Rialto Police Department's Safety Tips

How should I respond to suspicious letters or packages?
Child Safety Seat Information
What to do I do if a blackout happens while I'm driving?
Protecting Yourself While Walking at Night
Preventing a Home Burglary
Protecting Yourself While Using An ATM
Safeguard Your Home
Preventing a Carjacking
Keeping Your Children Safe
Protecting Yourself in a Parking Garage
Staying Safe While Shopping
Safeguarding Your Home While on Vacation

-Kids Section

Child Safety Seat Information

• Approximately 95% of all child safety seats inspected at safety checkups are being used incorrectly.
• A car seat improperly used can be dangerous and even fatal.
• Infants should ride rear-facing until at least 12 months and 20 pounds. Safety experts recommend infants ride rear-facing as long as possible because it is much safer.
• A rear-facing infant should never ride in front of an airbag. This could be fatal. All children are safer in the back seat.
• All children under 4 years and 40 pounds are required by law to ride in a child restraint.
• Safety experts feel that all children under 80 pounds and under 4'9" tall should ride in some type of child restraint or booster. Vehicle seat belts are made for adults and can be dangerous when used on a child too small.
• For more information on the correct child safety seat for your child, car seat installation inspection or any other car seat information, contact Cathy Farrar, Certified Child Passenger Safety Techinician by phone at 909-820-2500 Extension 2333, or by e-mail at CarSeatPolice@aol.com.
  

Avoid walking or running alone at night. Instead go walking or jogging with a friend.

Don't use headphones while walking, driving or jogging.

Always walk in well-lighted areas.

• Avoid the use of short cuts.
• After dark, keep away from large bushes or doorways where someone could be lurking.
• Always stay near the curb.
• If someone in a vehicle stops and asks for directions, answer from a distance. Do not approach the vehicle.
• If followed, go immediately to an area with lights and people. If needed, turn around and walk in the opposite direction, your follower will also have to reverse directions.
• Do not display cash openly, especially when leaving an ATM.
  
  

Preventing a Home Burglary

• Invest in solid doors and good quality locks on doors and windows. This includes on all sliding glass doors as well. Make it not only difficult but also time consuming for a burglar to gain entry.
• Whenever you go outside, lock the door and take the key with you, even if you are just stepping next door or out mowing the back yard.
• Don't put valuables where they can be seen from the window, especially items that can be easily carried.
• Be sure your garage door can be secured. Do not leave it open when you are away; an empty garage broadcasts your absence.
• When you aren't home, use a timer set to turn interior lights on and off at varying intervals as though your home was still occupied.
• Don't keep large amounts of cash or really valuable jewelry around the house.
• If someone comes to your door asking to use the telephone, make the call yourself. Don't invite them in.
• Don't hide a spare key under the door mat or under a flower pot. Thieves know all the good hiding places.
• Plant thorny bushes under all windows. Trim back any trees or shrubs near doors and windows to eliminate hiding places for would-be theives.
• Invest in a good security system along with motion sensor lights installed out of reach.
• Don't leave ladders outside. Keep any tools that could be used to break in your home safely locked away in a garage or shed.
• Get a barking dog or "beware of dog" signs. If you own a dog and go out of town, have someone come in and care for your dog in your home.
• Always double check doors at night and lock all windows.
• Engrave all valuables such as stereos, microwaves, videocameras, with your driver's license number. (Engraving tools are usually available through your local law enforcement agency.) Videotape the contents of your home. Keep the video and the list of all valuables in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box.
  

• Try to avoid using an ATM by yourself. Either take someone with you or only use an ATM when others are around.
  
• If possible, avoid using an ATM after dark. If you must, choose one that is well lighted and does not have tall bushes nearby.
  
• When you arrive at an ATM, look around. If you see anything that makes you uncomfortable or anyone who looks suspicious, do not stop. Either use an ATM at a different location or come back later. Notify the authorities.
  
• Have your access card and any other documents you need ready when you approach an ATM. While you are fumbling with a wallet or purse, you are easy game for a thief.
  If someone else is using the ATM when you arrive, avoid standing right behind them. Give them enough space to conduct their transaction in privacy.
  
• Even while using the ATM, stay alert to your surroundings. Look up and around every few seconds while transacting your business.
  
• Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Do not enter your PIN if anyone else can see the screen. Shield your PIN from onlookers by using your body.
  
• When your transaction is finished, be sure you have your card and your receipt, then leave immediately.
• Avoid counting or otherwise displaying large amounts of cash.
  
