National Night Out - Staying safe at home, work and play

Every year, on the first Tuesday in August, nearly 40 million people in 16,000 communities across the United States turn out to celebrate National Night Out. The event was first hosted in 1984 as a way to bring communities together and promote stronger ties between citizens and the law enforcement personnel who serve them. Communities are at their best when neighbors feel a common bond and a sense of community not only among themselves but also with their local public servants, and National Night Out is a fun and enjoyable way to foster those important ties.

In South Lake Tahoe, the inaugural National Night Out will be a great way to get out and network and enjoy the community. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Department, California Highway Patrol, South Tahoe Police Department and other local organizations have come together for a fun evening at Environmental Science Magnet School that includes fire truck and SWAT vehicle exhibitions, meet and greets with K9 officers and much more. However, National Night Out is about more than having a good time. It's also an important opportunity to learn valuable crime prevention practices. With that in mind, here are a few essential tips to help keep you and your family safe - no matter where you may roam.

Home Safety

To gauge your home’s security, “case the joint” through the eyes of a would-be burglar. Take note of any valuable items in view, and any perceptible weaknesses - the number one step to staying safe in your home is ensuring that all doors and windows are secure. If you must leave a spare key outside, do so only by placing it in a combination lock box. Discourage criminal activity by maintaining the illusion that you’re always at home, even when you’re on vacation. Put interior lights and exterior lights on timers and arrange for a friend or neighbor to pick up mail and maintain your yard.

Consider installing a peephole, or even a security camera system. FBI burglary statistics indicate that homes not equipped with security cameras are up to 300 percent more likely to be broken into than those that are. A camera system with alarm monitoring services can help you see what’s going on at home at all times, and alert the proper authorities if there is a break in. Remember, the cops can’t be everywhere all the time - there’s safety in participating in a Neighborhood Watch Program and getting to know those who live nearby. Close communities suffer fewer crimes because neighbors watch out for one another.

Workplace Safety
Crime prevention may not be at the forefront of your mind during working hours, but it's important to remain vigilant nonetheless. Check the identity of anyone you don't recognize in your work area and verify that they have a reason for being there. If you're unable to do so, notify security or management. If you own or manage your business, be sure that you've implemented clear security policies and that all of your employees know what to do and who to contact in the event of a security issue.

Online Safety
Cybercrime has grown explosively in recent years, and your online activities may come with significant risks if you don't practice good cyber safety. Be sure to use strong passwords that feature at least 12 characters in a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols where available. Never use the same password for multiple accounts and opt for two-factor authentication wherever it's available.

Never shop or bank at an unencrypted website - this means it’s not secure, and your credit card information could be leaked. Check for a padlock image next to the name of the website in your search browser before proceeding. It's also essential to keep your software updated regularly to avoid potential security exploits and other risks.

Travel Safety
When it comes to travel safety, research is key. Research your destination to learn about local security threats, read reviews to discover which hotels and tourist spots are safest and most traveler-friendly and consider enrolling in the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This program provides important safety notices and travel info, establishes a line of contact with the nearest Embassy in the event of an emergency and offers assistance with lost or stolen passports and other common travel mishaps.

Personal Safety
Criminals will take any opportunity to commit a crime, which means that you need to take your personal safety security no matter where you go. Never leave your purse, wallet, phone or other personal belongings unattended, and be very cautious about displaying cash, jewelry and other valuables. Don't offer any personal information to someone you don't know and trust. Most importantly, trust your instincts. If you find yourself in a place or situation that feels uncomfortable, don't hesitate to excuse yourself and exit quickly and calmly.

National Night Out is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your neighbors and meet the people who work to keep you safe. It's also a chance to learn what you can do yourself to make South Lake Tahoe a better place. Armed with the tips above, you'll be well on your way to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe and prepared.

Beth Kotz is a freelance writer and contributor for numerous home, technology, and personal finance blogs. She graduated with BA in Communications and Media from DePaul University in Chicago, IL, where she continues to live and work.