Most of us go about our daily lives lost in thought: our work, our families, what’s for dinner, the price of gas. It is at times like this, when our minds are occupied with everything BUT the present moment, that we are most vulnerable to would-be criminals and most likely to fall victim to hazardous circumstances.

Focus is the most important way to maintain personal safety. It’s the small things that will keep you safe: Remembering where you parked your car, so you don’t have to wander blindly through a dark lot at night. Thinking about the fact that you will be leaving a place alone late at night, and arranging an escort to take you to your car (or parking close to the building to minimize your walk in the dark.) Focusing on your surroundings and assessing your vulnerability requires you to be not only present, but also to think ahead. When you are alone you are most open to mishaps. You need to be on the alert at all times. Note if there is anybody following you. Pay attention to groups who seem to be interested in your movements. Careful observation will alert you if there is a car or van parked right next to yours in a virtually empty lot. Is there a passenger in a parked car sitting next to your driver’s side? Always have your keys in hand when preparing to drive, this way you will not be distracted while digging around for them in a bag or pocket. Lastly, walk as upright and with purpose as possible. Don’t look like a victim.

Being watchful, alert and focused on your safety can keep you safe.

The rules for flying have changed significantly, following 9/11. Below are some important tips to keep in mind when you travel. A little prior knowledge can keep your trip on schedule and hassle-free:

•    Know the specific airline regulations for the airline with which you will be flying by visiting their websites,

•    The majority of airlines allow one carry-on bag and what is called a personal bag. This “personal bag” can be a purse or tote-bag, a briefcase or laptop case or even a camera case. It should also be able to fit under the seat if you have another carry-on, because there is often no available storage for two pieces in the overhead compartments.. Carry-on items should be no larger than 45″ (measure the height, length and width–if over 45″ in any of these measurements–it’s too big for carry-on.) Some of the airlines also have a weight restriction. Be sure to check with the airline you’re using before you get to the airport.

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Here’s a surprising statistic: 40% of home burglaries take place while residents are on the premises. If you do not have an action plan for this potentially dangerous scenario, you may lose more than your possessions–you could lose precious loved ones.

In the unfortunate event that your house is broken into while you’re home, there are some basic guidelines. These tips come from defense training professionals, police departments, and citizen-organized safety programs. Following are a few to think about NOW to avoid danger LATER.
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First time homeowners, here’s some basic information to help protect your home and the safety of you and your family. Below are some measures you will want to take to minimize the risk of home invasion and vandalism.

First and foremost you need to purchase homeowner’s insurance. That way, if all the safety precautions you take fail, you will still be able to be compensated for the loss of any valuables. You will in most cases receive a discount for installing a security alarm, and many insurance companies require a security system prior to issuing a homeowner’s insurance policy.

Store your jewelry, credit cards, money and other valuables either at your bank or in a safe. Do not leave valuables in plain sight for passerby to see. Consider purchasing a home safe to secure valuables out of sight. Read the rest of this entry »

Consider installing Solar Security Lights to protect your home, property and family. They are easy to set-up (no cable work needed), the battery is charged when the solar panel is exposed to sunlight. Also known as motion-detector lights, the light will be triggered when the highly-sensitive heat sensor detects body heat–of animals or people. The Solar Security lights can be adjusted so they won’t pick up the heat from animals, by setting it higher off the ground,  especially helpful if you live in an area with a great deal of wildlife. Some products not only light up when an intruder is detected, but can also sound an audible alarm.  Below are some uses for these energy-efficient lights:

•    Front Entrance Light
•    Garage Light
•    Back Patio Light
•    Mail Box Light
•    Driveway Light
•    Pool Patio Light

Don’t forget, it takes 2 or 3 days for the solar light battery to be well charged and ready to operate, so plan accordingly. Also, to stay in excellent working order, the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly.

Did you know that certain makes of cars are stolen most often? Here’s a list of the top ten cars that are stolen every year:

Honda Civic
Nissan Sentra
Toyota pick-up truck
Toyota Camry
Dodge Caravan
Chevy full size 1500 pick-up truck
Honda Accord
Acura Integra
Dodge Ram
Ford F150 truck

It is important to note that if you own one of these vehicles, (and also depending on the area in which you keep your vehicle) your car insurance rate may increase due to the theft rate of these automobiles.

To keep your car (no matter what the make) from being stolen and adding to the statistics, below are some steps to avoid becoming a victim of auto theft. Read the rest of this entry »