QUESTION: Crime seems to be all we hear or read about. Any suggestions on steps to take to help with personal safety?
ANSWER: Personal safety is something everyone should practice. There are steps we can take at home and when we are out and about that will help us avoid being a victim.
Always trust your instincts. If something seems wrong you’ll likely be right and if at all possible should avoid the situation. Never hesitate to report suspicious activities to the proper authority.
Make you home a safe place to be. Invest in high-quality locks and use them. Always keep your doors and windows locked. While at home never open the door to a stranger. If possible have a peephole installed in your door and verify who is at the door before opening the door or allowing entry.
If you are going out and plan on returning after dark leave lights on using timers. When returning home if you suspect someone is inside don’t enter – call the police.
Get to know your neighbors so you are aware of who should and should not be in the neighborhood.
While you are out and about stay alert to those around you. It is always best to travel in pairs – but if you are alone walk with confidence and avoid isolated areas and shortcuts.
If using an elevator get on with a group if possible and never ride alone with a stranger. Stand near the control panel and if uncomfortable get off immediately.
Always protect your valuables. Carry only what you need. Men should place their wallets in front pockets. Women should carry their purses close to their bodies and never put them down on a table or counter.
If you think you are being followed turn and look at the suspected person letting them know you are aware of them. Change direction or cross the street — if the person follows you go into a public place and call the police.
When in your car always keep your doors locked and your windows closed. When returning to your car check the interior and area around your car before entering. Never leave valuables open to view place them out of sight or in the trunk.
If you are using public transportation always wait in a well lighted area and near other riders. If using a bus sit near the driver and select an aisle seat when possible.
No matter whether you are at home or out and about always stay alert, avoid dangerous situations and take precautions. If you need directions go into a public place to ask your questions.
Your personal safety is your responsibility – take it seriously.
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HAPPENINGS:
WEDNESDAY – August 8 – 1:00 to 3:00 pm – Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group – Sarah Osborne, Parkinson’s Foundation Community Program Manager for California will talk about “Aware in Care” a patient safety kit that empowers people with Parkinson’s before, during and after a hospital visit and how to obtain a kit. The program will be at the Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston Street in Ventura. For information call Patty at (805) 766-6070.
FRIDAY – August 10 – 8:30 am to 1:00 pm – AARP Smart Driver Refresher Course – at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Reservations can be made at (805) 381-2744.
TUESDAY – August 21 – 1:30 to 3:00 pm – Seminar – “Will You Pass Your Next Driving Test?” – at Moorpark Active Adult Center, 799 Moorpark Avenue in Moorpark. Reservations can be made at (805) 517-6261.
WEDNESDAY – August 22 – 1:00 to 5:00 pm – AARP Smart Driver Refresher Course – at Pleasant Valley Senior Center, 1605 Burnley Street in Camarillo. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Registration is required by August 15. For more information call (805) 482-4881.
SATURDAY – August 25 – 5:00 pm – Hawaiian Summer Luau – at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. Tickets are $20 per person. For more information call (805) 381-2744.
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Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are located at the Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 or call (805) 495-6250 or e-mail bberry@seniorconcerns.org (Please include your telephone number.) You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.
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