theGYMkc's Blog

If you find yourself being attacked or about to be attacked, what should you do?

1/13/2016

Have you ever felt that uneasy feeling that something just isn't right? What do you do? Ignore your gut feeling and remain oblivious of what is going on around you ... or do you take action? Here are a few things that you can do if you find yourself in an almost-unfortunate/unfortunate situation

If you get the feeling you are being followed, go into a store or public business. Find a safe location.
If you become suspicious of a subject, increase your walking speed. If the subject matches your speed, look ahead of you for possible ambush sites and avoid them.
If your wallet or purse is demanded, toss them away from you.
Yell loudly.
Use FIGHTING WORDS: "I'm not going to let you hurt me!" Say these words boldly ... in a commanding way.
Use mace/pepper spray in an X or Z pattern ... 12-18 inches away.

Automobile Accident Guide

11/30/2014

What to do if you are in an automobile accident!

Stop immediately!
Remain as calm as possible.
If are outside the city limits of KCMO, then contact the local law enforcement agency.
If the accident occurred within the Kansas City, Missouri city limits then do the following:
If the accident involves injury, then call 911.
If the accident does not involve injuries ... and all of the vehicles are drive-able ... and the drivers do not appear to be intoxicated,

Then:

Agree to exchange information. Consider collecting the information listed at the bottom of this page. You might consider making a copy of this list to have in your glove box to be proactive).
Move the vehicles and people off the roadway.
Stay out of the lanes of traffic if possible.
Call your insurance company.
One or both parties respond to a KCMO Police Division Station with the information to make a report because accidents can't be handled with phone-in reports.
Exchange Case Report Numbers given by police personnel to all parties involved.

If any of the above items cannot be met, then call the police non-emergency number (816.234.5111) and report the incident. The call taker will instruct how best to handle the situation from there.

NON-INJURY VEHICLE ACCIDENT INFORMATION FORM

Date of Occurrence:
Time of Occurrence:
Location:

For ALL vehicles involved, collect the following information:

Color
Year
Make
Model
License Plate Number
State of Issuance
Driver's Name
Sex
Date of Birth
Drivers License Number
Address
Phone Number
insurance Carrier
Policy Number

Collect the following information for ALL occupants of EACH vehicle:

Name
Address
Phone Number
Where Seated in the Vehicle

Collect the names, phone numbers, and addresses of all of the witnesses to the accident (other than the occupants or drivers)
Write a statement detailing the accident. Include each vehicle's direction of travel.
Make a detailed list of the damages to each vehicle.

Car Safety Tips

11/30/2014

Sometimes being reminded of a few easily-to-follow safety tips can help protect you from becoming a victim ... and help you stay more aware of your surroundings. Below are a few tips that could help protect your safety.

Have a car key in hand and ready when approaching your car.
Look underneath as you are approaching your car.
Before entering your car, check the front and rear seats to make sure no one is inside the car.
Enter promptly and avoid lingering in the lot (updating the checkbook, reviewing the recent purchase ...).
Scan the environment prior to exiting the vehicle looking for signs of trouble.
Keep the doors locked and the windows up whenever possible.
Avoid the curb lane of intersections.

Place your purse on the floor where it won't interfere with foot controls and can't be snatched from your car.
Park in well-lighted areas.
Be prepared to unbuckle.
Avoid parking near vans and large trucks that can limit the view of witnesses.
When stopped in traffic, leave space to maneuver around vehicles.
Try to maintain at least 1/2 tank of gas.
Ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
If you develop mechanical trouble and it is safe, remain in your vehicle. Keep the doors locked and the windows up until help arrives.
To signal distress, put up the hood of your car or display a sign. If someone stops to offer help, don't leave your vehicle. Ask them to call the police or a service provider for you (if you can't).
Don't accept rides from newly-made acquaintances.
Avoid isolated roads and short cuts.
If you are followed, drive to the nearest open business for help... or go to a police or fire station.
When dropping someone off, wait until the passenger has safely entered his/her destination.
If involved in a minor collision at night or in an isolated location and you suspect foul play, do not exit to inspect damage or speak to the driver. Signal the other driver with your lights and proceed to the nearest lighted and occupied business or police station.

Burglar-Proof Your Home

11/30/2014

According to Good Housekeeping 2013, too many break-ins are preventable.