• As you leave, keep a look out. Be alert for anything or anyone who appears suspicious. If you think you are being followed, go to an area with a lot of people and call the police.
  
  

• Do not list your first name in the telephone book. Instead use initials.
  
• Make sure your answering machine message does not indicate that you are alone.
  
• Have deadbolts installed on all doors. Keep doors and windows locked.
  
• Install a peep-hole on your door and look before opening the door.
  
• Never open the door to strangers.
  
• Keep blinds or drapes closed to discourage "Peeping Toms." Do not hang lingerie outdoors.
  
• Verify the identity of any repairmen. Use the telephone number listed in the phone book, not on their identification.
  
• If someone comes to your door asking to use the telephone, make the call yourself. Don't invite them in.
  
• Don't hide a spare key under the door mat or under a flower pot. Thieves know all the good hiding places.
  
• Plant thorny bushes under all windows. Invest in motion sensor lights and a good security system.
  
• Get a barking dog or "beware of dog" signs.
  
• Always double check doors at night and lock all windows.
  
• Be sure your garage door can be secured. Do not leave it open when you are away; an empty garage broadcasts your absence.
  
  

• Keep doors locked and windows shut.
  
• Don't stop to assist a disabled motorist. Instead contact a service station or police.
  
• When stopped at a light, leave enough room between you and the car in front that you could make an escape.
  
• Be suspicious of anyone approaching the car with fliers, asking for change or directions. Be ready to leave carefully, even if it means running a red light or stop sign.
  
• While driving, if struck from behind or in any suspicious way, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and windows closed until the police arrive. Activate your vehicle's emergency flashers.
  
• If you're very suspicious, get the other vehicle's license number and drive to the nearest police station or a well-lighted area with lots of people.
  
• If you think you are being followed, drive immediately to an area with lots of lights and people. If possible, drive to the nearest law enforcement office.
  
• Obtain and use a cellular phone to call for help.
  
  

• Teach them to never talk to strangers.
  
• Develop a secret password that must be used if someone unfamiliar is to pick them up from school or play.
  
• Teach them never to ride their bikes alone; always ride with a buddy and always wear their helmet.
  
• Teach them to never play in the street.
  
• Establish neighborhood boundaries in which they may play.
  
• Teach them to never open the door to a stranger when home alone.
  
• Teach them that, when answering the telephone, never give out any personal information or let the person who calls know if they are alone.
  
• Teach them to be sure to let their parents know exactly where they will be and for how long, and to always call and let them know if they decide to go somewhere else.
  
• If they should see a gun, teach them to stop, don't touch, call an adult.
  
• Teach them to never get into a car with someone they don't know.
  
• If they feel threatened, teach them to run away as fast as they can.
  
• Teach them to always look both ways and watch for cars before entering or crossing the street.
• If they come home and something about their house doesn't look right, teach them to go immediately to a neighbor's for help.
  
  

• If you must leave a key with a parking attendant, leave only your vehicle's ignition key. Do not leave anything attached to it with your name and address.
  
• Don't park next to a van's sliding door.
  
• Change from high heels to low flats or even sneakers when leaving work. They are better to run in.
  
• At night, leave your office or building in the company of others. Don't leave alone after dark. If possible, have someone from your building security escort you, or call for police assistance.
  
• Approach your vehicle with your keys already in your hand.
  
• Look around your vehicle for any suspicious activity. If you see someone loitering around your vehicle, walk past until they leave.
  
• Do a quick scan of your vehicle's interior before unlocking the door. Be sure to look in the back seat.
  
• Keep your doors locked and your windows shut.
  
• Be suspicious of anyone approaching your vehicle, whether passing out leaflets or asking for donations. Always leave the car windows up.
  
  

• Avoid shopping alone. Try to shop with a friend or relative.
  
• Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area. Put radar detectors and cellular telephones out of sight.
  
• Know your surroundings. Keep an eye on the people in front of as well as behind you.
  
• Carry your purse close to your body. Don't swing it loosely. Don't flash large amounts of cash.
  
• Walk with confidence. Avoid talking to strangers.
  
• Approach your vehicle with your keys already in your hand.
  
• Try not to carry too many packages. Place all packages out of sight in your vehicle, preferably in the trunk.
  
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and your windows shut.
  
• If you see anything suspicious or if something just doesn't feel right, leave immediately and contact security or the police.
  
  

• Strive to make your home look as lived-in as possible while you're away.
  
