Here are a few tips for safety that you'll learn in a Refuse To Be A Victim® seminar:

• HOME SECURITY
  Never hide an extra key under a mat, in a flower pot, or in any other easily accessible place. Criminals know all the hiding places.
  

  Plant "defensive" shrubbery around your home, especially beneath windows. Bushes with thorns or stiff, spiky leaves are not good hiding places for criminals.

  When moving into a house or apartment, always change or re-key the locks. Otherwise, the previous resident - and anyone they supplied keys to - has unrestricted access to your home.

• Phone Security
  Consider keeping a separate line or cellular phone as a security device. Taking one phone off the hook renders other units on that line inoperable. Using a separate line or cellular phone in your bedroom is a good precaution.
  


• PARENTS AND CHILDREN
  To protect your child while he or she is on the Internet, use your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) parental control option to block adult chat rooms and adult material.
  Inform your children that if they become aware of a fellow student who has threatened violence against others, they should seek help immediately and not attempt to resolve the situation themselves.
  


• PERSONAL SECURITY
  While in an elevator, if an uncomfortable situation arises, do not press the STOP or Call buttons! Press several buttons for upcoming floors and exit immediately.
  


• PERSONAL PROTECTION DEVICES
  Whether you choose a personal alarm, pepper spray, firearm, or other device, know the laws and regulations regarding the use of these items. Seek proper training and become thoroughly familiar with your defensive device.
  


• AUTOMOBILE SECURITY
  Beware of staged automobile accidents. The goals of these events are 1) to steal your car while you are investigating the damages, or 2) insurance fraud. Drive a safe distance behind the atuomobile in front of you and if you are in an accident, stay in your car until the police arrive.
  
  Use a two-piece key ring with your car keys separate from your other important keys. Give parking valets or mechanics your car keys only. Supplying your entire set of keys creates an opportunity for duplicates to be made.
  
  Check your surroundings before getting out of your car. If something or someone strikes you as out of place or threatening, drive away.
  


• WORKPLACE SAFETY
  If a co-worker makes threats, shows unusual outbursts of anger and/or appears unreasonably hostile, immediately discuss the situation with your supervisor, security, and human resources department staff.
  


• TECHNOLOGICAL SECURITY
  If you use a credit or debit card to purchase items over the Internet, make sure the company has a secure connection. Find out what symbol your web browser uses to indicate secure sites.
  


• TRAVEL SECURITY
  When traveling to a foreign country, learn about the culture of your destination and its current crime statistics. Certain clothing and behavior accepted in American society may be improper or illegal in the country you are visiting.
  


• SENIOR CITIZENS AND PERSONS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
  If you are considering a residential care institution or retirement home, find out which agency is responsible for licensing and certification. Research the institution and staff.
  
  If you use a wheelchair or live with persons taller than you are, ensure a wide angle door viewer is installed at a height beneficial to all residents.

An additional tip about Personal Safety

Consider taking a self-defense course. A wide variety of courses are offered for self-defense and each should be considered carefully for relevance to your own situation. Refuse To Be A Victim® seminar provides many useful personal-safety strategies and discusses the pros and cons of other training options. Avoid becoming a victim of violent crime.

For a more in-depth study of these and other safety measures, attend our NRA Refuse To Be A Victim® seminar.