  • LITTLE CASH Keep a minimal amount of cash on hand.

  • GREET Make eye contact as you greet everyone who enters your business.

  • CHECK Keep alert at all times, checking for loiterers or people watching your business.

  • MARK & POST Mark doorways with proper heights; post your minimum cash policy and the penalty for armed robbery.

  • TWO PEOPLE Establish a policy of using two people to open AND close your business; use a set of prearranged signals for "all clear."
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For additional information call our Crime Prevention Officer at 610-623-0700

GUN SAFETY

Seven things parents can do to prevent gun violence

  1. Teach children that guns can hurt and kill.

  2. Tell children not to touch a weapon.

  3. Explain to children that gun violence in the movies, on TV shows and video games are not real.

  4. Teach children how to resolve conflict without using words and action that hurt by setting a good example in how you handle anger, disagreements and sadness.

  5. Support community safety by supporting efforts to keep weapons out of schools.

  6. Make sure that all handguns, rifles and shotguns are securely stored in a locked area and out of reach of children.

  7. For added safety, ammunition should be stored in a separate secured area.
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For additional information call our Crime Prevention Officer at 610-623-0700

CHILD SAFETY TIPS

PREVENTION TIPS TO KEEP CHILDREN FROM BECOMING VICTIMS

  • Never allow your child to use a public restroom unattended.

  • As you always want to know where your child is; let your child know where you are or will be.

  • Be sure that any babysitter is a responsible person, capable of handling any emergency.

  • Don't " personalize" your child's clothing or accessories with his/her name.

  • If an incident does occur, your child should know what to do:
    • SAY "NO"
    • GET AWAY
    • TELL SOMEONE


  • Instruct your child on how to contact the Police Department, Fire Department or Ambulance by dialing 911.

  • If your child is missing, call 911. Do not wait. Have a recent picture of your child. Know his/her friends and hangouts. Have a good description of your child, including his/her clothing.

  • If your child has been sexually abused, call 911. Do not wait. Do not bathe the child or change his/her clothes. If the suspect is a relative contact the department of Social Services, in addition to the Police.

CHILD SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS

  • Teach your child your phone number, including area code and your full address.

  • Teach your child how to use the telephone to call home, a law enforcement officer or dial "O" for an operator in an emergency.

  • Make a mental note of the clothes your child wears EVERY DAY. Avoid putting your child's name on clothes or books. Children may respond to a stranger who calls them by name.

  • Instruct your child's school to notify you immediately if your child is absent. Inform the principal who is authorized to pick your child up from school. Try to have the same person pick your child up every day when possible.

  • Check your child's route to and from school. Call attention to any dangerous spots such as vacant lots, alleyways, etc. Advise them what to do if a strange person follows or approaches them.

  • Choose a secret code word to use with your child in case of an emergency. Tell your child never to go with anyone who does not know this code word.
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For additional information call our Crime Prevention Officer at 610-623-0700

KEEPING BABYSITTING SAFE

CARING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST RESPONSIBILITIES YOU'LL EVER HAVE AND SOMETHING THAT MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.

GETTING THE JOB

  • Baby-sit only for people you know, or for whom you have a personal reference. Answering newspaper ads is not as safe as agreeing to sit for a friend of your mother's. Know your employer.

  • Leave the name, address and telephone number of where you'll be babysitting with your parents, and tell them what time your employer expects to be home.

  • Be sure to find out from your employer what time they expect to be back, and be sure, especially if it's your first time sitting for them, that they know how much you charge and if you have a curfew.

ON THE JOB

  • Before the parents leave, fill out a BABYSITTING SAFETY CHECKLIST. Do this for every job you take. Keep the form and a pencil and paper near the phone.

  • Have the parents do a safety check with you throughout their house or apartment. Find out where the emergency exit(s) would be in case of fire. Find out if the house or apartment has a smoke alarm or fire extinguisher, or both.

  • Know how to work the door and window locks in the house or apartment, and lock them. If you're in a house, leave at least one outside light on.

  • If the phone rings while you're babysitting, don't tell the caller that you're alone. Say you're visiting and the child's parent can't come to the phone right now, but you'll give them a message. If anyone persists or gets rude,

  • just hang up.

  • Don't open the door to strangers, and don't tell anyone who comes to the door that you're there alone. Again, say that you're visiting and will deliver a message.

  • The same rules, of course, apply to daytime as well as night babysitting, with a few additions:

  • During the day you might have the child(ren) out in the yard. If you're in back, make sure the front is locked - and vice versa.

  • If you take the child(ren) out, to the park or anywhere else, make sure you have the house key with you when you leave. Double check to be certain all doors are locked before you leave.

