Citizen Member Update - December 2011

SHOPPING WITH KIDS: TIPS TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE

Have you ever been shopping with your child, looked for something on a shelf and turned around to find your child gone?  Thankfully for most of us, we quickly locate our child just down the aisle or around the corner.  Unfortunately more than 2,000 children are reported missing in the United States each day.  The Michigan Sheriffs' Association and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have several tips for keeping your children safe while you are out shopping together in crowded stores and malls this season.

1.      When in a public facility always supervise your children, and ALWAYS accompany young children to the restroom.  Make certain your children know to stay with you at all times while shopping and always CHECK FIRST with you or a trusted adult before they go anywhere.  It is important to know where your children are and who they are with at all times. 

 

2.      If older children become separated from you while holiday shopping, have them meet you in a pre-designated spot such as the sales counter of the store you were in or the mall’s information booth. Teach younger children to look for people who may be sources of help within the store or mall such as a uniformed law-enforcement or security officer, store salesperson with a nametag, person with a nametag who is working in the information booth, or mother with children. They should stay close to where they first became separated and NEVER leave the store/mall or go to the parking lot to look for you or your vehicle.

 

3.      Make an outing to a mall a “teachable” experience in which children practice checking with you; locating the adults who may be able to help if they need assistance; and, for older children, going to the restroom with a friend. Practice having them CHECK FIRST with you before going anywhere within a mall or store. Remember, allowing your children to wear clothing or carry items in public on which their name is displayed may bring about unwelcome attention from inappropriate people looking for a way to start a conversation with your children.

 

4.      Parents and guardians should not leave children alone at public facilities such as video arcades, movie theaters, or playgrounds as a convenient “babysitter” while they are holiday shopping. Never leave children in toy or specialty stores expecting store personnel to supervise and care for your children. They are not trained in this role, and it is not a function of their employment.

 

5.      If you allow your older children to go to the mall or other activities without you, they should TAKE A FRIEND. It’s more fun and much safer. Older children should check-in with you on a regular basis while they are out. Make certain a clear plan is in place to pick them up including where, what time, and what to do in case of a change in plans.

 

6.      Nothing takes the place of your supervision when you are in a public place with your children. If you are going holiday shopping and feel you will be distracted, make other arrangements for the care of your children. It’s easy to get distracted with all the sights, sounds, and crowds of holiday shopping, so make certain your children stay with you at all times.

 

Citizen Member Update - November 2011

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Tips to Keep You Safe  

 The holidays, a time for cheer, hope and joy are here, but with them can come an increase in crime.  Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else because they represent an increased opportunity. To help your shopping go safely the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association offers the following tips:

• Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.
• Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers.  Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps.  Put your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Never leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart.
• Never carry large amounts of cash.  Whenever possible use credit cards, debit cards or checks.
• Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
• When returning to your car or home always have your keys in hand, ready to open the door.
• Before entering your vehicle carefully check the front and rear seats and floors for anyone that may be hiding there.
• Shop with friends or relatives.  There is safety in numbers.
• Teach your children to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

 PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR HOLIDAY ABSENCES

Take Steps to Avoid Being a Target for Burglars! 

 As family and friends reunite this holiday season many leave their houses empty, which is tempting to burglars.  The Michigan Sheriffs' Association encourages you to take the following steps to make your absence less noticeable and your home less attractive to burglars.

 ·        Remember to lock all doors and windows – even the doors that open into your garage.  Those garage doors are easier to open than you think.

·        Make sure your locks are sturdy – all entry doors should have deadbolts.  If your entry doors have windows in them make sure your deadbolt is keyed on both sides and DON’T leave the key in the inside lock.

·        Make sure you put your newspaper and mail delivery on hold before you leave.  Burglars really do look for piled up newspapers and mail as a sign your home is empty.  Leaving mail unattended for days also opens you up to potential identity theft.

·        Make arrangements for a neighbor to create car and foot tracks to your house if it snows while you’re gone.  You should arrange for someone to shovel your sidewalks and driveway while you’re away too.

·        A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system.  If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town you can buy a device which works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.

·        Make sure someone you trust in your neighborhood knows you’re out of town so they can watch for anything suspicious.  Nosy neighbors are a great deterrent because burglars will break a window to get in knowing that most people will stop if they hear a sound but if the sound doesn’t repeat they will shrug it off.  Your neighbor is more likely to call the police if they know you’re out of town and it can’t be you making that noise.

