Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #22 (Winter Safety)

It’s getting to be that time of year again – yes, I mean winter. There are some places that have more of a severe winter than others, but everyone can benefit from a few safety tips for the upcoming season.

Fireplace Safety

• Always use seasoned wood to help reduce creosote build up in your chimney. Creosote is highly combustible and can cause a chimney fire.
• Fireplace chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually.
• NEVER use flammables or combustibles to start fires in your fireplace.
• ALWAYS dispose of fireplace ashes in a metal container and store them away from the house for at least seven days.
  

Carbon Monoxide Safety

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning can be difficult at times to distinguish between having a cold or flu. If undetected, high levels in the home can cause severe illness or death. INSTALL an approved Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector within ten feet of every bedroom or sleeping area. This is a law in many states.
• Check your Carbon Monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors seasonally or during the daylight savings times.
• Make sure all fuel-burning appliances are installed properly and working according to manufacture’s guidelines.
• Have combustion appliances inspected every year.
• Install an exhaust fan, vented to outside over any gas stove.
• Never use your cooking stove to heat your home.
• Don’t sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
  

Winter Driving Safety

• Clear and defrost windows completely before driving.
• Consider new tires. Tire tread can improve acceleration, braking, and handling.
• Remember overpasses, ramps, and bridges will freeze before the roadway. Drive with caution.
• Slow down! Decreasing speed will increase your handling ability and give you an opportunity to avoid most accidents.
  
  

Enjoy your winter activities! Have a safe and fun holiday season.



Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

Emily Stone's Crime Watch Tip 21 - Survival Signal Awareness

It’s true that you can deter a potentially dangerous situation by just being aware and conscious of your surroundings. Try to read between the lines. I’ve actually practiced this a few times. I find that if you’re confident, aware, focused, use appropriate eye contact, and don’t show any fear, you’re many times more likely to avoid being targeted as a victim or to get caught up in something uncertain.

There are many books available that talk about how to use your survival signals to help protect us from violence. I wanted to share some highlights that I found interesting. I can’t express enough that we need to pay attention to that “inner voice” alerting you to something that doesn’t appear or feel right. Of course, this isn’t always a potentially dangerous situation. It can be an uncomfortable or a high stress situation.

There are many messengers of intuition that are worthy of your attention. Stop and acknowledge them, think about what’s behind these feelings.

Fear
Apprehension
Suspicion
Doubt
Gut feelings
Hunches
Curiosity
Anxiety
Wonder
Persistent thoughts
Nagging feelings

According to the book The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker, there are seven survival signals we need to be aware of when placed in uncertain, new, or potentially dangerous situations. Learn to look between the actions and pay close attention to your intuitions.

Forced Teaming

This technique is an effective way to manipulate a situation of premature trust, such as “we’re in the same boat”. The detectable signal of “forced teaming” is the projection of a shared experience.

Charm & Niceness

Think of charm, such as rapport, is having a motive. Now the difference between “charm” and “charming” can be a bit deceiving. Look behind the person’s charm. Most of the time it will be harmless, but other times there can be a manipulation beneath it.

Too Many Details

It has been studied that when someone wants to deceive you, they give you too many details. Commonly, when people are telling the truth, they don’t feel a need for extra details of a situation.

Typecasting

This involves a slight insult to warrant an easy refute. For example, a man stops a woman and says to her “You’re probably too snobbish to talk to me”, hoping to get a rebuttal response. A potential rapist or mugger wants to avert your attention from the situation.

Loan Sharking

This is classic example of someone using this technique that you owe them something, which makes it difficult to ask them to leave you alone. Criminals use this technique as the kindly stranger. Be aware and read between the intentions.

Unsolicited Promise

This is one of the most reliable signals where a stranger makes a promise and most likely has a questionable motive. Take a good look at the situation.

Discounting the Word “No”

This is a fairly self-explanatory technique to observe. If someone doesn’t take “no” for answer, there is most likely another motivation involved.


Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #20 (Facebook)

One of the most common social network questions I hear is about Facebook. Is it really safe? It’s a great place to socialize with family and friends, and network with other professionals. I personally use this social network for getting back in touch with friends and family as well as promoting my books.