Quiz Question #1: When are intruders most likely to break into your home?
A. July and August
B. April and May
C. December and January

Answer: (A) thieves like to strike in the summer when most people go on vacation. Home burglaries go up a bit in July and August. That doesn't mean you can be careless during the other months ... especially in December ... when electronics boxes by the curbside are signaling new, expensive toys. Hold the packaging in your garage until pickup day ... or take the packaging to a neighborhood recycling center or drop off.

Quiz Question #2: Keeping a light on for the entire time you are out of town will deter burglars.
A. True
B. False

Answer: (B) leaving the lights on can actually alert them to the fact that you are not at home. Instead, use timers on different lamps or even on a TV to make it look as if someone is inside the house. Another tip is to not allow your mail or newspapers to pile up on your porch. Putting a hold on your mail is simple. You can either go to the post office or you can register online at www.usps.com. Also avoid letting your garbage sit out for a few days awaiting pickup after you have left.

Quiz Question #3: a deadbolt is the best type of lock that you can have on your doors.
A. True
B. False

Answer: (A) a deadbolt is usually the safest option; but if you didn't change the lock when you moved in, spare keys could be floating around. Also the standard screws that secure the strike plate (the part of the doorframe that the deadbolt slides into) are only about 1-inch long, making the door vulnerable to being kicked in. Replace them with 3-inch screws to help ensure a better defense.

Quiz Question #4: What height should shrubs be to deter intruders?
A. 3-4 feet high
B. 5-6 feet high
C. 7-8 feet high

Answer: (A) that is the perfect height: tall enough to make getting close to the house difficult for a burglar but short enough so he can't hide behind them. Neighbors can also see over these shrubs into your house or yard ... which is a bonus deterrent. For extra intimidation, plant thorny bushes.

Quiz Question #5: You definitely need a home alarm system ...
A. ... if you live in a high-crime area.
B. ... in any kind of neighborhood.
C. ... never! They're just not worth the money.

Answer: (B) police say having a loud alarm (even if it's not connected to your local precinct) is a good idea. It attracts attention ... exactly what burglars don't want. Home-improvement stores typically carry inexpensive options ($10 and up per window) that sound when windows are jostled.

Identity Theft

11/30/2014

It's an unfortunate fact that there are a lot of bad people out there.

Shred personal information.
Use your initials and work phone number on checks.
Protect your Social Security Number. If asked for it, ask the person why he/she needs your SS# ... and if you can, do not give it out.
Photocopy the contents of your purse/wallet. It makes it easier to remember what was in your purse/wallet if ever it is taken.
Avoid placing any outgoing mail in your mailbox.
Clear out your car of any personal or business information when it is not totally necessary.
Do not ever give protected information to unsolicited contacts.
When involved in casual contact with people (selling items like cars or just chance encounters) avoid giving out unnecessary information.
When using a credit card, protect it from people with camera phones.
When using credit cards at a restaurant, make sure it's your card that is returned to you.
Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security Number. The alert means they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit card.
You can opt out of pre-approved credit cards by calling 1.888.567.8688.
Watch for missing bills, checks, strange names in mail.
Gel pens are the best to prevent "washing" of checks.
Maintain updates for fire walls, anti-virus, and operating systems on your computers.

Never email any protected information.
Understand your web browser and its functions and look for encryption on shopping sites.
When getting emails don't click on included web links to sites. They can seem real but guide you to malicious sites.
Never put the full credit card account number on the check ... only put the last 4 numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number.
File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is the first step toward an investigation if there is one.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. If you plan it properly, you can request a free copy every 4 months from a different company. To remind yourself to request your free copy, add a reminder in your calendar/planner.

Should you order all three reports now or spread them out over time? The answer depends on you.

If you are thinking about buying something big soon - a new car or even a home - you may want to get all of your credit reports now. That way you can correct any mistakes on all of them right away.

If you are not planning a big purchase, requesting them over time might be a better choice. When you spread them out, watch for expected changes or suspicious activity throughout the year.

Whichever strategy you choose, mark your calendar so you know when you can request your next free credit report.

3 Credit Report Companies
Equifax: www.equifax.com
Experian: www.experian.com
TransUnion: www.transuntion.com

Purse/Wallet Safety

1/5/2014

If you are like me, I give society the benefit of the doubt ... and often let my guard down by walking away from my shopping cart that is holding my 10-pound purse ... by leaving it unattended at a bar while I use the restroom ... by mindlessly leaving it in my car while my car warms up ...

If you have ever been a victim of a purse/wallet snatching, you quickly kick yourself in the butt ... and then put that Fort Knox Block back up. Avoid getting to that point and avoid being a victim by reminding yourself of a few things that you can do to protect yourself.

