These crime prevention and safety tips are presented in partnership with the the Cleveland Division of Police and the Ohio Crime Prevention Association.
Businesses, Organizations, Schools and Other Institutions
City of Cleveland Emergency Preparedness Guide
This 20 page guide book was created by the City of Cleveland to help residents better prepare for and respond to emergencies. Includes important numbers, emergency kit information and more.
General Preparedness in the Workplace – Part I
Your federal, state, and local law enforcement and government agencies are working hard every day to prevent terrorism in America. But there are some things that you can do too.
General Preparedness in the Workplace – Part II
What to do in the case of a shooter at your place of employment.
Active Shooter Response
An emergency can happen at any time. You and your co-workers should know what to do if an emergency happens during the workday.
Video: How to Defend Yourself in Mass Shooting Situations
When masked gunmen killed at least 14 people and injured 17 more in San Bernardino, Calif., Lori O’Neill, of Chagrin Falls, watched the tragic confirmation of the importance of what she teaches.
Videos: Surviving an Active Shooter Situation
Videos on this from the LA County Sheriff, the City of Houston and Ohio State University.
Child Abuse
General Child Abuse Prevention
Tips from helping other parents in the community and vulnerable children to being mindful and examining the way you discipline your children.
Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome
How to keep calm and keep your baby safe.
Intervention
Here are some basic tips from child welfare experts if you find yourself in a situation where intervention could be helpful to parent or child.
Who is Required to Report Child Abuse and Neglect
Any person who has cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect should report such incidents.
Domestic Violence
Safety with an Abuser
If you’re in a physically abusive relationship, please consider the following tips to help try to keep you and your children safe until the time comes when you are able to leave.
Plan for Safety
Preparations to escape domestic violence include getting a protection order, stashing cash, clothing and spare keys at a friends, and more.
Safety Tips for Victims Who Have Left Their Abusers
Survivors of domestic abuse who have left their abusers can take some steps to create safer surroundings, from changing locks on the doors to communicating about the situation as needed to employers, the school, and others.
Driving, Car Safety and Getting Around
Bike Safety
Here are ten smart rules to consider when you ride your bike.
Biking, Jogging and Other Personal Safety Tips
PREVENTION is the key to living safer.
Carjacking
The following are a few tips to keep you safe form this sort of serious crime.
Carjacking – More Tips
Avoid being a victim of carjacking.
Car Theft – Part I
How to reduce your risk.
Car Theft – Part II
How to reduce your risk – more.
Car Theft – Part III
Protecting your valuables.
Car Theft – Part IIV
When on the road.
Driving During the Holidays
While festive and wonderful, the holidays also come with some additional concerns when driving, parking and returning from shopping.
Driving Safely Around Schools
As a driver, are you mindful of school zones and safety?
Driving Safely Around Schools – More Tips
It’s never more important for drivers to slow down and pay extra attention then when children are going back and forth to school.
“Hoppin” is Not What You Think
“Hoppin” is the practice of going car to car looking for one that is unlocked.
Personal Safety When Driving
How to Safely Get in Your Vehicle and More.
Public Transportation
Buses and Rapid Transits
Mugging
Tips to help you avoid being mugged.
Stolen Vehicles
Watch out for suspicious activities and vehicles.
Walking Safely
According to SafeKids.org, though pedestrian vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death for children ages 5-19, no one is immune. Here are a few tips for children and adults of all ages.
Winter Driving I
A few safety tips to help you lessen the chances of having an accident or getting stuck in frigid conditions.
Winter Driving II
They say there are two seasons in Cleveland: winter and summer. Even if you are an experienced driver, you can do well by reviewing these tips.
What to Do When Stopped by the Police Part I
A police officer can ask you to pull over when there is a reasonable suspicion an infraction was committed.
What to Do When Stopped by the Police Part II
Problems relating to encounters with police officers can be avoided. Whether or not you are arrested may depend upon how you respond.
What to Do When Stopped by the Police Part III
Usually when an officer stops you, he/she will have a legitimate reason for doing so, even though you may not agree.
Drugs
Drug Watch
Why people use drugs.
Drug Watch – Continued
Fighting drugs in your community.
Emergencies
Things to Remember When Calling 911: Location
Please be advised on this (unofficial) public service announcement, which is straight from a Police Dispatcher. Also, the Cleveland Police non-emergency number is 216-621-1234.
Things to Remember When Calling 911: Listen to the Dispatcher
People sometimes get frustrated with dispatchers because they think that in answering many questions, it is delaying a critical response.
Things to Remember When Calling 911: When to Call 911
If your call starts with “This isn’t really an emergency,” you shouldn’t call 911.