Here is a helpful link for safety information regarding general safety and safety information for teens, parents, educators, and law enforcement. Read it before you decide to open a Facebook account.

http://www.facebook.com/help/?safety=parents#!/help/?safety

• Keep in mind these simple, helpful tips.
• Ask questions and learn about how Facebook works before you open an account.
• Use the privacy settings. Check back periodically to make sure that your settings are what you want. Facebook updates all the time, make sure that your account is protected and your personal information isn’t available for everyone to see.
• Change the privacy setting on the search feature.
• Change the privacy setting on your Facebook applications.
• Utilize the limited profile list. Allow “only” friends to see your profile.
• Don’t post ANY personal information that you don’t want the world to see.
• Be wary of clicking on any ads.
• No one will ever ask for your password. Don't give it out. It's a good idea to change your password every three months as a safety precaution.
• Talk to your kids about safety and protecting personal information. It’s a good idea to make sure that you’re a friend of your children to monitor who is contacting them.
• If you or anyone you know is being harassed or threatened, report it immediately to local law enforcement.
• Don’t be quick to respond and accept “friends” in distress or asking for money. Verify the source and call them in person.
• Stay informed and vigilant.

Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

Emily Stone's Crime Watch Tip #18 (Tools to Track Criminals in your Neighborhood)

This article originally appeared on the website Criminal Justice Blog and thought that it supplied some important information.

Just as technology advances, so too does crime. The good news is that crime fighting and prevention tools are also available on the web. Thanks to recent laws certain criminals and crimes are required to be reported and are available as public information. This can include everything from type of offense, to address of the offender, and even a picture of him or her.

So you are able to cut down on your Google time and more of it spent looking out for yourself, family, and friends, we have gathered ten free online tools to track criminals in your neighborhood. They range on everything from search engines just for crime to an iPhone app that can literally save your life or the life of a loved one.

1. Crime Reports All you need to do here is type in your street address to begin getting crime reports. A street number, city, or zip code can instantly pull up crime reports in that area. You can sort by crime, date,

and distance. Click on analytics to choose your jurisdiction or click on home to get more.

2. USA on Watch This national organization is dedicated to help you track crime in your neighborhood. The program allows citizens to help in the fight against crime by being more observant and involved in the well-being of their communities. Visit to find a program in your neighborhood, register one, start one, and much more. Be sure not to miss the Resource Center with loads of free tools.

3. Family Watchdog This site’s tagline is “awareness is your best defense.” They help this happen by helping you find offenders in your area, free alerts, and much more. You can also take advantage of their statistics, product recalls, and safety tips.

4. LiveSecure Click here to get a free DVD just by entering your information. Each package contains a child ID kit, where you can store your child’s photo, fingerprints, and other information. Dr. Van Zandt is an expert in crime and has many other crime fighting and tracking tools on his site, including a regularly updated blog.

5. AMBER Alerts Standing for America’s Missing: Broadcasting Emergency Response, this system was named after a young child was abducted and murdered in 1996. These alerts are distributed whenever a child is abducted and at serious risk for harm. Clicking on this site shows all the active AMBER alerts across the nation and can be clicked on for more information. The site even offers live support online.

6. McGruffVisit here to get free online tools for the kids to help track crime at home. They have games, polls, and even a club for them to join. Current hot topics include how to stop bullying.

7. National Crime Information CenterGo beyond free online tools to track criminals in your neighborhood with this national site from the FBI. The NCIC currently contains over 15 million active records in 19 different areas on everything from terrorism to sex offenders. There is also a site especially for law enforcement, kids, and other crime prevention resources. You can also submit a crime tip and report internet crime.

8. National Center for Missing & Exploited ChildrenThe days of the milk carton are long over with the help of this site. A simple visit brings up the pictures of missing children. You can also do a search for children who are or may be missing in your area. Topics include safety, information on sex offenders, natural disasters, and much more. There is also a cyber tipline where you can report child pornography or suspected child exploitation.

