Hello again everyone. This is the last article before my first big community event of the year, the ARGRA rodeo out at Strathmore that runs from June 28th to June 30th. If you are planning on attending the event, keep your fingers crossed for some decent weather and please come and search out my colleagues and I to say "Hi", I would love to see you all.
This month I want to talk about something that is closely related to last month’s article on the work of the Victim Assistance Unit. In an effort to avoid the need for VAU, the Calgary Police Service reminds citizens of Calgary to keep their personal safety in mind at all times - at home, while driving, while outside walking, and while in the work place. Attacks on a person can be motivated by many factors. These factors include personal gain, power struggle and mental or physical impairment.
Quick personal safety tips
No matter where you are, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if you feel a situation may be unsafe. Keep these important tips in mind:
• Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables on your person or in your home. Use banks and safety deposit boxes for safe storage of valuables.
• If you feel you are being followed, stay in busy public areas, drive to a police station, or call the police.
• Carry a personal safety alarm or noise-maker, instead of items like bear spray and mace, which are considered prohibited weapons.
• Carry a cell phone. Call police at 403-266-1234 if you see suspicious activity, or call 911 if you or someone else is in danger, or if you see a crime in progress.
• Limit the number of packages or belongings that you carry in your arms so you don’t become vulnerable.
• If you are attacked, create lots of noise to attract attention. Do not try to keep possession of valuables.
Personal safety while walking
Walk on well lit, busy streets and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Walk in the middle of the sidewalk. Avoid isolated areas like parks and alleys. Carry a cell phone on your person at all times if possible. Scream or yell loudly if attacked but keep in mind that bear spray and mace are considered prohibited weapons.
Personal safety while driving
Have your keys in hand before reaching the vehicle. Check both front and rear seats before opening the door. Keep valuables out of sight or in your trunk. Tell friends, family, or co-workers where you are going and when you will be back. Park in a well-lit, visible area. While driving, keep doors locked and windows closed enough to prevent someone from reaching in.
Personal safety in the workplace
Avoid isolated corridors or hallways. Be extra careful in stairwells and isolated or poorly lit rest rooms. Avoid entering an elevator which is occupied by only one other person, especially if that person is a stranger to you. Once inside the elevator, stand near the controls, and make a mental note on the location of the emergency button. If you are assaulted in an elevator, push the emergency or help button and push as many floor buttons as possible.
Personal safety at home
Do not leave keys in a hiding spot. Keep window coverings closed when home alone, or at night. Establish a "safe room" where you can hide from intruders. The safe room should be equipped with a telephone or cell phone and an escape route or window.
If you witness a crime or emergency situation, please call 9-1-1 immediately. If you witness suspicious activity, please call the Police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.
You may think that these tips seem like common sense. Well, they are, but it never hurts to refresh your memory. Remember, despite some of the horrific events that have recently been reported in New York regarding attacks against gay men, these incidents are very scarce especially here in Calgary. Remain vigilant, stay safe and look after each other. As always, feel free to call or email regarding anything that you want to talk about.
See you in Strathmore!