Emergency Preparedness
At Home
Evacuation plans.
Natural Disasters
If a tornado, hurricane or earthquake struck your house tomorrow, would you be ready?
Terrorism
Your federal, state, and local law enforcement and government agencies are working hard every day to prevent terrorism in America. But there are some things that you can do too.
Food Safety
Dogs and Food
It’s good to keep in mind that some foods are not good for dogs. Here are ten foods to look out for.
Fraud and Theft Prevention
Fraud and Identity Theft
Summer is the perfect time for a family break, but criminals don’t take a summer break. You can avoid becoming a victim to lurking property predators by staying alert and following a few basic prevention measures.
Fraud and Identity Theft – Home Service Cons
Trouble is Knocking at the Front Door
Fraud and Identity Theft – Online
From phishing to ransonmware.
Identity Theft
Learning how identity theft occurs is a step in preventing it.
Public Charging Stations
A free charging station may seem like a lifesaver, but beware, it could leave you vulnerable.
Home Safety
Summer is the perfect time for a family break, but criminals don’t take a summer break. You can avoid becoming a victim to lurking property predators by staying alert and following a few basic prevention measures.
Holiday Safety At Home
The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime.
“Hoppin” is Not What You Think
“Hoppin” is the practice of going car to car looking for one that is unlocked.
Investment Scams
The basic formula remains the same: dream up a bogus get-rich-quick investment and persuade susceptible people to buy in. But in the end, the promises are empty, and the sophisticated sales techniques are just the trappings of well worn cons.
Charitable Giving
The Ohio Attorney General offers these tips regarding charitable solicitation/giving.
ATMs and Door Solicitations
You should follow some general precautions when using ATMs. This installment also advises how to handle solicitors.
Also – see our Neighborhood Watch section on this index.
Gangs
Gang Watch – Part I
Parents can reduce the likelihood of their child becoming involved with gangs, and can reduce the amount of gang activity in their neighborhood.
Gang Watch – Part II
Identifying gang members.
Gang Watch – Part III
What you can do.
Halloween
Halloween Safety
How to keep kids safe on the street and sidewalks!
Playing it Safe on Halloween
Pointers for parents.
Handgun Safety
Children
How to prevent the accidental death of a child.
Firearm Safety Tips
Anyone who is going to own a firearm should respect it and secure it when not in use to help prevent firearm accidents and misuse.
Protecting Our Children
It is estimated that about 33% of all households with children ages 18 and under have a gun in the home.
Talking With Your Child About Guns
While there is no specific age to talk to a child about gun safety, a good time to introduce the subject is when he or she shows an interest in firearms.
Holiday Safety
At Home
The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime.
Driving During the Holidays
While festive and wonderful, the holidays also come with some additional concerns when driving, parking and returning from shopping.
While Shopping
You may already take precautions such as avoiding carrying large amounts of cash; here are some other things to consider while shopping this time of year.
Children and Holiday Shopping
Tips to help you keep your children safe while shopping.
Winter Driving I
A few safety tips to help you lessen the chances of having an accident or getting stuck in frigid conditions.
Winter Driving II
They say there are two seasons in Cleveland: winter and summer. Even if you are an experienced driver, you can do well by reviewing these tips.
Charitable Giving
The Ohio Attorney General offers these tips regarding charitable solicitation/giving.
Dogs and Food
During the holidays, it’s good to keep in mind that some foods are not good for dogs – especially because many are fed scraps this time of year. Here are ten foods to look out for.
Home Safety
At Home
General home safety tips, from mail to evacuation plans.
Burglary Prevention
Keep your house looking occupied.
Burglary Prevention – Keys and Locks
Don’t hide your keys outside, etc.
Burglary Prevention – Securing Your Home
What to secure, and how.
What Moms Can Do in Case of Intruders
Hopefully this will never happen to you, but if it does, here’s what to do.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is not just a concern for those who have fireplaces. If you have any gas or coal-burning appliances, you also need to take care.
How to Interact with Police, 9-1-1
What to Do When Stopped by the Police Part I A police officer can ask you to pull over when there is a reasonable suspicion an infraction was committed.
What to Do When Stopped by the Police Part II Problems relating to encounters with police officers can be avoided. Whether or not you are arrested may depend upon how you respond.
What to Do When Stopped by the Police Part III
Usually when an officer stops you, he/she will have a legitimate reason for doing so, even though you may not agree.
Police and the Use of Firearms
To avoid situations where force or firearms could be used do not take action or make movements that could be perceived as a threat.
Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch Programs
If citizens got together to actively prevent crime half as often as criminals meet to create crime, the community would notice a real change.