• Don't broadcast your plans but do let your neighbors and local law enforcement know.
  
• Give a spare key to your neighbors and give them an emergency telephone number to reach you.
  
• Arrange to have your mail and newspapers either stopped or picked up daily.
  
• Have someone mow your yard or rake the leaves so your house looks lived-in.
  
• Use automatic timers to turn on a radio and lights at different intervals to hide the fact you aren't home.
  
• Turn down the ringer on the telephone. An unanswered telephone is a dead give-away.
  
• Be sure you don't announce your absence on your answering machine message.
  
• Leave your blinds like you normally would if you were home. Only close them all the way if that is what you would normally do.
  
• Be sure to close and lock the garage as well as any storage sheds, gates, etc.
  
• Engrave all your valuables with your driver's license number. If possible videotape the contents of your home. Be sure to keep the video and the list of valuables in a safety deposit box.
  
• Ask your neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway. If you are leaving a vehicle parked outside, have the neighbor move it periodically so it looks as though you are home.
  
• Be sure someone knows your itinerary and your estimated time of arrival and return.
  
• If you get lost while traveling, ask directions of local law enforcement, not complete strangers.
  
• Be sure your vehicle is in good working condition and that you have taken enough money. Do not carry large amounts of cash, use credit cards and travelers' checks.

How To Handle Anthrax
and Other Biological Agent Threats

Many facilities in communities around the country have received anthrax threat letters. Most were empty envelopes; some have contained powdery substances. The purpose of these guidelines is to recommend procedures for handling such incidents.

Do Not Panic:

1. Anthrax organisms can cause infection in the skin, gastrointestinal system, or the lungs. To do so, the organism must be rubbed into abraded skin, swallowed, or inhaled as a fine aerosolized mist. Disease can be prevented after exposure to the anthrax spores by early treatment with appropriate antibiotics. Anthrax is not spread from one person to another person.
2. For anthrax to be effective as a covert agent, it must be aerosolized into very small particles. This is difficult to do, and requires a great deal of technical skill and special equipment. If these small particles are inhaled, life-threatening lung infection can occur, but prompt recognition and treatment are effective.

Suspicious Unopened Letter or Package Marked with Threatening Messages Such as "Anthrax":

1. Do not shake or empty the content of any suspicious envelope or package.
2. Place the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leaks of the contents.
3. If you do not have any container, then cover the envelope or package with anything, and do not remove the cover.
4. Then leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
5. Wash you hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.
6. What to do next;
If you are at home, then report the incident to police and fire.
If you are at work, then report the incident to police and fire, and notify your supervisor or building security.
7. List all people who were in the room or area when this letter or package was found. Give this list to the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials for follow-up.

Envelope with Powder and Powder Spills Out Onto Surface:

1. Do not try to clean anything up. Cover the spilled contents immediately with anything. Do not remove the cover.
2. Then leave the room and close the door.
3. Wash your hand with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.
4. What to do next;
If you are at home, then report the incident to police and fire.
If you are at work, then report the incident to police and fire, and notify your supervisor or security officer.
5. Remove heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place into a plastic bag. The clothing should be given to the emergency responders.
6. Shower with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or other disinfectant on your skin.
7. If possible, list all persons who were in the room, especially those who may have been exposed to the substance. Give this information to both local public health and law enforcement.

Question of Room Contamination by Aerosolization:
For example; small device triggered, warning that air handling system is contaminated, or warning that biological agent released in a public place.

1. Turn off local fans or ventilation units to the area.
2. Leave area immediately.
3. Close the door, to prevent others from entering.
4. What to do next;
If you are at home, then dial 911, to report the incident to police and fire.
If you are at work, then dial 911, to report the incident to local authorities, police, fire, and the local FBI office. Notify your supervisor or building security.
5. Shut down air handling systems in the building, if possible.
6. If possible, list all persons whom were in the area or room.

How to Identify Suspicious Packages and Letters:
Some characteristics of suspicious packages and letters include; These are just guidelines.

1. Excessive postage.
2. Handwritten or poorly typed addresses.
3. Incorrect titles.
4. Title, but no name.
5. Misspellings of common words.
6. Oily stains, discoloration or odor.
7. No return address.
8. Excessive weight.
9. Lopsided or uneven envelope.
10. Protruding wires or aluminum foil.
11. Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.
12. Visual distractions.
13. Ticking sounds.
14. Marked with restrictive endorsements such as "personal" or "confidential."
15. Shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address.