Practice the S.T.O.P. method. Ask yourself, is this email…

• • S = suspicious?
    • Check the email address.
    • Examples:

• • • • In the address of jOhn@email.com is that an “O” or a zero?
      • In 1isa@email.com, is that a lowercase “L” or a 1? 
      • In Sam@email.com, is that a “S” or a 5? 
      • Are you looking that closely?  
    • In the narrative, are there mis-spelled words or poor grammar?
    • Signature lines missing a person’s name
  • T = Telling you to click a link/attachment?
    • Only open links/attachments that you know are 100% safe
    • NOTHING LESS THAN 100%
  • O = Offering something amazing?
    • If it’s too good to be true, it is a scam
    • Give money to get money, Free trips, Publishers Clearing House, etc.
  • P = Pushing you to act fast?
    • No email is an urgency to act now, you have time
    • A scammers tactic to have you miss the “red flags”

If any of those questions are “yes”, slow down and find another way to communicate if you feel the need to verify the email. To verify, DO NOT use the link, website, or phone number within the email.  Google, ask a trusted friend/loved one, or call your local law enforcement to find accurate numbers/contact information.  Again, FIND ANOTHER WAY TO COMMUNICATE.

• Think about answering the phone, let it go to voicemail.
• Two tips to follow
  • 1) NEVER give your information to someone who CALLS YOU
  • 2) NEVER CALL THE NUMBER THEY GIVE YOU
• Know the correct numbers for ALL companies you do business with
• A phone call from any company is NEVER AN EMERGENCY
• If you feel the need to verify the phone call, find another way to communicate. Google, ask a trusted friend/loved one, or call your local law enforcement to find accurate numbers/ contact information.  Again, FIND ANOTHER WAY TO COMMUNICATE.

Apathy, complacency, and denial are the three barriers to good situational awareness.  Awareness is your first line of defense.  Awareness of yourself, your surroundings, and your potential attacker’s likely strategies.

Trust your instincts.  Use your “sixth sense” or “gut instinct.” Your intuition is a powerful subconscious insight into situations and people. All of us have this gift, but very few of us pay attention to it. Learn to trust this power and use it to your full advantage to avoid a person or a situation that could be harmful.

• Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Constantly “scan” around the area you are at. Locate the exits to rooms and your quickest escape.  Locate possible hazards and try to avoid them.  See anyone who is concerning to you?  Keep clear of them if possible.
• Play the “what if” game.
  • When you know you are going out, play this game. A good time to play this is when you are travelling.  What if… then fill in the blank.  What if someone askes me to roll down my window to my car?  Could I talk to them without rolling down the window?  Many times, this is a tactic for criminals to gain access to you and your vehicle.  Continue to play this game throughout your day. 
  • This is a great way to minimize your shock or what I call the “wow facture.” If you do not play the “what if” game and something happens, your brain will have to digest the event, figure out what the possible options you might have, then act.  Were if you did play this game, your brain will reach much quicker because you already have a plan.  Your brain will have to digest the event then act because you already played “what if” in your head.
• Think about attending Self-defense classes.
  • There are multiple self-defense classes within the community designed for anyone. If interested, do your research to find the best fit to your needs.
• Weapons
  • If you interested in carrying a weapon, it is your responsibility to learn about it. Learn the laws, what that weapon is capable of, what it is not capable of, how it works, and the positives/negatives of the weapon.  Remember, common household items could be used as weapons in case of emergencies.

Make sure you are prepared for anything when it comes to your house and your safety.  It’s never a bad idea to have a safety plan of the possible concerns.  When creating EVAC plans with your loved ones, remember to take about where to meet.  Many people talk about how to get out of danger, but rarely talk about where to meet when evacuating.  You might also want to have a few meet up spots in case the first one is not practical in a possible situation.  Below are some “DO’s” and “DON’Ts” the sheriff wants to recommend.

• DO
  • Take pictures of your valuables and write down any identity makings of that item. Store them in a safe place (in a 3-ring binder stored in a safe).  If the valuable goes missing, this could help police find it.
  • Get to know your neighbors. Knowing who is next to you is never a bad thing.
  • Join a Neighborhood Watch Program if your community has one. This is a great way to know your neighbors and come up with solutions to keep a safe community.
  • Make sure your locks, doors, and windows are strong and cannot be broken easily.
  • Check your locks and doors are secured. This is both when you are away and when you are at home.
• DON’T
  • Open the door before you know who’s there. Look through the peephole or a safe window first.  Remember, you don’t have to open the door if you feel uneasy.  You can also talk through the door without opening.
  • Do not keep large amounts of money in your house.

Please remember to sign up for CodeRED (reverse 911) and Access/Functional Needs Registration (AFN).  Both services are FREE and help first responders serve the community better.

Like Personal Safety, apathy, complacency, and denial are the three barriers to good situational awareness.  Awareness is your first line of defense.  Awareness of yourself, your surroundings, and your potential attacker’s likely strategies.  Below are some DO’s and DON’Ts when out and about.

• DO
  • Be aware of your surroundings, constantly look around and stay alert.
  • Walk with a friend or family member whenever possible.
  • Stay away from unsafe places like dark parking lots or alleys.
  • Keep your car doors locked, both when you are away from the vehicle or inside it.
  • Park in well-lit areas such as under a streetlight.
  • Carry your purse close to your body with the strap over your shoulder and across your chest. Also, secure your purse when you are not using it by zipping the zipper or buckling the strap.
  • Check your wallet/purse periodically.

• DON’T
  • Open your car door or roll down your window for strangers.
  • Leave important items in your car, no matter how quick your errand is.
  • Lastly, DO NOT resist a robber. Hand over your cash to heighten your chances of survival.