Be Safe At Home

Get into the habit of keeping doors and windows locked, even when you're at home. When moving into a new home, install new locks or re-key the old ones.

Use only your first initials with your surname in the phone book, on your mailbox, or on your apartment directory.

Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone.

Get to know your neighbours. You can help each other make your community a safe, friendly place.

When Answering the Door

Before opening your door, use a peephole or intercom to verify who is there. Don't trust a security chain to protect you if you open the door.

Be suspicious of unexpected visits from salespeople or repair companies. It could be a burglar assessing your possessions and security arrangements. Ask for identification. Once you have seen it, ask for secondary identification such as a telephone number that you can call to verify the person's status.

If a stranger needs to use your phone, you can help out without letting them into your home. Make the call for them while they remain outside. Make it clear you're not alone, even if you are. Call out to "someone" in another room.

Trust your instincts. If you don't feel right about opening the door for any reason, don't!

If You Live in an Apartment

Don't let people into the building unless you know who they are. If you have food or products delivered, pick them up at the building's front door if possible. Check with your building manager before changing the locks on your apartment door.

When Answering the Phone

Information is a powerful tool for criminals, and the telephone can be an easy, anonymous way for them to gather it. Never give out personal or family information over the phone. Make sure children know how to answer the phone without providing information. Practice with them.

Don't answer questions about your belongings, credit card numbers, income level, bank accounts, or Social Insurance Number. You are never required to participate in phone surveys or answer questions over the phone.

Give as little information as possible when recording a message on your answering machine. Don't reveal your name, when you plan to return home, and don't say you're not at home. Don't broadcast the fact that you live alone - leave an answering machine message that says "we" can't take your call.

When out, stay alert, stand tall and act confident; most would-be criminals will decide you're the wrong person to approach. If you feel uneasy walking alone, walk with someone or carry a whistle or other personal safety alarm. At night, use well-lit busy streets, and keep to the middle of the sidewalk.

If you carry a purse, hold it close to your body with one hand over the opening. Better yet, use a waist/fanny pack. Your wallet is safer in a front or inside pocket than in a back pocket. Keep your house keys in your pocket, not in a backpack or purse.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If you must carry cash, be discreet when you make purchases.

Always watch for public phones or places where you can get help on your route. Free emergency assistance is always available by dialing "0". Have your key ready when approaching your home or car.

Vary your daily routine to avoid establishing predictable patterns that could place you at risk.

The use of personal stereos with headphones when running, walking or rollerblading make it harder to hear an approaching person or vehicle. Make sure you are facing the flow of traffic so you can see oncoming cars.

If You Find Yourself at Risk…

Trust your instincts. If you think you are being followed, either on foot or in your vehicle, or if you feel at risk in any way, go to the nearest safe or public place for help.

If verbally harassed, don't respond, just keep moving. The best way to draw attention is to scream. If someone demands your money or valuables, let them have them.

Property crimes account for more than 60% of all crimes. When you take the time to improve the security of your home and belongings, you contribute to the safety of your community.

Rather than leave spare keys under the doormat or outside your home, leave a spare set with a neighbour, friend or relative. Exterior wood doors should be a minimum of 1¾" thick and made from solid or laminated wood. Reinforce your door if necessary and make sure all hinges are on the inside.

Identify all points of entry into your house and make sure each of them is secure. Keep garage doors locked with a sturdy lock, preferably sliding bolts.

Replace the latch on double-hung windows (ones that slide up) with a keyed lock latch. Don't forget to keep the key close by in case of fire.

Cut back trees and bushes, and keep your house well lit, especially around entrances and the driveway. Keep basement windows in plain view. Put bars on lower level windows, which can be removed in case of fire.

Install motion-sensing spotlights on the corners of your home to light large areas.

Some Other Things To Help You Keep Your Home Safe:

If you have "key-in-the-knob" locks on your doors, add a deadbolt or interlocking bolt lock for extra reinforcement. Secure the strike plate that holds the lock in place with 3" to 3 ½" screws. Deadbolt locks work best when they are made of solid metal, have a minimum 1" bolt, contain a cylinder guard, and are installed with hardened steel screws.