·        Avoid announcing your vacation on Facebook or any other social networking site.  It’s easier than you think to find your address.

 

HOLIDAY SHOPPING ON-LINE?

Safety Tips to Avoid ID Theft 

 On-line shopping is a great way to save time, travel and money, but it can be a hazard if you don't take steps to protect your identity.  The Michigan Sheriffs' Association has several tips to help make your on-line shopping experience a safe one.

 ·        Never give out your Social Security number!  Reputable on-line merchants should never require you to submit your social security number. 

·        Only shop using secure Web sites.  Most websites will have a pop up screen indicating that they have a security certificate, a “lock” should also appear in the bottom corner of your browser window.  Use only reputable Web sites that you are familiar with.  Unfamiliar companies can be checked by searching the Better Business Bureau Web site at www.bbb.org or by calling the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division toll free at 1-877-765-8388.  If you are in doubt, don’t order!

·        Check out the merchant’s privacy and security policies.  Some merchants ask for personal information to sell to other merchants, direct marketers, and even telemarketers.  Read their on-line privacy and security policies so that you know where your information is going.  Some merchants will allow you to opt out of giving this information.

·        Avoid “spam” by creating an e-mail account that you use only for ordering.  With Yahoo and Hotmail among others offering free e-mail accounts it’s easy to create a secondary account that you use to place on-line orders.  Any e-mails you receive to that account would then be solely order confirmations and unsolicited emails.  Making it easier for you to ignore seemingly legitimate phishing scams.  Never respond to unsolicited emails asking you for personal information.  Legitimate sites such as Pay Pal will never send you an email asking for personal information.  If you receive such an email do not click on the link, this may direct you to a fraudulent website.  Open a new browser window, type in the legitimate website, and follow their instructions for reporting a suspected fraudulent email.

·        Use the same credit card when making all on-line purchases.  If you use only one credit card for all your on-line purchases it will make it easier for you to track them and identify any fraudulent transactions.  Fraudulent transactions can result from on-line merchants mishandling your credit card information.  If you use a card that has a relatively low credit limit this can also prevent thieves from obtaining authorizations for large purchases.

·        Watch those shipping charges.  Carefully check and compare shipping and handling charges before ordering.  Some merchants will add 10% to 15% to the purchase price, making what seemed like a great deal into a bad deal.  Keep in mind there are lots of on-line merchants that will give you free shipping if you meet a minimum purchase amount, but if you go below that amount it can cost a lot!

·        Print out and keep all copies of receipts.  Keep all you receipts in an organized file that you can easily access in case of any problems.  Matching those receipts with the packing lists that come with the products will ensure you receive everything that you ordered.

 

SAFETY TIPS FOR THANKSGIVING TRAVEL

Weather Can Change in Michigan Quickly   

 An estimated 1.5 million Michiganders will travel during the 102-hour Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend.  The Michigan Sheriffs' Association would like all of them to arrive at their destinations safely. 

The combination of long distance travel and a relatively short time period can turn deadly.  Nine people were killed in car crashes during the 2010 Thanksgiving holiday.  In order to avoid becoming a statistic you should get plenty of rest before driving, avoid alcohol and wear your seat belts.

The holiday coincides with the firearm deer season, which means hunters will add to the numbers on the road during the high travel holiday.  A large deer herd, combined with large numbers of cars on the road, creates a high probability for collisions.  In 2010 54,579 deer-vehicle crashes were reported.  These crashes caused 1,277 injuries and 11 deaths.

The best way to avoid a deer/car collision is to slow your car down and proceed with caution.  Deer travel together, if you see one chances are others are coming so please proceed with caution.

Remember to heed deer crossing signs.  If you do hit a deer make sure you report it to your local police or Sheriff’s office.

