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Whenever your family walks out the front door they leave that zone of protection you have created. The secret to keeping your family reasonably safe from harm is to have a family security plan. The best way to accomplish this is to give careful thought to the public routines of each family member and think of ways to make them safer.

Following are some of the most common types of criminal confrontations in the most common settings. Make sure your family is educated on how to protect themselves in these situations.

1. Only use ATM machines in well-lighted, high traffic areas.
2. Don’t use ATM machines that are remote or located near pillars, shrubbery or trees.
3. When you approach a machine, have your card ready.
4. When you receive your cash, put it away immediately.
5. If anyone suspicious approaches, terminate your transaction and leave immediately. Even if it means leaving your card in the machine.
6. If you use a drive-thru ATM, keep the car in gear and your foot firmly on the brake.
7. If an armed robber confronts you, give up your money without argument.

1. Whenever possible, request an upper floor.
2. Rooms should be equipped with a solid-wood or metal door.
3. Room doors should have a deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt.
4. Make sure all windows and sliding doors are secured if they are accessible from the ground.
5. Be aware of balconies where someone can climb from one to another and enter through an open window or sliding door.
6. Teach your children not to open the door to any hotel room without knowing who is on the other side.

1. Plan your shopping excursions during daylight hours when fewer predators are lurking.
2. Always park in a high traffic area preferably away from large trucks or vans.
3. Scan the area before you leave or approach your vehicle.
4. Train your family to enter and exit the vehicle quickly and lock the doors.
5. If you are returning to your vehicle and see anyone suspicious loitering in the area, return to the shopping center and alert security.

1. Never leave handbags on desks or wallets in coat pockets in your absence.
2. If you handle money at work, always keep it in a safe place.
3. Be careful with keys. Don’t leave spares in an unlocked drawer.
4. Never assume a stranger wandering in a building is an employee.
5. Never leave callers alone in the office.

1. Avoid waiting at isolated bus stops when alone.
2. When using a bus or streetcar, sit near the driver. On a subway, sit close to the front or middle car depending on where the driver is.
3. When waiting for a train, use the designated waiting areas as much as possible. Note the location of all phones and exits.
4. In case of fire, accident, vandalism, illness or danger on public transit, use the emergency button to alert the driver and