• When buying a used car from an individual or a dealer, make sure you have the proper titles, and
  that the VIN number is still intact. The federal sticker on the inside of the driver's door should
  match the VIN.
• Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you're away from it.
• Always roll up the windows and lock the car.
• Park in busy, well-lighted areas.
• Be alert when parking in enclosed parking garages.
• Carry the registration and insurance card with you.
• Look into CAT (Combat Auto Theft) and HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) partnership programs
  where individuals voluntarily register their cars with the police, and allow the police to stop the car
  during certain hours when they normally would not be driving.
• Etch the VIN number on windows, doors, fenders and trunk lid. This helps discourage professional
  thieves who would have to either remove or replace etched parts before selling the car.
• Be especially alert at intersections, gas stations, ATMs, shopping malls, convenience and grocery
  stores - all are windows of opportunity for carjackers.
• Beware of the "bump-and-rob," which is when a driver bumps you in traffic, and has a passenger
  steal your car when you get out to check the damage.
• Before getting in your car, make sure to look underneath and inside the car.

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking.
• Keep portable and other space heaters at least three feet away from things that can burn.
• Keep matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach of children.
• Keep smoke alarms clean (vacuum to remove dust and never paint over smoke alarms) and test regularly.
• Store flammable chemicals safely and out of the living area.
• Have working, portable fire extinguishers in or near the kitchen, laundry room, workshop,
  fireplace and anywhere fire could be a danger.
• Do not use light bulb wattage that is too high for the fixture.
• If a circuit breaker trips or a fuse blows often, immediately cut down on the number of
  appliances on that line.
• Do not use extension cords with electrical space heaters.
• Strike your match before turning on the gas in a fireplace.
• Have your chimney inspected by a professional prior to the start of every heating season.
• Draw and practice a fire escape plan (see below).

The How-to’s of an Escape Plan!

• Be neat.
• Draw a map of your home, showing and labeling every room, door and window.
• Show two exits out of each room.
• Make sure the exits are not blocked.
• Choose, then draw an outside meeting place.
• Write your fire department’s emergency number on the map.
• Practice your escape plan on a regular basis.

For kids: