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| Home > Fact
of the Week > Surroundings |
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November 21, 2011
Preparedness
Facts
by
Elizabeth Hall, Emergency
Services Specialist -
Kings County Office of Emergency Management |
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 Resources
- Graphics:
www.pfsafety.com and
www.midsouthkravmaga.com
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The
one thing I have always taught
my kids is to be aware of their
surroundings as they are out
and about. Whether you are out
shopping, making a quick trip
to the bank/ATM, or walking through
parking lots, you need to pay
attention to not only those around
you, but of the possible situations
that could leave you vulnerable.
I had three perfect examples
present themselves just this
past week while running simple
errands.
The
first was making a quick
stop at the ATM machine just
outside my bank to get a
little cash for the movies.
It was just before 4:00 p.m.
on a Sunday afternoon and
there were a few people ahead
of me in line so I felt secure
that others were around.
My daughter stayed in the
locked car with my purse.
As I was at the machine,
I found myself to be the
only one in the area. I felt
the urge to be quick. After
completing my transaction
and was walking around to
the car, I saw a man who
seemed to appear from out
of nowhere across the street.
He was walking briskly and
crossing the street towards
me. He shouted “Do
you have some extra cash
I could have?” I responded
with a firm “No I don’t”,
and quickly jumped in the
car, locking the doors and
headed out.
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| A
few days later, I had to run
some errands during my lunch
hour. While going back to my
car (keys in hand ready to make
a quick exit), a lady had quickly
appeared out from around the
parked cars and said “Excuse
me ma’am, can you help
me out? I think she saw that
I was in a rush, and asked “Are
you in a hurry?” I replied
with yes, I only have minutes
left of my lunch hour, and I
quickly left. |
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| On
a different day, after another
errand, I had just returned to
my car, put my purse down on
the passenger seat, and as I
was reaching around for my seatbelt,
a woman was up against my driver’s
window asking for money. I nearly
jumped out of my skin. I just
shook my head no, started my
car and carefully backed out.
(Yes, my doors were locked). |
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| I
am usually pretty good at observing
my surroundings, but seems like
they are coming out of nowhere ….and
suddenly! Am I losing my touch
or are they becoming craftier? |
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| Now,
you may think me rude or uncaring,
but I can’t forget what
happened to a family member of
mine years ago during this same
time of year in a store parking
lot. Keeping in mind that experience
has made me suspicious of anyone
approaching me in those situations.
This particular family member
was approached by a female who
proclaimed to have had some trouble
with her vehicle. As he stopped
at his vehicle to hear the dilemma;
he was approached from behind
by two men laying in wait. He
was attacked and robbed of his
wallet. Credit cards and cash
were gone. And that was before
the economy was as bad as it
is today. |
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| Desperate
times are causing people to go to great lengths
to get what they want, and right here in
our small community. Does this mean we can’t
help people out? Certainly not, but I do
caution you to be very careful. You
may think that you as a person are not vulnerable,
but sometimes just living in a small and
trusting community makes you vulnerable. |
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 - If
you will be out during evening hours,
park in a well-lit area. Always
try to find a parking spot as close
to the entrance of where you are
going.
- Make
a mental note of where you parked.
Would-be thieves are just
looking for your vulnerability.
The distressed “Where did
I park my car” look is a
dead give-away that you are elsewhere
in thought and
not aware of your surroundings,
making you an easy target. When
I park, I
not only make note of what isle,
but which side (which direction
the headlights
are facing).
- Only
carry the credit card/s you think
you will need; not your
entire collection. Now is the
season to make
a list of all your credit cards,
along with contact phone numbers
for each
card, and keep it in a safe place
at home. This will help in the
event they
are lost or stolen. Been there,
done that.
- Be
alert and aware of people “hanging
around” parking lots/garages,
just inside or outside the store or
establishment you are visiting.
- Have
your car keys ready in hand before
you go into the parking
lot. Fumbling for your keys also
makes
you a venerable target.
- If
you carry a purse, make sure you
have zipped/closed it all
the way to avoid pickpocketers
- Make sure your purse/wallet,
bags and whatever you are carrying
are secure by your side.
- Hold
all cell phone calls/texts until
you are locked inside your
car if at all possible.
- Once
inside your vehicle, lock your
doors.
- Be
very careful at the ATM machine
day or night. Always be aware
both before and after you visit
the machine.
- As
you are parking, whether it’s in a parking lot, side street,
or your own driveway, check your surroundings
before exiting your locked car.
- Trust
your instincts!
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Resources:
Graphics - www.pfsafety.com
&
www.midsouthkravmaga.com
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Do
your part for safety awareness by passing this
information along to anyone you can think of
who would benefit.
Have
a great week, and remember…… Be
Responsible - Be Ready - Be Prepared!
Teaming Up for Emergency Preparedness
Elizabeth Hall
Kings County Public Health Department
Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 852-2634
www.kingscountyoem.com
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