Safety Tips For Seniors
Criminals often regard seniors as easy targets for many kinds of crimes. It is
important to be aware of these crimes and to learn how to prevent them. Watch
out for Con Artists and Con Games.
Some safety tips for seniors:
- Always walk in well-lit areas, and walking with a companion is also safer.
- Carry identification with you at all times.
- Keep your doors locked at all times.
- Never display large sums of money in public.
- Report all suspicious activity to the police.
- Never open your door to strangers until you are satisfied with their
identity and the purpose of their visit. - Get to know your neighbors
Senior citizens can "street proof" themselves... At home:
- Always keep your doors and windows locked. Install dead-bolt locks in
all doors. - Keep your home well lit at night inside and out, and keep your curtains
closed at night. - Install a peephole in your front door so you can see callers without
opening the door. - Ask for proper identification and the purpose of the visit from delivery
people or strangers. - Never let a stranger into your home. If a stranger asks to use your
telephone, offer to place the call for him. - Never give out information over the phone indicating that you are home
alone or detailing when you will not be home. - Hide your keys in a place that is not conspicuous.
- Install a wide-angle door viewer which permits you to see callers before
you open the door.
Out and About:
- Walk only in well-lit areas.
- Do not burden yourself with packages or a bulky purse.
- Never display large sums of money in public.
- Walk near curbs and away from alleys and doorways.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
In the Car:
- Always lock your car immediately on entering or leaving it.
- If a stranger stops to offer help, do not get out of your car. Ask the
stranger to call a service truck for you. - If you suspect someone is following you, drive to the nearest public
place (gas station, all-night restaurant) and blow your horn. - Park in well lit areas.
- When you return to your car, always check the front and back seat
before you get in. - Never pick up hitchhikers.
- Avoid driving and parking in isolated areas.
- Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly maintained to
avoid breakdowns. If you have car trouble, raise the hood, lock
yourself in and wait for the police.
Financial Information:
- Do not discuss your finances with strangers.
- Get to know your bank manager.
- Have a will drawn up and notarized by a lawyer who is sensitive to
seniors issues. - Arrange to have any incoming cheques such as your pension
cheques deposited directly into your bank account. - Keep your money in a bank or financial institution, not at home.
- If unable to do your own banking, entrust a relative or friend. Make
this person known to your bank manager/ lawyer/ relatives. - Have a person you trust review documents before you sign them.
- Do not give either your ATM card or password to anyone.
- Set cash withdrawal limits on your account.
- Be wary of anyone pressuring you to sell your house.
- Don't commit yourself to purchases or charitable donations over the
phone. Ask the caller to mail you the information.
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