How to keep yourself safe?

[Awakening]

I'm so impressed with the vast knowledge of websleuthers.

But it's made me realise I'm rather naive about safety, particularly around technology.

I've searched through the forum but I can't find a thread that talks about security; personal security, online security, home security etc.

Can anyone please point me in the right direction?

 

[Laughing]

Think there is one here -- lots of discussion of the book The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker. That phrase in the Search box, in quotes returns multiple threads.

For your home -- lights. Historically, my clan and the Laughing clan have also relied on Purina Home Security, our phrase for a barking dog.

Someone will come along with better advice & links!

 

[Awakening]

Think there is one here -- lots of discussion of the book The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker. That phrase in the Search box, in quotes returns multiple threads.

For your home -- lights. Historically, my clan and the Laughing clan have also relied on Purina Home Security, our phrase for a barking dog.

Someone will come along with better advice & links!

Thank you. Unfortunately our Purina Home Security is more likely to roll over and request a tummy rub than bark.

 

[Laughing]

Thank you. Unfortunately our Purina Home Security is more likely to roll over and request a tummy rub than bark.

That's excellent for the human's social/emotional health, though.

pinterest.ca

 

[Deleted member 50844]

When I took a concealed carry class a few years ago, the instructor gave a lot of good info and tips about home security. Apparently there are criminals who spill their ways, and we can learn from them.

First up was LOCK THE DOORS AND WINDOWS. They’ll often leave at the first sign of difficulty. After all there so many unlocked doors out there to enter instead.

Secondly… yes, a dog. If they hear a dog they’ll likely go somewhere else that doesn’t have a dog. One less obstacle.

Next was lighting. A bright light, motion-activated, popping on makes neighbors, passers by and the homeowners look. Just another thing to glitch up a home invasion.

They also talked about not leaving things out around your yard that make it easier to get in. Ladders propped against the house. A trash bin or something else to climb on left right under a window. So on.

It was a very informative class and there may be websites that give a more comprehensive list of precautions to take.

 

[?!?]

One size does not fit all: you might get better answers if you define yourself a bit (age, weight, etc.).

Check out on DuckDuckGo (GOOGLE is NOT good for your security): CPTED and OPSEC and adapt to your life; YT is full of self-defense stuff.

I AM NOT AN EXPERT, LAWYER, etc., etc.

 

[Shamrock1]

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Photoelectric and ionization. READ the instructions for proper locations. (There’s no detector that combines photoelectric and ionization technology with carbon monoxide detection).

Lights on. There is the minority view that lights just give the intruder a layout of the house and lights should be off, but I don’t buy it.

If you don’t want an alarm system or dog, there are small individual alarms you can buy for windows & doors.

Don’t feel obligated to answer the door just because someone knocks.

Don’t announce plans on social media. Post vacation pix once you’ve returned.

And no distracted driving.

 

[JrzyGirl70]

So growing up in a house with a parent who worked in LE, I was taught early on the following:

Always let someone know your intended destination outside your normal schedule (mall, grocery store, date etc.)

Park in the general same area when going to shopping mall (my parents still know to this day where I park when I go to the mall and it hasn't changed in 30plus years)

Make sure you always have gas in your car

Never fight to protect your property (car/purse/wallet) just give it up. But fight, scream (FIRE gets more responses than HELP) like hell if someone grabs you and is attempting to abduct you, chances are if they get you into a vehicle or into the woods they are going to kill you

If by chance you are abducted try and leave trace evidence of your presence behind. Run your hands through your hair, spit on carpet, touch as much as possible.

This one became more common as I got older - Do not put a sticker on your car with your child's school on it and then put a sticker on it that has your child's name on it with their sport of choice. It is an open invitation to a Predator.

Follow your instincts, we all have that little warning bell inside of us. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't

 

[Shamrock1]

Just to add to Jerzy…

Never ever ever get in a vehicle, even if he threatens to shoot/stab you. Getting in a vehicle is certain death.

Don’t monogram kids’ names on backpacks. I’d skip initials if the name is common - an “O” monogram is probably Olivia and “N” is probably Noah, for example.

 

[Trebor5591]

I'm so impressed with the vast knowledge of websleuthers.

But it's made me realise I'm rather naive about safety, particularly around technology.

I've searched through the forum but I can't find a thread that talks about security; personal security, online security, home security etc.

Can anyone please point me in the right direction?

Some good suggestions here. I will add, install peep holes in your exterior doors. Also get a doorbell camera covering all the entrances to your house.

Something else: buy a handgun that fits your size, and practice with it frequently until you are proficient. There are many shooting ranges. Get a concealed carry permit if available in your state and carry your handgun with you at all times. Be prepared to use it if necessary to defend your life or the lives of your family. There's more involved than an be covered in a short post. Just search for "best handgun and ammo for personal defense". Good luck!

 

[Govind]

I'm so impressed with the vast knowledge of websleuthers.

But it's made me realise I'm rather naive about safety, particularly around technology.

I've searched through the forum but I can't find a thread that talks about security; personal security, online security, home security etc.

Can anyone please point me in the right direction?

About home security , easiest one will be using mirrors outside the front door. This will be cheap too.