Your Neighborhood
Your neighborhood may consist of single family and duplex homes; apartment buildings; a combination of single homes and apartments; commercial buildings; and schools.
The Concept of the Neighborhood Watch
There is strength in numbers.
What to Look For
From suspicious characters to obvious situations.
9-1-1
What to do when you dial 9-1-1.
When a Call is Placed to 9-1-1
How your 9-1-1 call is responded to.
Reporting to Police
How and what to convey.
Crimes in Progress
Kinds of crimes that one might witness in progress.
Non-emergency situations
Various non-emergency situations that a Neighborhood Watch can help with.
Definition of a Neighborhood Watch Program
Neighborhood Watches and community mobilization offer citizens the ability to work with law enforcement to prevent, and rid, neighborhoods of vandalism and crime.
A Neighborhood Watch is Not…
Neighborhood Watches are one of the original foundations of community policing, and are referred to as the EYES AND EARS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.
Organizing a Neighborhood Watch
Use the following suggestions to get residents interested in attending meetings, and to transform your group into a mobilized, successful Neighborhood Watch.
The Neighborhood Watch Meeting
The success of a Neighborhood Watch program is directly related to the ongoing participation and support from each member of the Watch.
The Role of Neighborhood Watch Members
If citizens got together to actively prevent crime half as often as criminals meet to create crime, the community would notice real change.
Solving Problems
Community problems–ranging from vandalism to drug abuse and violent crime–have no easy answers.
How Neighborhood Watches Grow
Crime prevention is a way of life and involves members remaining committed to the ongoing goal of building safer, more caring communities.
What Motivates Neighborhood Watch Members
Ways to gain the support and enthusiasm of members and remain mobilized beyond single problems and projects
Personal Safety
General Personal Safety
The most effective way to prevent crime is through common sense, awareness, and basic safety precautions.
Situational Awareness
How to Develop the Situational Awareness of Jason Bourne.
The Art of Falling Safely
Practice “mindfulness” on the ice – focus on the present and be aware of your surroundings, instead of being lost in your thoughts. STAY SAFE.
Schools and Children
Child Watch – Part I
Prepare children to stay safe around strangers.
Child Watch – Part II
Teaching children how to respond; latchkey children.
Staying Safe on the Way to School
From planning out a route to making sure your child knows his or her address.
Driving Safely Around Schools
As a driver, are you mindful of school zones and safety?
Clothing and School Supplies
Are you prepping your child’s backpack to minimize the chance of injury due to strain?
Playgrounds
Make sure your school has someone who monitors the playground at all times.
Child Abduction
Eye-opening video about child abduction.
Bullying
Bullying is the use of force, threat, or coercion, to abuse, intimidate, or aggressively dominate others.
Weather (Tips for Summer, Winter and Adverse Weather Conditions)
Emergency Preparedness: Evacuation Planning
Evacuation plans.
Natural Disasters
If a tornado, hurricane or earthquake struck your house tomorrow, would you be ready?
Fireworks
Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks displays. But along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to emergency rooms – especially during July.
Surviving Hot Weather
Did you know your body is constantly in a struggle to disperse the heat it produces? Most of the time, you’re hardly aware of it–unless your body is exposed to more heat than it can handle.
Be Safe When Swimming
When we think of water safety, we often think of the potential for young children to drown. Drowning is also a concern for teens and young adults.
Reducing the Threat of Zika Virus and Other Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Mosquitoes have long taken a bite out of warm weather fun. That bite now carries with it the danger of Zika virus, West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
Home Safety
Summer is the perfect time for a family break, but criminals don’t take a summer break. You can avoid becoming a victim to lurking property predators by staying alert and following a few basic prevention measures.
Winter Tips
Winter Driving I
A few safety tips to help you lessen the chances of having an accident or getting stuck in frigid conditions.
Winter Driving II
They say there are two seasons in Cleveland: winter and summer. Even if you are an experienced driver, you can do well by reviewing these tips.
Preventing Pipe Freeze Damage
The cold winter weather that can cause water mains to break also can cause home water meters to fail and pipes to freeze and burst. Here are some tips to help you avoid trouble.
The Art of Falling Safely
Practice “mindfulness” on the ice – focus on the present and be aware of your surroundings, instead of being lost in your thoughts. STAY SAFE.
Use Your Snow Blower Safely
It may come as an afterthought, but…
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is not just a concern for those who have fireplaces. If you have any gas or coal-burning appliances, you also need to take care.
Frostbite
Even skin that is protected can be subject to frostbite…
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A safe community is everyone’s responsibility. Please do your part by practicing good safety measures in order to better avoid becoming a victim, reporting suspicious activity, and looking out for your neighbors.