Protect sliding windows with a metal bar or sturdy stick like a hockey stick cut to fit snugly along the bottom track. Install screws or shims in the upper track of sliding glass doors to prevent the door from being lifted out of its frame. Install a keyed-slide bolt in the bottom track to keep sliding doors from being forced open.

Automatic garage door openers allow you to stay in your vehicle until safely inside the garage, and they help to keep intruders out. Treat the clicker/garage door opener as you would a house key. Take it with you when you leave the vehicle. If you use an automatic garage door opener, make sure the door is completely closed before you drive away.

Ensure ladders, garden and other tools are out of sight so they will not be used to break into your home.

Secure Your Home While You're Away

Use lights and sound to make it appear as though someone is home. Place light timers in the living room and at least one bedroom. Set them to come on after dark, and to turn off around the time you would normally go to bed. Use a timer to turn on the TV or radio. This works especially well during the day, when most "break and enters" occur.

Double-check all windows and doors to make sure they're locked. Suspend newspaper and mail deliveries, or have someone reliable collect your mail each day. Arrange to have your yard maintained if you're planning an extended trip.

Give a neighbour, relative or friend your house key, itinerary, and phone numbers where you can be reached. If they can, ask them to check your home periodically.

If someone has broken into your home, do not go inside. Call police from a safe location. If you are at home and suspect a thief is in your house, get out if you can and call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. If you cannot get out, phone for help as soon as you can do so safely.

Seniors' Safety

Seniors can sometimes feel vulnerable, especially since con artists often target them. If you have elderly neighbours, get to know them and keep an eye out for them. If you see anything that worries you, call the police.

Never keep large amounts of money on your person or in your home. It is safer in a bank. Only withdraw enough money to meet your immediate needs. Pay bills with cheques, credit cards or debit cards, or use Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) or telephone banking.

Lock up; even if you're at home or just stepping out for a moment. Keep valuables in a safety deposit box. Be particularly wary of anyone offering bargains or prizes over the phone. Many con artists use the phone to reach seniors. If you belong to a senior activity centre or social club, ask them to get the police or other experts to speak to you on crime prevention.

Home Alarm Systems

Alarm systems provide an excellent back up to the security methods already mentioned. They discourage thieves and alert people should a break-in occur. Having a home alarm system may entitle you to a discount on your homeowner's or tenant's insurance premium.

If you install an alarm system, do your part to prevent false alarms. Make sure your alarm system functions properly, and teach everyone in your home how to set and cancel it properly. The Ministry of Attorney General licenses companies to sell and install residential alarms. Make sure your alarm company has this licence.

Marking your valuables makes them a lot less attractive to thieves and helps police identify your property if it is stolen. You can start by borrowing an engraver, free-of-charge, from your local police station, and marking all of your valuables with a number that can be easily traced back to you. Police recommend using your driver's licence number.

The first step is prevention:

Install smoke detectors. Check them once a month and change the batteries at least once a year. Smoke detectors sense abnormal amounts of smoke or invisible combustion gases in the air. They can detect both smoldering and burning fires. At least one smoke detector should be installed on every level of a structure. Purchase smoke detectors labeled by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM).

Post emergency numbers near telephones. Be aware that if a fire threatens your home, you should not place the call to emergency services from inside the home. It is better to get out and place the call to fire authorities from a safe location outside the home.

Keep areas, especially hallways ad stairways, free of clutter.

Keep flammable liquids stored in approved containers.

Maintain exterior lighting and keep shrubbery well trimmed.

Inspect electrical cords and plugs, as worn cords can cause fires, short circuits and shocks. Replace ones that are worn or damaged. Do not overload electrical circuits or extension cords. Use an approved power bar for extra electrical cords. Never tamper with the fuse box or use the improper size fuse. If you have halogen lights, make sure they are away from flammable drapes and low ceiling areas. Never leave them on when you leave your home or office.

