The Best Defense May Actually Be Avoidance

As most of you know, safety is very important to us here at Evergreen Safety Council.  For the most part we do focus on workplace safety, but there are other areas of safety that we all need to be aware of, such as our personal safety. January is National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month. The BEST Self Defense is Awareness and Avoidance.

The crime reports from 2015, compiled by the FBI, reveal that while there was a 2.6 percent decrease in the number of property crimes, there was a 3.9 percent increase in the number of violent crimes from the previous year.

According to the report, there were an estimated 1,197,704 violent crimes committed around the nation in 2015. 

• The estimated number of murders in the nation was 15,696.
• There were an estimated 327,374 robberies nationwide.
• During the year, there were an estimated 90,185 rapes.
• Property crimes resulted in losses estimated at $14.3 billion.

Now that we have your attention here are some tips that can help you avoid becoming a victim of a crime. A few simple precautions can help reduce the risk to yourself, and also discourage those who commit crimes.

At Home

• Always leave your headlights on when arriving home after dark until doors are unlocked.
• Have the door key ready so you can open the door immediately.
• Know who is at your door before opening it. (Consider a wide angle door viewer)
• Never let anyone into your home without proper identification and don’t be afraid to ask for it.
• Always leave outside lights on after dark, or use motion lights.
• In an apartment building, NEVER be alone in the laundry room.
• If you suspect anyone is in your house, do not go in, call the police.
• If you see or hear anything suspicious, call the police.

While You Are Out

• Pay close attention to your surroundings, avoid “automatic pilot” and be alert for suspicious persons.
• Stick to well-lit areas.
• Use common sense; plan your route to avoid uninhabited parks, parking lots, garages, and alleyways.
• Try NOT to go out alone at night. If meeting someone arrange it so you do not have to wait alone.
• Carry minimal items. Don’t display large sums of cash and don’t carry any more cash than is necessary.
• Alone at work after business hours? Keep the door locked.
• Working late? Have someone walk you to your car.

In Your Automobile

• Have your keys in hand so you can open the car door without delay.
• Don’t park in dark or poorly lit areas.
• Never pickup hitchhikers.
• Never leave your keys in the car.
• Always check the back seat of your car before getting in.
• Always lock your doors while driving.
• Never allow another vehicle to follow you home.
• If you stop to aid others, do not get out of the car.  Ask what the problem is and call the police.

And above all always stay alert.  If something in your gut tells you to avoid an area or situation, avoid it.  If we stay alert we can stay safe and have a great New Year.

Contributed by Eric Tofte, Director of Training Evergreen Safety Council