CHAPTER FIVE

Take an active and participating interest in what goes on in your neighborhood. Work with your neighbors to create a safer environment. There are some simple precautions you can take, and if you take them collectively, everyone on your block wins.

Have a complete list of home and work phone numbers for emergency contact.

Get together a group to plan for endangerment or disaster.

We live in an increasingly closed society. Get to know your neighbors and let them get to know you. There's safety in awareness, knowledge and numbers.

Don't be afraid to report suspicious behavior or unfamiliar people to the police. All you have to do is watch the local news to know that safe really is better than sorry.

As tempting as it is, don't take the law into your own hands. The law isn't always on the side of the victim, and you stand a good chance of making a bad situation worse.

Teach your children to respect the law and its officers. Teach them how to be respecters of people and property.

At the same time, teach them how to handle emergency situations, and teach them how to defend themselves.

Know where emergency facilities are in your community, know how to contact authorities, and while you're teaching your children to protect themselves, learn how to protect yourself as well.

Pay attention to how things operate in your community. Attend civic meetings regarding public health and safety. The more knowledgeable you are, the better are your chances for safety. Exercise your right as a citizen to voice your concerns and seek action.

Make yourself aware of special local conditions: weather hazards and the industrial environment are two such conditions that apply on the Gulf Coast area. Become involved in the kinds of constructive community action groups that will help make your community a better, safer place.

Make safety the top priority in all you do. Safety professionals will tell you that THINKING safe helps you to BE safe.