Keep portable and space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that may burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to sleep. Children and pets should always be kept away from them.

Only smoke in designated areas where large, deep and sturdy ashtrays are provided. Soak smoking materials with water before discarding. Keep smoking materials out of reach of young children.

Use fire-resistant building materials on roofs, decks and exterior siding.

In the kitchen, never leave cooking unattended. Turn off appliances as soon as you are through using them. Use oven mitts or potholders when cooking. Keep sleeves and towels away from flames or hot burners. To extinguish a grease fire, use a pot holder or oven mitt to slide a lid or cookie sheet over the flames and then turn the heat off. Keep pot handles turned inward so that they don't overhang the stove. Never carry a burning pot.

Familiarize yourself with the fire protection services available in the area. This is especially important in rural locations.
Establish an emergency procedure with your family. Make sure all family members know what to do in the event of a fire. Draw a floor plan with at least two ways of escaping every room. Make a drawing for each floor. Dimensions do not need to be correct. Make sure the plan shows important details: stairs, hallways and windows that can be used as fire escape routes. Security bars on windows and doors must have a quick-release mechanism to make escape possible.

Everyone should be taught to go directly a family meeting place after escaping a fire. One person should be designated to go to a neighbour's house or the nearest location to contact 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Hold fire drills to practice getting everyone safely out of the house quickly.

In the event of a fire:

Get out quickly and safely. Do not try to gather possessions or pets.

Roll out of bed and stay low. Reach up and feel the door and the handle for heat. If the door feels cool, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly. If it is safe, leave the building. If you encounter smoke, crawl low, under the smoke. If the door feels warm, or you see smoke and flame on the other side of the door, shut the door, and use your second escape route. If you must escape from an upper story widow, make sure you have a safe way to reach the ground, such as a fire escape ladder. Once you are out of the building, stay out.

If you are trapped, seal the openings around the door and vents with bedding or towels. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. If it is safe to open a window and there is no smoke, open it to signal and yell for help.

Apartment buildings

Ensure your building has fire safety plans, including floor plans and evacuation procedures. These should be posted and visible on every floor.

Designate a fire warden on every floor of the building. Hold fire drills at least once a year. Identify residents who require assistance and designate a neighbour who will assist in an evacuation.

Never use elevators in a fire. Use the stairways and close all doors behind you to slow the spread of fire and smoke.

Cool a Burn

If someone is burned, cool the burned area immediately with cool water. Do not use ice or very cold water. If blisters develop seek medical help immediately.

When Travelling By Car

Park in open, well-lit areas. Visually check your car's interior before getting in.

Make sure your children are in the right type of child restraint and that all vehicle occupants are wearing their seat belts.

Lock all doors whether you are inside or outside your vehicle. Don't pick up hitchhikers.

Make sure your car is in good repair, have enough gas to reach your destination and know your route. Store a flashlight or flare in your car. If you are stopped by mechanical problems and someone offers to help, have them call for assistance. Stay in your car, and don't accept a ride.

Protecting your car and its contents

Cars and their contents are one of the most common targets for thieves. Auto crime is often a crime of opportunity; if you take away the opportunity, you are more likely to prevent the crime. Reducing your risk can be as easy as locking your doors or taking valuables out of your car when you leave it. Take your garage door opener with you as well.

Here are some tips that will help reduce the chances of you having your car or its contents stolen or damaged:

Take your possessions with you. This includes loose change, CDs, bags, jackets or anything that might be tempting to a thief.

Don't leave your keys in the ignition or keep spare keys in or on your vehicle.

Always close and lock all doors, windows and the sunroof before leaving your car.

Don't keep tags with your name and address on your key-chain. They may help thieves find your car or your home.

Wherever possible, park in a well-lit, supervised lot with restricted entry and exit. Keep your vehicle away from fencing or shrubs that could provide cover for a break-in.

When you enter or leave private underground parking through an automatic gate, wait for the gate to close and make sure no one slips in behind you.