  • It is a good idea to have the child(ren) go to the bathroom before you leave, to help avoid having to use public rest rooms.

  • When you are out with the child(ren), don't talk to strangers, and, if you suspect you're being followed at any time, go to a nearby home, store, or gas station and call the police.

  • When you get back to the child(ren)'s home, if anything seems unusual - a broken window, a door ajar, a moving truck parked outside - don't go in. Go to a neighbor and call the police. For that matter, if, at any time while you're babysitting, you're uneasy or suspicious about something you see or hear, don't hesitate to call the police.

IN AN EMERGENCY

  • If you suspect a fire, get the child(ren) and yourself out. Go to a neighbor's and call the fire department, and, if you've been able to take the Safety Checklist with you, call your employer and let them know where you and the child(ren) are.

  • In any kind of emergency, stay calm. The most important thing to remember is that young children won't panic if you don't.

WHEN THE JOB'S OVER

  • When your employer returns home, report on what happened, especially if there was anything you considered unusual.

  • Call home to let someone know you're on your way.

  • Be sure you have an escort home; this should be one of the conditions under which you accept any babysitting job.

  • If, for some reason, your employer won't drive or walk you home - or if he or she seems intoxicated - ask someone at your house to come and get you. Never go home alone at night from a babysitting job.

KEEPING BABYSITTING SAFE BABYSITTING SAFETY CHECKLIST

ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER:
WHERE PARENTS WILL BE:
EMERGENCY FRIEND OR RELATIVE:
CHILD (REN)'S DOCTOR:
ALLERGIES / MEDICATIONS:
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
POLICE AND FIRE 911

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For additional information call our Crime Prevention Officer at 610-623-0700

OLDER ADULTS CAN USE CRIME PREVENTION TO EFFECT A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

  • Avoid get rich-quick schemes. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

  • No honest person will ever ask you to take money out of your account, or ask for the secret code to your computer card. If anyone asks you to do so, talk to the bank manager or to a police officer that you know.

  • Never allow someone to look over your shoulder while you use your computer card or your secret code.

  • Read and understand any contract before you sign it.

  • If you consider buying from a door to door salesperson, ask for credentials.

  • It is best to deal with local business people that you know

  • Do not be afraid of or intimidated by a salesperson. Do not be pushed into anything. Any genuine deal or moneymaking plan can wait a few days for you to check it out.

  • Do not enter a contest or accept free gifts or prizes unless you clearly understand your obligations.

  • Never pay for something you did not order or do not want. If anyone says that a deceased loved one has ordered something, check it out, or simply say that you will not accept delivery or make payment.

  • Buy insurance from someone you trust. Buy only what you really want, need and can afford.

  • Never carry large sums of money. Have retirement, social security or other checks automatically deposited into your bank account. Pay your bills by check.

  • When you carry a purse, keep it firmly in your hand with the clasp nearest your body. Do not dangle it as a target.

  • Travel, walk, or park in well lit areas with a companion if possible

  • Keep your car in good repair and always lock your doors. Store packages or valuables in the trunk or out of sight.

  • Protect your home with good doors and window locks. Use dead bolt locks and install a peephole.

  • Trim shrubbery that blocks the view of your doors and windows.

  • Always leave your home so that it looks occupied. Leave some lights or a radio on. When away, have a friend pick up your mail or paper and cut your grass.

  • If you, or an elderly or disabled person that you know are being abused, neglected, or exploited, report it to the county department of social services. In an emergency, you may need to call 911. . Be a "nosey neighbor." Report all suspicious activities in your community.
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For additional information call our Crime Prevention Officer at 610-623-0700

Smart Tips for Online Safety

  1. Never tell anyone your home address, telephone number or school name without asking a parent, and never share personal information publicly online (like in a chat room or newsgroup/message board post.

  2. Don't give your password to anyone but your parents-not even your best friend.

  3. Never say you'll meet someone in person without asking your parent first.

  4. Always tell a parent, librarian or teacher about any threatening or bad language you see online.

  5. Don't accept things from strangers (e-mails, files, links or URLs).

  6. If someone says something that makes you feel unsafe or funny, notify your parents, librarian or teacher and leave the chat room or Web site.
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For additional information call our Crime Prevention Officer at 610-623-0700

The Prevention of Carjacking

Facts

  • Carjackings take place very quickly. Most only take 15 to 20 seconds to complete.

  • Carjackings can be violent. Drivers have been beaten or even murdered while being pulled out of their car.

  • Carjackers are usually armed, either with a gun or a knife.

