ISMG is dedicated to keeping you up to date on security and risk issues that may apply to your site. Everyone has a hand in security and the following tips may assist in lowering security risk.
Office CreepersNever leave packages in your vehicle where they are visible; you are inviting someone to break in.
Never leave empty bags or boxes visible in your vehicle, a criminal does not know that they are empty and will break into your vehicle.
When going shopping, make sure you tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return home.
Plan ahead. If you know you are going to return to your car after nightfall, park in a well lit area. Note your parking place. Parking lots have a tendency to look very different as cars come and go.
If you are in a store and sense that you are being followed, locate a store employee or security personnel. Be prepared to give them a complete description of the person you suspect.
When you are shopping, do not put packages in your trunk and return to the mall or store. After you put the packages in the trunk, move your car to another parking space. Someone may have watched you put the packages in your trunk.
Be aware of your surroundings when holiday shopping. Criminals are aware that you will be carrying more cash than usual at this time of year.
Do not let people stop you who want directions, time, etc.
Wear fanny pouches – No Purses.
If carrying cash, keep it in a front pocket. This makes it more difficult for a pickpocket to remove.
Store car keys in a pants or jacket pocket. If your purse is stolen, you will still be able to drive home.
Take only one or two credit cards and a couple of checks with you.
Make a list of all credit card numbers and the number to call in case they are lost or stolen. This will make the incident a lot easier to report.
If you feel uneasy returning to your car alone, find a security guard and ask him to walk you to your car.
When returning to your car, check around it and in the back seat.
Have your car keys in your hand to avoid spending unnecessary time unprotected from the security of your vehicle.
There are a number of warning signs to be aware of:
- Statements indicating desperation over family, finances or other problems
- Threatening, confrontational behavior, harassment, or other inappropriate and aggressive behavior
- Numerous conflicts with supervisors and other employees
- Direct or implied threats of harm
- References to weapons
Talk to your supervisor immediately if you observe unusual behavior in others. Take all warning signs seriously. Being proactive can help avoid an incident of workplace violence.
In the Event of an Act of Violence
- Help neutralize the person’s anger so that he/she can cool down and talk calmly and rationally.
- Maintain your calm. You cannot help someone calm down if you are emotional.
- Try to signal for help from a coworker who can then contact the proper authorities.
- Listen attentively and maintain eye contact. Hostile individuals who feel that they have your attention may be less likely to act out physically.
- Be courteous and patient until help arrives.
- If the person is threatening you with a weapon, follow his/her instructions and stall.
- Never try to capture the weapon or act aggressively against the individual. You do not want to risk harm to yourself or to others.
Florida’s flat topography makes it susceptible to the full force of hurricane winds and powerful storm surges.
Tropical cyclones are classified as follows:
- Tropical Depression: A disturbance with a clearly defined low-pressure area; highest wind speed is 38 miles per hour.
- Tropical Storm: A distinct low-pressure area defined by a counterclockwise rotating circulation with winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour.
- Hurricane: Once a tropical storm’s constant wind speed reaches 74 mph or greater, it is classified as a hurricane.
SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE
Category Winds mph Damage Storm Surge ft
1 74-95 Minimal 4-5
2 96-110 Moderate 6-8
3 111-130 Major 9-12
4 131-155 Severe 13-18
5 155+ Catastrophic 18+
Warnings and Advisories: As with all hazardous weather, it is important to keep informed and know the difference between “watches” and “warnings.”
Tropical Storm Watch: An alert for a specific area that may be threatened by a tropical storm within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning: An alert that tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, are expected in specific areas within 24 hours.
Hurricane Watch: An alert for a specific area threatened with hurricane conditions
within 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning: An alert that hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours. All precautions should be completed immediately.
Evacutaion Order: The most important instruction you will receive. Once issued, an evacuation order is mandatory.
Criminals always have a DESIRE and all they need is the OPPORTUNITY.
Some tips to avoid automobile crime:
- “Out of sight out of Mind” – Never leave items visible inside an automobile. Even an old purse given to your child as a toy is viewed by the criminal as money. They are unaware that the purse is a toy and contains nothing of value. Keep all items in the trunk, under the seat, in the glove box, etc.
- Always keep the doors and windows locked during the day or night.
- Park in a well lighted or high traffic area.
- Remember that car alarms are only effective if they provide a unique sounding noise. Most people ignore routine type car alarms.
Just these few tips will offer a much better chance that a criminal will bypass your automobile
Please contact us for all of your security needs.