If you park in a garage, always lock the garage and your vehicle. Report any suspicious persons or activities to police.

Anti-theft Devices

Thieves target vehicles that provide opportunity. They're not just after new or luxury cars.

You should invest in the highest level of protection you can afford. Take into consideration factors like where you live and where you park for business or pleasure. Protection ranges from steering wheel locking devices to immobilizing systems.

There are two types of anti-theft immobilizing systems. A "passive" system sets itself when you turn off the vehicle or lock the doors. You have to set an "active" system. A passive system provides the best protection because you cannot forget to set it.

Any alarm system or electronic immobilization unit should be installed professionally to avoid poor performance or electrical or computer damage to your car. It is best to layer your protection by using two or more types of devices.

Alarm system with flashing warning lamps and audible siren to attract attention.

After-market steering wheel locking bars and transmission locks provide visual deterrents, but it's best to not rely on this type of protection alone.

An engine-disabling system will prevent the vehicle from starting even if it is damaged or torn from the vehicle. An electronic immobilization system offers advanced protection through anti-theft features integrated into the engine's electronics. The engine will not start until an electronically coded ignition key is used to start the vehicle. This system will automatically arm itself when you turn the vehicle off.

A tracking device that will locate the car's position if it is stolen.

Select anti-theft devices that come with a guarantee and have them installed by a professional who offers a warranty.

Select anti-theft devices that come with a guarantee and have them installed by a professional who offers a warranty.

Robbery: Before, During & After

Managers and supervisors of offices should always be conscious of the risk of robbery. All staff, and especially front-line staff, should be made aware of this risk at the time of initial employment. Robbery prevention procedures should also be reviewed as an ongoing process, to remind staff of the ever-present risk of being held up.

Before the Robbery

Implement robbery prevention procedures and staff training. Determine what robbery procedures are in effect at your office, and ensure that they are in writing and reviewed with all staff on a periodic basis. Contact your local police business liaison officer and arrange for an officer to visit your officer and discuss robbery-prevention techniques. Put robbery-awareness reminders in the staff lunch-room and at the front counter.

Remember that anything can happen. Thinking that nothing can happen in a nice, safe, quiet, little office can lull staff into a false sense of security. The reality is that any office is always at the risk of robbery.

Review opening and closing procedures with staff. Robbery risk is high at office opening and closing times.

Checking alarms and lights is a critical procedure in the office walk-through when it is opened each day.

Be alert to what's going on in and around the office. Be aware of and report suspicious activity, it may indicate that a robbery is being planned.

Direct all traffic through one well-monitored entrance. Use the back door for emergencies only. It should be alarmed and closed at all times to protect staff from ambush.

Equip safes with a timelock to prevent extortion and/or after-hour robberies.

Keep cash limits low. Ensure that counter staff keep within authorized cash-holding limits to reduce robbery loss.

Test all electronic and mechanical security equipment regularly. A camera system can be an important tool in identifying robbers. VCR tapes should be viewed on a regular basis to ensure quality.

Discourage the practice of admitting any non-staff to your office before opening or after closing hours. Robbers know more cash is exposed during these times. Discourage staff from working late alone.

Accompany all visitors while they are in sensitive areas of the office and verify their identification. Unknown to you, visitors may be trying to 'case' the office. Be vigilant to any strangers hanging around inside or outside the office. It is a fact that many robbers 'case' places they rob.

Remind all staff that office business is confidential. Potential robbers may be listening.

Pre-program phones with the local emergency number so the police can be contacted immediately when a robbery occurs.

Discuss with staff the use of alarm buttons or panic buttons. Don't be a hero. Push the alarm button only when it is safe to do so, and would not be a risk to yourself or others.

During the Robbery

No one really knows how they will react in a high-stress situation such as a robbery. However, thorough training and periodic reviews are useful in prompting staff into "auto-pilot". Personal safety can be emphasized by using simple instructions that are easily remembered in the event of a robbery.

The basic rule is: Give the robber what he wants, do as he says, and get him out of the office as quickly as possible.