Keep your purse away from the street when walking.
Keep your purse close to your body.
Smaller purses are smaller targets.
When you are shopping, keep your purse on your body ... not in the shopping cart.
Keep your purse zipped at all times.
Whether male or female, carry only the cash you intend to spend while shopping.
Do not flash large amounts of cash.
Limit the contents of your wallet/purse to only necessary items.
Make a list [and keep it in an easily-accessible place ... obviously not your wallet or purse ... ha!] of all of those items including credit card numbers and bank phone numbers ... just in case something comes up missing. The stress of a crime often leaves one feeling distraught and forgetful. Having a list will help ensure that you remember everything.
Do not overload yourself with packages.
Credit cards, currency, driver's license, keys, and jewelry should be carried in a coat /on your body.
If you do carry a purse, don't wrap the strap around your shoulder, neck, or wrist. If your purse is grabbed, a strong strap will not yield easily and you may be injured.
Some purse-snatch victims have been thrown off balance and received concussions, broken hips, arms, and legs.

Travel Safety Tips

1/3/2014

I'm not going to deny it ... I have the travel bug. I hear a lot of people say: "When I retire, I want to go to FILL-IN-THE-BLANK!" I can't wait until I retire to travel ... because I'm not quite sure if I will ever retire. I don't want to wake up some day years from now and have The Travel Regrets. When a travel opportunity knocks, I answer. I have been fortunate in my adult life to be able to travel to many exotic destinations. Each time I take a trip, I go through my mental list (now a physical list) to make sure my home and everything that I have left behind ... and that I (along with everything that I take with me on a trip) ... stay safe and sound.

Things you can do before you leave:

Have the post office hold your mail. You can actually do it online at https://holdmail.usps.com. It takes less than 2 minutes ... and you don't have to worry that your mail is going to stack up on your front porch ... announcing that you are away. You might have a friend or neighbor check your mailbox ... because the Hold Mail system is not 100% fool proof ... and sometimes items are delivered on accident.
Place your newspaper on hold also ... so they aren't piled up in your yard.

Connect lights in your home to a timer. I found a couple easy-to-install models at Kansas City's local Westlake Ace Hardware Store: Woods Flip Switch Timer for only $20.99 and Coleman Cable Indoor 7 Day Digital Timer for only $16.99.
Have a friend or neighbor check on your home periodically.
Have someone maintain your lawn or shovel snow from your sidewalks and driveway to give your home the appearance that someone is home. If you don't want someone to shovel your drive, you can always ask someone to drive up and down your driveway to make it look like someone is coming and going.
Contact your alarm company to inform them that you will be out of town, to make sure your contact information is still accurate, and to give them instructions on what you would like them to do if your alarm goes off. For instance, I inform my alarm company to call the police department immediately ... rather than go through the list of people to call.
Call your credit card companies to inform them that you will be out of town. A lot of credit card companies will deny charges that occur outside of your home address ... unless you notify them. I tell my credit card companies the dates that I will be traveling and the specific locations that I will be visiting. I even go as far as telling them which airports I will be traveling through as to make sure my cards will work if I am stuck on a layover.
If you are traveling out of the country, call your cell phone service to see if you will have service ... and at what price. I have been to a few countries where my cell service was charging $7.99 and $5.99 per minute for phone calls. The last thing you want is to return from a vacation with a hefty cell bill. Right before my last trip, T-mobile announced that they were going global ... which meant 20 cents a minute for phone calls and ... wait for it ... wait for it ... FREE text messaging! It seemed too good to be true ... but when I received my statement, I was NOT shocked with exorbitant fees.
Move expensive items, like jewelry or cash, out of sight if they are visible from the window (this should become a habit even when you are home).

Unplug any electrical devices that are unnecessary while you are away. Unplug your television, computer, toaster oven, and other appliances to protect them from power surges. Do this to save power as well. According to the Consumer Energy Center, many appliances use power even when they're turned off.
If you live in a cold region of the world and your pipes are in danger of freezing during winter, you have another compelling reason to leave a house key with a friend while you're traveling. Ask your friend to stop by and check your faucets. If he or she turns on a faucet and only a few drops of water come out, your pipes may be frozen. Take other precautions like making sure your pipes are properly insulated or keeping your heat on while you're away. Another small step that I take is that I leave all of the doors open to my cabinets holding the pipes so that heat can reach them. Show your key-bearing companion the location of the water main shut-off in case a pipe breaks.

