Safety Tips for Latchkey Children

Statistics show that from 5 to 12 million children ages 5 to 13 are home alone for some period of time each day. It is important for these children to learn basic safety tips to assure they have a positive experience. First and foremost, children should know to dial 911 in case of an emergency. They should also know their address and phone number, as well as phone numbers for their parents and trusted neighbors. They should be taught to NEVER go into their home if a door is open or a window is broken when they arrive, but should instead go to a trusted neighbor's house and call 911.

If someone calls on the telephone or comes to the door, the child should not let the person know that they are home alone. Parents should role play with their children and go over the appropriate things to say to callers and visitors. For example, if someone telephones, the child could say, "Mom and Dad are busy right now. I'll take your number and have them call you back." Similarly, if a visitor comes to the door, the child should keep the door shut and locked and yell, "Mom and Dad are busy right now, can you come back later?" It is best for the child to respond to the visitor instead of ignoring them; they may be a criminal looking to burglarize a vacant home.

These are just a few of the tips available in the brochures found on our Web site -- Latchkey Children: Young Children at Home, Latchkey Kids: A Guide for Working Parents, and At Home Alone: A Parent's Guide.

Visit www.mesaaz.gov/police/literature/default.aspx for additional child safety information.

Census Workers

The census, undertaken once every ten years, can provide ample opportunities for identity theft scammers. Most citizens know that U.S. Census Bureau officials will be contacting them in person, by phone or by mail to verify their addresses and gather information about persons in their household. Because of these, citizens may let down their guard and provide information or entry to their home to unauthorized strangers posing as government officials.

Since the first phase is already underway, please remember the following:

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers, no will employees solicit donations.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by e-mail, so be on the look out for e-mail scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.


Are There Valuables In Your Vehicle?

"I'm sorry, but it appears your auto policy doesn't cover that." You could soon be hearing those words if you leave valuables in your vehicle! Purses, wallets, money, laptops, cameras, any typ of electronics, just to nam ea few, are often the focus of vehicle burglars. Even if the windows are up and the doors are locked, these items left in your vehicle can result in a broken window or pried lock.

Most auto insurance policies do not cover any personal items left in a vehicle that are stolen. Although many people believe they will be covered, they often hear the words above when a vehicle burglary is reported to their insurance company. If you have home owner's insurance or renter's insurance, there is a possibility that the items could be covered under that policy, but you will still be responsible for paying the deductible. Now you have both the auto insurnace deductible (if the vehicle was damaged or a window broken out) and the hom eowner's deductible to pay.

If that item you left in your vehicle was a purse, wallet or laptop, you are also in danger of having your identity stolen. Resolving identity theft can taken may years and ruin your credit in the process. It only takes an extra minute to make sure you have taken all valuables with you when you leave your vehicle, but many years and dollars to repair the damage if they are left unattended. If you do the math and add the cost of your auto insurance and home owner's insurance deductibles, you will likely find that taking your valuables out of the vehicle each time you exit will be much more cost effective.

10-2009