Stay Together – children should travel in groups of two or more
Use Your Voice – children should say, “NO” when they feel uncomfortable or scared. Children should be taught to yell or scream when they are in danger
Be Aware – children should be able to identify if a situation is dangerous
Check In – children should call their parents to let them know they are on their way home or if their plan has changed
Map It Out – children should have a clearly defined route home from school and should be able to identify landmarks and safe places that they can go for help
Know Your Info – children should know their full name, address, home and parent’s work and cell phone numbers
A physical disability – impaired vision, hearing, mobility etc. – doesn’t prevent you from being a victim of crime. Follow these tips from the Orlando Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch Unit to ensure your safety:
- Stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings.
- Be realistic about your limitations. Avoid places or situations that put you at risk.
- Know the neighborhood where you live and work. Check out the locations of police and fire stations, public telephones, hospitals, restaurants or stores that are open and accessible.
- Avoid establishing predictable activity patterns.
- Put good locks on all of your doors. We recommend double-cylinder, deadbolt locks, but make sure you can easily use the locks you install.
- Install peepholes on front and back doors at your eye level. This is especially important if you use a wheelchair.
- Get to know your neighbors. Watchful neighbors who look out for you as well as themselves are a frontline defense against crime.
- If you have difficulty speaking, have a friend record a message-giving your name, address and type of disability to use in emergencies and keep this next to your phone.
Schedule a free home-security assessment to help identify your individual needs. For more information, call 407.246.2369 or email at OPDNeighborhoodWatch@orlando.gov.
The Orlando Police Department works hard everyday to keep city residents and their property safe, but there are steps you can take to prevent your community from being burglarized. Follow the tips below to help guard your neighborhoods:
Know your Neighbors
Knowing the people in your neighborhood will help you pinpoint suspicious people and vehicles more quickly.
Keep Empty/Foreclosed/Unoccupied Property Tidy
Burglars look for abandoned houses they can use to observe the neighborhood and hide in after committing the crime. Be sure to remove advertisements, newspapers and other trash so it doesn’t accumulate and tip off criminals that the house is unoccupied.
Have a Trusted Housesitter
If you are going to be away for a long period of time, ask a trusted neighbor to:
- Park their car in your driveway periodically.
- Gather your mail and newspaper.
- Turn different lights on and off so the same lights are not coming on at the same time every night.
Giving the appearance of an occupied home will help ward off burglars.
Call 9-1-1 if you See:
- People trying vehicle door handles or looking into cars or houses.
- Any unknown person in your neighbor’s house, yard or garage.
- An unfamiliar vehicle driving slowly through your area repeatedly.