There is nothing more important than the safety of your family your home and yourself. Thats why weve developed this comprehensive checklist of things you can do to stay safe. From your kids to your parents to your home or business what follows are invaluable tips on how to make your life as safe and secure as it can be.

Street smarts: Keeping your kids safe. "Streetproofing" your children is one of the most important safety measures you can take. Here are some easy to follow guidelines to ensure your familys safety.

- Take the time to teach your children safety rules in a clear way that they can understand. - Keep a current photograph of your child on hand. Practice creating a complete and specific description of your child so youll be ready if the need arises. Take a minute every day to make note of what your child is wearing when he/she leaves the house. - Develop family check-in procedures so you always know where your child is and your child knows where you are. - Make sure you know the route(s) your children use to get to and from school or their friends homes. - Take a "safety walk" with your children over routes they often travel. Help them understand how to avoid potential trouble e.g. staying away from unlit remote or hidden areas. - Help your child understand who or what a stranger is. - Teach your child what to do if approached by a stranger. - Keep a list of your children's friends and their parents' names and phone numbers.

We know your familys safety is your top priority. The best way to make sure they stay safe is by talking about the points weve listed above over and over again. Make sure everyone in the family understands how important it is to follow the family safety guidelines.

What would you do if you..

..Saw a stranger entering a neighbor's home while the neighbor is away someone crossing your yard or a neighbor's yard anyone trying to open a neighbor's door or a moving truck or van pulling up to open a neighbor's home while they are away
(a) Close the curtains and turn away
(b) Call the police


..Heard the sound of breaking glass
(a) Call the neighbors and conduct your own investigation.
(b) Call the police

..Observed someone peering into vehicles while walking down the street; someone removing tags gasoline or accessories from the vehicle; or someone attempting to enter a vehicle using a coat hanger or other gadget
(a) Assume that it is the owner who has mistakenly locked his or her keys in a vehicle
(b) Call the police

..Saw a suspicious-looking vehicle parked illegally for a period of time or suspicious-looking people loitering around schools or parks in neighborhoods where they dont belong
(a) Conduct your own investigation.
(b) Call the police


..Saw anyone being forced into a vehicle
(a) Try and apprehend the kidnapper
(b) Call the police

..Saw people involved in a fight or heard loud explosions or suspicious screams
(a) Try and break up the fight yourself.
(b) Call the police

The correct answer is always b " Call the police". No matter how silly it sounds the old adage "better safe than sorry" are words to live by. Never hesitate to make the call. As long as you "call responsibly" youll always be better off than trying to take matters into your own hands.

Safety around the House From the Inside Out

While no home is completely burglar-proof most burglars are attracted to an easy target. Your secured home is much less appealing than the one down the block that isnt protected. There are many precautions you can take to reduce the risk of burglary but the key to prevention is to be proactive.

Here are a few tips to keep them away from your house:
- Trim shrubs and trees that obscure windows and doors.
- Make sure all the entrances to your home are well-lit.
- Keep all doors including garage doors closed and locked at all times even when youre at home.
- Make sure that openings like crawl spaces skylights and vents are properly protected.
- Install a peephole viewer on the main entrance door.
- Install adequate locks on all windows and exterior doors.
- Post your house number clearly and keep it well-lit at night. This will help the police respond to an emergency or assist in the reporting of one.
- Install a monitored security system to protect against burglary and fire and aid in personal emergency. A security system adds substantial protection and cost savings. Most insurance companies offer homeowners a 10 - 20 discount on their premium for having a monitored security system.
- Clearly mark your valuables with an identifying name or number. Your local police may be able to assist you with obtaining an engraver. - Establish a security closet inside your house for storing valuables. The closet door should be as secure as your exterior doors with a dead bolt lock and pinned hinges on a metal or solid wood door.
- Be a good neighbor. Watch out for suspicious activity on your block and call for help immediately when you observe it.

Taking the right steps to secure your home makes it difficult for a burglar to break in. A well-secured home combined with a 24-hour monitored security system creates one of the strongest deterrents available in the common market today.

On a personal note:

- Dont give the parking lot attendant all your keys - just leave the ignition key of your car.
- Avoid parking near a van. If attacked no one would see you.
- Check under your car as you approach from 20 to 30 feet away. As you prepare to enter look in the back seat and to the side. Once youre inside the car lock the doors immediately.
- If you are attacked while entering your car toss the keys as far away from you as you can. Your assailant will typically go for the keys and not force you into the car..
- Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check locations of police and fire stations public telephones hospitals restaurants gas stations and stores that are open late.
- Avoid using bank machines at night.
- Don't wear headphones while walking or jogging. You wont be able to hear if someone is following you.
- Never drive home if you think someone is following you. 9679;Go to the nearest police or fire station or open business to get help. Call 911 0n your cell phone.
Go to www.thespymart.com and see devices that can help you.