In 2010 almost 9,000 Michigan accidents were alcohol related.  Despite statistics showing that seat belt usage in the U.S. has increased over the years with about 9 out of every 10 travelers now buckling up, there is still room for improvement.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that if all drivers and passengers wore seatbelts, approximately 8,000 lives a year would be spared nationwide.                                                                             

With the arrival of winter weather coming any day the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association suggests the following safety tips for safe travel:

Winter driving tips:

• Check your tires, engine oil, antifreeze, and brakes before embarking on a trip.
• Buckle up, and make sure your passengers do too.
• Reduce speed in snow, sleet, and rain. 
• Allow yourself plenty of braking space in wet weather.
• Lightly pump your brakes on wet roads when slowing the vehicle.
• Never venture down unplowed roads.
• Avoid distractions such as talking on your cell phone or eating.
• Keep headlights on & use low beams in fog.
• Listen to the radio for information on local road and weather conditions.                                         
• Pull off the road if you’re tired or if outside conditions worsen.
• If you break down, don’t venture more than 100 yards from your vehicle to seek help.

 

Things to include in your vehicle during winter driving

• Map of the area where you’re traveling
• Water
• Flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Candle (for heat and light)
• Snowbrush and ice-scraper
• Package of cat litter (for tire traction)
• Spare tire
• Small shovel
• Hats, weather proof gloves and boots, and a heavy blanket
• Matches and flares
• Cell phone (for emergency use only)

 

 

Citizen Member Update - October 2011

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS

Michigan's sidewalks and streets will soon be filled with ghosts, goblins and perhaps a few Jr. Deputies as well!  Halloween brings out the kid in all of us and the Michigan Sheriffs' Association wants to make sure everyone has a Happy and SAFE holiday.  Before you head out on Halloween night, here are a few safety tips:

·        Choose bright, flame-retardant costumes or add reflective take to costumes and candy bags so children are easily seen in the dark.  In addition, trick-or-treaters should carry a glow stick or flashlight.

·        Keep flammable items, such as your jack-o-lantern, away from small children, pets and flammable materials such as draperies, furniture and paper decorations.  Never leave a candle burning unattended.

·        Watch costumed children around pets.  The pet may not recognize the child and become frightened, especially if the child is using a prop such as a sword or dagger.

·        Avoid hard plastic or wooden props, opting instead for items made of foam rubber, which is soft and flexible.

·        Plan a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.  Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods, streets that are isolated or homes that are poorly lit inside or outside.

·        Never send young children out alone.  They should always be accompanied by a parent or another trusted adult.  Older children should always travel in groups.

·        Always walk younger children to the door to receive treats and don’t let children enter a home unless you are with them.

·        Be sure children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.

·        Watch for traffic and avoid walking in the street whenever possible.

·        Know the route your children are following.  Children should always walk together to the front door of each house and only cross the street at crosswalks.

·        Make sure your children know your phone number(s) and address in case you get separated.

·        Teach your children to say “NO!” and “this is NOT my mother/father” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them.  Also teach them to make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting.

·        Remind your children not to eat any candy until you get home and can inspect it. 

·        Remember to drive slowly and carefully on Halloween, especially through neighborhoods.  Some children may be wearing costumes which make them difficult to see.

 

DEER SEASON DRIVING: TIPS TO AVOID CAR-DEER CRASHES

With hunting season underway the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association would like to remind you that deer populations are on the move.  This spike in activity increases the chance of car/deer crashes occurring. 

Last year more than 54,000 accidents in Michigan involved deer.  Most often you will see a deer at dawn or dusk.  Remember to look beyond the beam of your headlights for eyes of deer which may be near the path of your vehicle.

Trying to dodge a deer is not a good idea.  Deer often move erratically and swerving may cause you to lose control of your vehicle, resulting in injury or even death.  In 2010, 1,277 injuries and 11 deaths were reported as a result of car-deer crashes.  The best way to avoid deer is to slow your car down, flash your headlights and come to a stop without swerving.  Remember, deer travel together, so if you see one chances are others are coming. 

If, despite all efforts to reduce your chances, you do happen to hit a deer, make sure you do the following:

·      Report the crash to your local police department or Sheriff’s Office

·      If possible move your vehicle to the side of the road

 

Citizen Member Update - September 2011

SAFETY TIPS FOR HUNTING SEASON

Michigan’s fields and forests will soon be alive with blaze orange hunting gear. The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association wants hunters to remember some important safety rules before setting out to deer camp.

