Home and Personal Safety
Home and Personal Safety
It can be easy to become complacent about home and personal safety with our busy lives, but criminals look for any opportunity, no matter how small, to commit a crime. However, you can do your part to make it difficult for them. Here are some simple tips:
- Use a timer or a smart lighting app to give the appearance someone is home
- If you will be away:
- Never post upcoming vacation plans online
- Ask a neighbour to pick up your mail, shovel your sidewalk, or mow your lawn
- Have a neighbour or friend stop by and periodically check on your home (interior and exterior)
- Have Canada Post hold or forward your mail for extended absences
- Install an alarm system and motion-activated lighting around your property
- Put away or secure items in the yard that could be stolen or used to break into the home (e.g., lawn mower, ladder, tools)
- Keep windows and doors locked, even while home and driving in your car
- Don’t prop open exterior doors
- Keep the garage door and interior garage door to your home locked
- Wait for your garage door to close completely before driving away
- Don’t feel obligated to answer the door or your phone. If someone wants to reach you, they can leave information behind or a voicemail.
- Never leave valuables in sight in a vehicle (e.g., laptop bag, headphones, tools, cash)
Check out the Government of Canada’s, “The Safe Living Guide—A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors,” checklist here: Home Safety for Seniors Checklist. *Modified for South Cowichan Community Policing.
Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is a serious issue in BC that undermines the health, independence, and dignity of older adults – but you can help. Learn more about recognizing, responding to, and preventing elder abuse by visiting SeniorsBC.ca. If you need information, advice, or support, call the Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL), at 1-866-437-1940. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
- Direct Deposit – Have regular cheques sent to your bank via direct deposit.
- Automated Teller – When using automated teller machines (ATM) be aware of who is around you. Do not make it obvious that you are taking out cash.
- Shop around, always get a minimum of three estimates on major purchases or service contracts.
- Be wary of something for nothing or get rich quick schemes. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is a scam.
- Be careful of door to door sales people or telemarketing. Do not allow yourself to be pushed into buying something you don’t really need or want. Take a day to think about it. Read the contract, ask the salesperson to explain all the costs involved