Suggested Safety Tips for Seniors
 
Consider these common-sense precautions:

  • Be Alert When Out and About
  • Go with friends or family, not alone.safetytipssenior1
  • Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps.
  • Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
  • Don't carry credit cards you don't need or large amounts of cash.
  • Use direct deposit for incoming checks.
  • Whether you're a passenger or driver, keep car doors locked.
  • Be particularly alert in parking lots and garages. 
  • Sit close to the driver or near the exit while riding the bus, train, or subway.
  • If someone or something makes you uneasy, trust your instincts and leave.
Find out more about protecting your home.

  • Make Your Home is Safe and Secure.
  • Install good locks on doors and windows. Use them! Don't hide keys in mailboxes, planters or under doormats.
  • Instead, leave an extra set of keys with a trusted neighbor or trusted friend.
  • Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them in. If you are the least bit worried, call the company to verify.
  • Be sure your street address number is large, clear of obstruction, and well-lighted so police and other emergency personnel can find your home quickly.
  • Consider a home alarm system that provides monitoring for burglary, fire, and medical emergencies.
Find out more about frauds and cons.seniorsprotect

  • Watch Out for Con Artists
  • Don't fall for anything that sounds too good to be true - a free vacation, sweepstakes prizes, promised medical assistance, a low-risk-high-yield investment scheme.
  • Phone call with claims of a family member in danger and needs financial assistance.
  • Never give your credit card, phone number, Social Security, or bank account number to anyone over the phone. It's illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verify a prize or gift.
  • Don't let anyone rush you into signing anything - an insurance policy, a sales agreement, a contract. Read it carefully and have someone you trust and/or your attorney check it over.
  • Beware of individuals claiming to represent companies, consumer organizations, or government agencies that offer to recover lost money from fraudulent telemarketers for a fee.
  • If you're suspicious, check it out with your local Law Enforcement Agency, the Better Business Bureau, or local consumer protection office. Call the National Consumers League Fraud Information Center at 800-876-7060.
Find out more about neighborhood action.

  • Get Involved in the Community.
  • Report any crime or suspicious activities to law enforcement.
  • Form a neighborhood watch to look out for each other and help Law Enforcement.
  • Work to change conditions that hurt your neighborhood.
Best Tips For Crime Prevention.

  • The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office can provide a Crime Prevention Presentation for your group or organization upon request. To set up a Crime Prevention Presentation please contact the Sheriff's Executive Assistant Shaneka Coone at 863-993-4700 ext: 2246 Monday through Friday during normal business hours.