SAFETY TIPS

Securing your Home and Protecting your Property

Lock your doors and windows. Research shows that more than 60 percent of all burglaries show no sign of forced entry. Pick burglar-resistant, high-security windows.
Use automatic timers to turn on lights, radio, or the television when you are not at home.
Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home and pick up your mail and newspapers when you are out of town. You can also ask your local post office to temporarily stop your mail delivery.
Your landscaping should provide maximum visibility to and from your house. Trim shrubbery that could conceal criminal activity near doors and windows.
Install exterior lighting near porches, rear and side doorways, garage doors, and all other points of entry. Outdoor lighting can eliminate hiding places and deter burglars.

Neighborhood Safety

Join a Neighborhood Watch group to discuss solutions to local crime problems. If one doesn't exist, you can start one with help from your local law enforcement.
Know that route that your children take to and from school. Point out McGruff Houses along the way.
Be alert in the neighborhood. Call the police or, if you're a kid, tell a trusted adult about anything you see that seems suspicious.
Get to know your neighbors. Good neighbors are one of your least expensive defenses against crime and one of your most effective, too.
Report problem areas and ask the police to increase patrols of your neighborhood hot spots.

Internet Safety

Keep your personal information private and your passwords secure. Change your passwords every 90 days to keep cyber criminals away.
Beware of "phishing." These are email requests purporting to be from your bank, credit card company, or other trusted sources that ask you to verify" passwords, bank account numbers, or credit card information. Don't be fooled.
Use only secure websites for purchases. Look for a secure padlock icon at the bottom of the browser window or an "https" in the URL address.

Before surfing the Internet, secure your personal computers by updating your security software. Everyone should have antivirus, antispyware, and antispam software installed.

CONSUMER PROTECTION SERVICES: http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm

Keep abreast of scams involving everything from cars and personal fitness to telemarketing and travel at this FTC site. Or file an online complaint.

CAR SAFETY:
http://www.carsafety.org/

Before you take advantage of lower interest rates and buy that new car, check out its safety ratings. Drop-down menus let you choose makes and models