Remain calm. Do just as the robber says. A calm attitude assures your safety during a robbery without unnecessarily challenging the robber.

Retain the hold-up note by pushing it aside. Do not handle it.

Your eyes are your best weapon. Observe the robber. Look for distinguishing items or marks such as scars, tattoos, rings, watches, belt buckles, etc.

Push the alarm button only when it is safe to do so.

After the Robbery

Once the robbers have left, it is extremely important for staff to take back control immediately. Knowing what to do after a robbery will reduce chaos and ensure that all staff focus on recovery and assisting the police.

Keep your eyes on the robber as he leaves. Make note of his height in relation to a nearby item (Ideally, install a height strip on your door frame.) Check for a getaway car or the direction and means of escape.

Tell another staff person immediately and loudly that you have been robbed. This will quickly initiate post-robbery actions.

Call the police immediately. Use the hold-up alarm button as a back-up, if this is your procedure.

Close and lock all doors immediately so the robber can't get back in to create a hostage situation.

Protect the robbery area. Don't touch or move anything. The police will need to take fingerprints and collect evidence.

Distribute description forms to all staff and members who were present during the robbery to complete independently. Descriptions of the robber and the events will help the police to apprehend the criminals and recover the money. Do not discuss your descriptions with each other.

Close office for remainder of day. The police will be investigating, staff needs time to recover, and the amount of the loss will have to be determined.

Prevent staff from touching the cameras, VCR or film. The pictures could easily be the best evidence for the police.

Assist staff or members who are traumatized or injured. Comfort victims and get medical help if necessary. Offer only water to drink.

Encourage everyone to stay until the police arrive. They will want to interview all the staff and any members who were there at the time of the robbery. Remember, the person you allow to leave may be an accomplice.

Arrange for all staff and members to be accompanied home by another staff person, family member or friend. Ensure that they are not left alone.

Refer all calls from the media to management or police. Do not disclose amount of loss.

Arrange for a robbery trauma seminar for all your staff and their spouses, and members who were there at the time of the robbery. The seminar should be presented approximately five to 10 days after the robbery. If more immediate trauma assistance is required, refer to local medical, social assistance programs, or victim assistance programs for a crisis response team.

Emergencies: Staying Safe Through A Disaster

A disaster can seriously compromise the safety of entire communities, but you can reduce the risks if you are prepared.

Natural disasters include everything from floods and forest fires to severe snowstorms or a major earthquake.

Make sure everyone in your household knows how to shut off the gas, water and electricity.

Always keep emergency supplies on hand. These should include enough food and water for three days, a first aid kit and medicines, a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, clothing, blankets and money. Learn first-aid and CPR.

Designate a family meeting spot central to most of your regular away-from-home spots.

How to Get Help Fast

Having a list of emergency phone numbers handy can save precious time when it counts most.

If you have difficulty speaking have a friend record a message, giving your name and address, that you can use in the event of an emergency. Keep the tape in a recorder next to your phone.

Where 9-1-1 is available, the address and phone number of the registered phone line will be displayed in most cases. This means emergency service agencies can respond once a call is received even if the caller is unable to speak.

For the quickest response from emergency teams, follow these instructions:

Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

Remain calm. Take a deep breath. Compose yourself, and you'll get the help you need much faster.

Speak clearly. It's easy to speak too fast when you're in a panic. Make sure the dispatcher understands your every word.

State the type of emergency.

Give the location of the emergency. Include as much detail as possible: exact street address with cross-streets, distances, etc.

Answer the dispatcher's questions clearly and concisely.

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency Services - 911
Poison Centre - 1-866-454-1212
SaskEnergy Natural Gas Emergency & Safety - 1-888-700-0427
Forest Fire Watch Line - 1-800-667-9006
Kids Help Phone Line - 1-800-668-6868
Parents Help Line - 1-888-603-9100
Saskatchewan Environment Spill Report Centre - 1-800-667-7525
24 Hour Abuse Line - 1-800-214-7083