Since 9/11, we are no longer spectators to our own security.  Police, security, and the military are only one part of our defense against terrorism and they can’t be everywhere.  For the first time, many of us are realizing that terrorism is not just an issue we see on the evening news.  It’s not something that happens overseas or to other people.  It can happen right here as well.

You can help protect your community by doing the following:

Be a participant not a spectator-  If you see something that is out of the ordinary or you know it is against the law.  Report it to your local law enforcement agency. Don’t rely on someone else to report it.  That incident or suspicious activity that you observed may be the missing part of the puzzle that law enforcement needs.  Report it!

Be aware of your surroundings- S.A.F.E stands for Staying Alert Finding Escape.   Many times people get victimized because they were not aware of what is happening around them, and when they realized something was going on, they didn’t have a plan to get out of the situation.  You should always be looking around and figuring out what you need to do if something were to happen.

You can also help protect your community by getting involved.  Join Neighborhood Watch, Volunteer with your local police department, Just be prepared for any type of emergency, whether it is a criminal act or natural disaster, if you are prepared you will be able to take care of yourself and help others in your community as well.