• Your hunting license and the identification used to purchase it (Michigan driver’s license, identification card, or DNR sport card) must be carried with you at all times while hunting.
• All hunters must wear an item of clothing (hat, cap, vest, jacket, or rain gear) in “hunter orange”; it must be the outermost garment; and it must be visible from all sides. If it is camouflage, at least 50 percent of the garment must be orange.
• Hunting hours begin approximately one-half hour before sunrise and last until approximately one-half hour after sunset.
• Safety zones include all areas within 150 yards (450 feet) of an occupied building, house, cabin, barn, or other farm building. You may not hunt in this area or shoot at any animal within this area, unless you have the written permission of the property owner.
• It is illegal to drink alcohol or use intoxicating drugs before hunting.

The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association also wants hunters to take the following precautions to prevent injury or death while hunting this season:

• Familiarize yourself with the area where you will be hunting
• Never assume you are alone in the woods
• Never assume other hunters are acting responsibly.
• If sitting against a rock or tree, make sure it is wider than your shoulders so you are not mistaken for a target.
• Be 100 percent sure of your target before shooting.

 

TAILGATING DOS AND DON’TS

Fall weather is synonymous in Michigan with tailgating.   Whether you’re off to your local high school game or traveling to a college or pro (How about those Lions?) game, the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association has some tailgating dos and don’ts to share with you.

 

DO pack warm dishes in insulated carriers to keep casseroles hot. And make sure coolers have plenty of ice or freezer packs.  No one wants to end up with food poisoning.
DON'T skimp on the food. Make sure there's plenty for your party, and enough to share a little with your tailgate party neighbors -- that way you can try some of their food, too. 
DO have plenty of nibbles and snacks for people to eat while they're waiting for grilled dishes to be ready. 
DON'T do dumb things with your grill, like causing lighter-fluid flame-ups or dumping warm coals in a trash dumpster.
DO have non-alcoholic drinks available for people who don't imbibe, teenagers, and for anyone who's had one too many. 
DON'T drink too much, and don't drink and drive. Ever. 
DO wear your team's colors and show your school spirit. 
DON'T angrily taunt fans of the other team. Tailgate parties are for fun, not fighting. 
DO use environmentally friendly plates, such as bamboo, in place of paper plates. And if you have food in take-out boxes from the deli, they probably can be taken home for composting. 
DON'T leave trash in the parking lot. Make sure you have enough garbage bags, and take your trash home with you. 
DO dress appropriately. A long, chilly morning in the parking lot followed by shivering in the stands is no fun. If it's cold, pack a scarf, mittens and a hat. 
DON'T take your shirt off if it's hot.

DO wear sunscreen!

 

Citizen Member Update - August 2011

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY: DRIVERS NEED TO BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS AS KIDS GET BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Summer days are waning away and the start of school is just around the corner.  The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association encourages drivers to cut down distractions and concentrate on the road as kids of all ages get back to school. 

Children are often eager to get on and off the bus because they are excited to get to school and they are also excited to get home and tell their parents about their day.  The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association has some safety measures for both students – and motorists – to help ensure safety for everyone.

Tips for Students

·         Always arrive at the bus stop early.

·         Prior to boarding, wait until the bus has some to a complete stop, the door is opened and the bus driver says that it’s OK to board.

·         Once on board proceed quickly to your seat and stay sitting until the bus arrives at your school or other drop off location.

·         Do not move around on the bus. 

·         Always walk on the sidewalk when preparing to cross the street near a bus.  Make eye contact with the driver so that you are sure he or she sees you.

·         Never walk behind the bus.

·         If you are walking beside the bus, make sure you are at least 10 feet (10 “giant” steps) away.

·         Take extra precaution to make sure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags do not get caught in the hand rail or door.

·         Never stop to pick something up you have dropped while the bus is stopped.  Wait until the bus has driven off to avoid not being seen by the driver.

Tips for Motorists

·         Remember that children are unpredictable in their actions.  Take extreme caution when traveling in a school zone.

·         If you live in an area where there are no sidewalks, drive cautiously.  Be more alert to the possibility of children walking in the road.

·         Be more aware of children playing near school bus stops.

·         Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.

·         Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully

·         Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. 

·         Put down your phone – don’t talk or text while driving!

·         Slow down and prepare to stop whenever you see yellow school bus lights flashing.

·         Never pass a school bus when there are flashing red lights.  This is a sign that children are getting off the bus – and it’s the law!

Traveling to and from School

·         Plan a walking route to school or the bus stop.  Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and, if possible, with intersections that have crossing guards.