9. Do Not Call RegistryDid you know that under certain circumstances a soliciting telephone call can be a crime? Keep this from happening in your very own home by registering your phone number here. Phone numbers placed on the National Do Not Call Registry will remain on it permanently and do not need to be re-registered unless you wish to remove it. It is completely free and can be used for a home phone or cellphone number.

10. Silent BodyguardNot exactly a free tool to track crime, it can still save your life for only 99 cents. It is an iPhone application that acts as a silent alarm alerting your emergency contacts of your location- without alerting an onlooker or an attacker. In two easy steps you can alert your emergency contacts of an urgent situation and option it how you want.

If the above top ten free online tools to track criminals in your neighborhood have peaked your interest, try visiting the Department of Justice or Department of Homeland Security. The DOJ offers updates on crime statistics, various resources, and even a blog. The DHS can help your family stay safe whether in your own neighborhood or traveling abroad. Popular searches on the site include case stats, forms, green cards, passports, and threat levels.

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #15 - Out for the Night on the Town

There are times that we find ourselves going out at night for fun or a special celebration. You could be going to a restaurant or nightclub to meet friends. Or, you could be meeting someone for the first time in a public place.

It’s so important to remember that even though you’re in a pubic place, you still need to be alert and vigilant about what’s going on around you. This is true for both women and men.

Here are some simple safety tips to remember as you venture out into the nightlife for fun and entertainment:

. Be sure to tell someone, friend, neighbor, or family member where you’re going.

· DO NOT accept drinks from someone if you didn’t see the drink being prepared.

· DO NOT leave your drink unattended for ANY period of time -- EVER.

· DO NOT leave your purse or handbag unattended for ANY period of time.

· Carry a cell phone and always have enough money for a taxi ride home if necessary.

· If at all possible, arrange a buddy system with a friend to keep watch of one another.
· Know where all emergency and/or fire exits are in the building. Know your outside surroundings, such as streets, landmarks, etc.

· If you plan on drinking, ALWAYS have a designated driver or take a taxi.

· NEVER leave a bar or nightclub with stranger.

· If you’re being a harassed or if something doesn’t seem right to you don’t hesitate to report it to a security guard, nightclub bouncer, or the police.Most importantly…

Have a great time!

Just take a few moments to remember these tips before you venture out for some fun nightlife and pass these tips on to friends, family, and coworkers.


Jennifer Chase
Author & Criminologist

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #7 - Time for Vacation

It’s summer! Time for a vacation!

The weather is warmer and we’re spending more time outdoors and getting together with family and friends. Many of us are planning a vacation or a few days of rest and relaxation out of town.

This is a great time of year, but unfortunately it brings out more of the criminal element too. We are concentrating on fun in the sun and relaxation instead of crime prevention. And this is what opportunistic criminals look for in their victims.

Emily has some great crime prevention tips for you to remember when visiting another city or any vacation destination area that I would like to share with you. Keep this list in the back of your mind when traveling.

1. Men – carry your wallet in an inside jacket pocket, not your back pant’s pocket. Women – carry your purse held close to your body and not on a long strap over the shoulder. Keep your purse on your lap in a restaurant, not dangling on the back of your chair.

2. Be wary of “con artists” and “pick pockets” using a type of scam to distract you from your destination or activity.

3. Use hotel safe deposit boxes, even it it’s additional fee, to store all of your valuables.

4. Don’t leave your luggage unattended. Make sure to leave your luggage with a hotel staff member and get a receipt.

5. Be extra cautious of anyone coming to your hotel room unexpectedly. Never open the door to unsolicited room service or maintenance people. If you ever have any concern, call the front desk immediately.

6. If you use a car service, speak to the company directly to make arrangements. Don’t enter an unsolicited car service that offers to take you to your destination.

7. When driving, plan your trip carefully and always carry a map. Travel in well-lit areas and roadways. Keep your doors locked. Be cautious of anyone seeking your help for mechanical difficulties. That’s not to say don’t help a stranded motorist, but be wary. It’s better to use your cell phone rather than lending a hand.

8. Finally, be aware of your unfamiliar surroundings and always carry a cell phone with you.

Most importantly, have a great time on your vacation. But it’s important to take some extra precautions to ensure that your trip is memorable and enjoyable.

Enjoy your summer vacation!