Be careful what you say on your answering machine and/or voice mail. Callers don't need to know that you're not home -- they just need to know that you can't come to the phone.
Leave your curtains exactly as you usually keep them when you're home, since noticeable changes could hint that you're not around anymore.
Program important phone numbers in your cell phone before you leave. Make sure to add all of the toll-free numbers associated with all of the credit/debit cards that you are taking with you. Add your hotel's front desk, the number of your home country's nearest embassy, and the nationwide emergency number (such as 911 in the US and Canada, or 112 in many parts of Europe).
Make 2 copies of your passport and credit/debit cards: leave one copy at home with a friend or family member and take the other with you on your trip. Be sure to keep the copy that you are taking with you in a separate place than the originals in case of theft.
If you are going to be gone for several weeks, ask someone to start your car and possibly drive it around the block a few times to make sure your car battery stays charged. It sucks to come home to a dead battery (I've made that mistake at least once).

Things you can do while you are away:

Use your initials on your luggage tags.
Use your work address because your luggage will be seen by a large number of people that know you are out of town (baggage handlers).
Secure valuables in a safety box at your hotel.
Always use security locks on your hotel doors.
Do not answer the door unless you are expecting company and you are certain who is there.
Stay in hotels that have quality 24-hour security

Check that your hotel room windows and doors are locked/secured
Minimize your valuables. Don't take expensive jewelry or excessive amounts of cash.
When you leave the room, leave the TV or radio on and/or put your "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door; both of these tricks will give potential thieves the impression that you're still there. You can contact the front desk to arrange a housekeeping visit even if the "Do Not Disturb" sign is up.
If you do experience a crime during your trip, don't simply complain to your hotel -- file a police report as well. Your homeowners' insurance policy might cover certain loses during your travels, and the insurance company will need a copy of the police report and any other relevant documentation.
After everyone leaves the hotel room, do one last sweep to make sure nothing has been left behind. Double check power outlets ... especially for phone chargers and computer chargers.
Before exiting a taxi, double check the floor and seats to make sure you aren't leaving anything behind. The likelihood of ever seeing that taxi again is slim to none.
If you have a rental car, avoid leaving anything in the front or back seats. Even if you consider something invaluable, a thief doesn't know the difference. An empty bag to you could mean valuable items to a thief. A thief doesn't know that something is worthless until after the window is broken and your personal belongings are rummaged through ... and then often taken and dumped in a trashcan never to be found.

Crime Prevention

7/3/2013

Vehicle break-ins are an internationally common crime, and no one and no community is immune. Vehicle break-ins can occur at any time of day or night.

The good news is there are things that you can do to protect yourself from having your car broken into and your personal property stolen:

Leave any items home that might be attractive to thieves.
Put your junk in the trunk! And put items attractive to thieves in your trunk BEFORE you arrive at your destination. Putting the items in your trunk while at your parking spot can tip off a thief that you have good property to steal.
NEVER leave ANYTHING visible inside your vehicle! This is the single most important thing you can do to prevent your car window from being smashed and your valuables stolen. Thieves take things you might think are worthless, smashing your car windows in the process.
Take with you, leave at home, or store in your trunk any of the following items:

GPS units (always wipe off the suction cup ring on your windshield – that ring is a dead give-away to a thief that a GPS device is inside your vehicle. GPS units are the most common items stolen during a car break-in.
Handbags, purses, wallets, gym bags, and briefcases are the second most stolen items during a car break-in.
Cell Phones, iPods, iPads
Chargers (even if you hide your electronics, if the thief sees the charger, he'll break into the car on the assumption that the GPS, cell phone, or iPod is hidden under your seat, in an interior compartment, or inside your trunk
Stereo faceplates, satellite radio receivers
Radar detectors
Loose change – to some your spare change is a fortune. A car thief will break your window to steal your 73 cents out of the vehicle cup holder
CDs, DVDs
Laptops and cases

Roll up your car windows all the way and lock your doors.
Engage your car alarm, but understand that car alarms do not deter thieves from breaking into your vehicle
The amount of time necessary for a thief to break into your vehicle and steal your property is less than 30 seconds, not enough time for them to be scared away by the alarm

If you find yourself being attacked or about to be attacked, what should you do?

Automobile Accident Guide

Car Safety Tips

Burglar-Proof Your Home

Identity Theft

Purse/Wallet Safety

Travel Safety Tips

Crime Prevention

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