·         Walk the route with your child beforehand.  Tell him or her to stay away from parks, vacant lots, fields and other places where there aren’t many people around.

·         Teach your child never to talk to strangers, accept rides from strangers or accept gifts from strangers.  Remember, a stranger is anyone you or your children don’t know well or don’t trust.

·         Be sure your child walks to and from school or the bus stop with a sibling, friend or neighbor.

·         Teach your kids – whether walking, biking or riding the bus to school – to obey all traffic signals, signs and traffic officers.  Remind them to be extra careful in bad weather.

·         When driving kids, deliver and pick them up as close to the school as possible.  Don’t leave until they are in the schoolyard or building.

·         If your child bikes to school make sure he wears a helmet that meets safety standards.  Research indicates that a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85%.

·         If your child rides a scooter to school, make sure she wears sturdy shoes, al helmet, kneepads and elbow pads.  Children under 12 should not ride motorized scooters.

·         Be sure your child knows his or her home (or parents’ cellular) phone number(s) and address.  They should also know where you work, your work phone number, the phone number of another trusted adult and how to call 911 for emergencies.

 

PREVENT BULLYING – TIPS TO HELP YOU AND YOUR CHILD

Bullying, when one child picks on another repeatedly, is an increasing problem in schools.  Bullying can be physical, verbal or social.  One only has to think of the most recent school shooting to know that bullying can have tragic consequences.  The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association wants to help you ensure your child is safe from bullying at school and promote an atmosphere where problems can be worked out constructively, rather than violently.   The following are just a few tips to help you whether your child is being bullied, your child IS the bully or your child observes bullying.

When your Child is Bullied

·         Help your child learn how to respond by teaching your child how to:

o        Look the bully in the eye.

o        Stand tall and stay calm in a difficult situation.

o        Walk away.

·         Teach your child how to say in a firm voice:

o        I don’t like what you are doing.

o        Please do NOT talk to me like that.

o        Why would you say that?

·         Teach your child when and how to ask for help.

·         Encourage your child to make friends with other children.

·         Support activities that interest your child.

·         Alert school officials to the problems and work with them on solutions.

·         Make sure an adult who knows about the bullying can watch out for your child’s safety and well-being when you cannot be there.

When your Child IS the Bully

·         Be sure your child knows that bullying is NEVER OK.

·         Set firm and consistent limits on your child’s aggressive behavior.

·         Be a positive role model.  Show children they can get what they want without teasing, threatening or hurting someone.

·         Use effective, non-physical discipline, such as loss of privileges.

·         Develop practical solutions with the school principal, teachers, counselors, and parents of the children your child has bullied.

When your Child is a Bystander

·         Tell your child not to cheer on or even quietly watch bullying.

·         Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult about the bullying.

·         Help your child support other children who may be bullied.  Encourage your child to include these children in activities.

·         Encourage your child to join with others in telling bullies to stop.

 

PREPARE YOUR HOME OFFICE FOR THE FALL & PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY

As the fall weather moves in, the Michigan Sheriffs' Association encourages you to take steps to protect your identity.  From tax documents to medical bills and store receipts, your home office is filled with confidential information that can lead to identity theft.  While it's easy to think identity thieves only prey on electronic data, criminals are notorious for sifting through garbage in search of confidential information.

The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association recommends their “top 5” tips for cleaning and protecting your home office:

1.       Begin with the basics: sort through the piles of paperwork on your desk and in your office drawers.  Place them into two categories: ‘save’ and ‘shred’.

2.       Organize the ‘save’ pile into labeled folders and be sure to put anything confidential into a fire-proof lock box.  The ‘shred’ pile should be properly disposed of with a cross-cut shredder.  Cross-cut technology is an important feature because it provides high security, destroying confidential information into unidentifiable pieces.

3.       Get a digital makeover.  Refresh your home office computer by deleting files you no longer use and backing-up important data onto an external hard drive.  Clean out your inbox and change all passwords.  Refreshing your computer is a good practice to follow periodically throughout the year.

4.       Plan ahead by purchasing organizational tools for your desk, such as computer risers or file folder holders.  This will help clear clutter from your desk top while keeping things within arm’s reach.

5.       Get rid of dust and germs that easily build up on office equipment such as keyboards, telephone and cabinets.  While this won’t necessarily protect you from identity theft, you will feel instantly more productive with a clean work space.