  • Carjackings may first involve a minor vehicle accident. The victim's vehicle is "bumped" at a stop sign, red light or interstate off ramp. When they exit their vehicle to check the damage, the carjacker may display a weapon and take the vehicle.

  • Other carjackings occur at stop signs or lights. The carjacker may approach the vehicle, display a weapon and order the victim out of his/her vehicle.

  • As a victim is entering or exiting their vehicle, the suspect may be standing close by, be in a parked vehicle hiding by other parked vehicles or building.

  • Anybody can be a target. Carjackers look for targets of opportunity.

Precautions While Driving Your Car

  • Plan your route, try not to travel alone

  • Do not drive in unfamiliar areas avoid trouble spots

  • Keep doors locked and windows up

  • Look in the rear view mirror often

  • Observe 180 degrees around you

  • Keep packages, purses, etc. on the vehicle floor rather than on the seat where they are easier to see

  • If a suspicious looking person approaches you vehicle, drive away carefully, even if you must go through a traffic light

  • Don't "drift off" when stopped, Stay Alert

  • If bumped from behind, motion for the other driver to follow, drive to the nearest safe place. Notify the police immediately

  • When stopping to use outside phones, or ATM's, choose a well-lighted and highly visible area

  • When stopping in traffic, leave enough distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, so you can pull away quickly if necessary

If Confronted While Stopped

  • Don't panic

  • Avoid verbal/physical confrontation

  • If pulled form your car or confronted while in your car, cooperate, move away quickly

  • Walk/run from the immediate area

  • Call the Police immediately

  • If you have a cell phone, call for help

  • Give a description of you car and the suspect(s).

Options To Consider

  • Have a plan, do something, don't just sit there

  • Be extra cautious when someone approaches your car and asks for information. If you must talk to them, do so with the window up, the doors locked and ready to drive away if necessary.

Getting Out Of Your Vehicle

  • Park in well-lighted area

  • Park near a main aisle

  • If you suspect something is wrong, don't stop

  • Always park where you have a 360 degree view around you

  • Be aware of your surroundings before you get out

  • Use you auto alarm, if you have one, as a personal safety device

  • Roll up your windows before parking

  • Leave your doors locked until you have observed your surroundings and are ready to exit your vehicle

  • Take your keys with you and have them in your hand

  • Move quickly away from your car

  • At home, make sure your garage door is down before exiting

Getting Into Your Vehicle

  • Park in well-lighted areas at night

  • Be aware of your surroundings

  • Appear confident and assertive

  • Walk with someone to you car (friend, co-workers, escort)

  • Keep a free hand when approaching your car

  • Have your keys ready

  • Separate your car keys from other keys in case you need to go back to a place of safety

  • Look for anyone near your car before entering

  • Check the exterior of your car

  • Look inside your car before entering

  • At home, lock car doors before opening the garage door to leave

  • Safely place you children in the car, lock the door, and then secure them in their seat or seat belt

Remember

  • Anyone can be a victim

  • Your safety is your responsibility

  • Have a plan and share it with your passengers

  • If at all possible, never go with the suspect(s)

  • If a gunman wants your car, give it up. It's not worth your life!
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For additional information call our Crime Prevention Officer at 610-623-0700

SAFER SHOPPING

HAVE A SAFE SHOPPING SPREE

  • Walk and park only in well lighted areas. Walk confidently and be aware of people around you.

  • Always lock your car doors after entering or leaving your car.

  • Have your car keys in hand so you don't have to linger before entering your car. Check the back seat and under the car before you get in.

  • Never leave your children alone at home, in a car, or in any public place

  • Teach your children if they get separated from you in a shopping mall, they should go to a cashier and say they are lost .

  • Pay with checks or credit cards
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For additional information call our Crime Prevention Officer at 610-623-0700

TELEMARKETING FRAUD

PUT A STOP TO PHONY TELEMARKETING SCHEMES

  • Ask questions

  • Listen carefully

  • Educate yourself

  • Refuse to be pressured

  • Tell the authorities

What should you ask all telemarketers before making a purchase?

  • Ask for the name, address and phone number of the company represented by the caller, as well as the caller's name.

  • Ask for written information on the product or service and its price.

  • Ask how they got your name.

  • Ask about the offer's expiration date.

A reputable telemarketer will answer your questions patiently and be willing to send you written information. An illegitimate telemarketer probably will hang up or call back later.

Persistent scam artists will pressure you to send money or provide your credit card number or other personal information immediately. DON'T DO IT.

Once you've fallen for a telemarketing scam, you will gain a reputation as an easy target and, chances are, you'll be called again and again.

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For additional information call our Crime Prevention Officer at 610-623-0700