Security and database breaches are on the rise. From healthcare to game companies to trusted third-party security firms, a number of significant breaches were reported in 2011. This year alone millions of records were compromised at the hands of: Comodo, RSA, Epsilon, WordPress, Sony, Citibank, CyWorld, Tricare, Facebook, Steam; even the US Government Office of Personnel Management lost accountability of records containing the most personal information on US citizens. Unless you remain vigilant you may not even be aware that your personal information has been compromised.

Whether it happens at the hands of gross negligence, incompetence or some tragic accident, it’s important to remember that much of the security and database breaches involved minor children. Names, dates of birth, sex and social security account numbers of children were also included in some of the records that were lost. Sadly, child identify theft is more than a hypothetical crime. It is a very real crime with very real and long lasting negative effects. Without taking some simple precautionary measures the same can happen to your children.

The Most Important Piece of Information Needed to Steal Someone’s Identity

One of the most important pieces of information a thief needs to steal someone’s identify and send a life into a tailspin is a Social Security Account Number. A child’s SSN is a thief’s Coup-d’état, because misuse has an increased probability of going undetected for years.  The underlying reason why social security account numbers have become so valuable for stealing one’s identity—aside from the convenience—is that the database is astronomical in scope and is individually unique.  Armed with this personalized number, a thief can reap rewards and ruin the credit histories of unsuspecting victims in a seedy con-game that knows no boundaries.

Unfortunately, thieves don’t have to look very far for a new SSN. Virtually all local, state and federal agencies use it as a means of identification, as do all three major credit reporting agencies, and given the culpability that these agencies bare for known breaches, the magnitude of the threat are quite clear.  The broad-ranging scope of these bureaucracies is massive and for this single reason you must be on constant guard to protect your family’s SSNs from compromise.

Protect Your Children

In your role as a parent you are duty-bound to carefully read over forms that you prepare on behalf of your child. Make a well informed decision on whether or not the information requested is mandatory for the services you seek, or required when granting parental consent.  One strategy that often goes unchallenged is leaving the space blank.  If that doesn’t work, ask why the information is needed and how it is used, and equally important ask how it is protected. Don’t accept the first response as absolute. Continue with probing questions to the point that you exhaust all doubt before releasing your child’s personal data. Protect your child’s social security account number with the same ferocity that a momma grizzly protects her cubs from circling wolves.

Safeguard other bits of information that would be useful to an identify thief, as well.  Your child’s middle name, date and place of birth, address; any personal information should be closely held. Shred everything that has this information imprinted on it. While these may seem like tidbits, they are akin to the first cuts that ultimately produce a gem in the hands of someone out to steal your identity and cause costly damage to your credit, and dim plans for fostering a bright future for your child.

This is especially critical as it relates to your older children using social networking sites such as Facebook. It saddens me when I see kids (some parents are guilty of this as well) posting picture of themselves in their athletic or band uniform. Now another piece to an identity has been made known – what school the child attends. Furthermore, some well meaning parents allow their child to have a Facebook page “so long as you don’t use your full name.”  So instead of First and Last name being listed on the profile, only the child’s First and Middle names are used.  Again, another dangerous faux pas that provides yet another piece of personal information – the middle name of your minor child – which should be well protected.

Monitor Regularly

It’s important to regularly monitor your child’s Social Security Number. You can get free copies of your child’s credit report each year. There are also various companies that monitor this for you. They constantly scan for alerts and activity associated with your child’s name and or SSN. Most third party vendors charge a nominal monthly fee for this service. It is certainly worthwhile if you consider the potential damage identify theft can cause.

It’s also a wise idea to set up a Google news alert on your child’s name. That way you can keep tabs on what others may be saying about your child or what activity is surrounding that particular name. My kids get a kick out of it because we get email alerts on their names, and clearly it’s a different person with the same name. If there was something that appeared fishy or out of the norm, I could investigate it at the time it happens, rather than be surprised years later. It gives an added peace of mind knowing you’re not living with your head in the sand as to what possibility could be occurring with your child’s identity.

Finally, be on constant alert for unsolicited mail that arrives at your home addressed to your minor child.  This should immediately set off alarm bells.  You should have very serious concern about an airline sending information to your six year old about the benefits of its Frequent Flyer program, not to mention department store advertisements, magazine subscriptions and bulk item junk mail.  This is a clear indication that your child’s identify is being misused.

The motto “To Protect and Serve” may have been originally coined by law enforcement officials, but it is also applicable to all parents today as it relates to their child’s identity – to protect their precious nine digit social security number and serve as the front line of defense by regularly monitoring it for unscrupulous activity, and keeping the light on for a bright future.

About the Author:  Laurie Ayers is a mom, speaker, author and personal safety and crime prevention specialist who has given seminars in schools, organizations and corporations. Her message is inspiring, humorous and empowering, delivering the importance of making wise choices to protect ourselves and those we love.  She is an active contributor on the subjects of preventing abduction and crime avoidance.  She holds a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and is the co-founder of Defensive Countermeasures Institute. You can connect with Laurie at Ayers on the Side of Caution.

Your home is supposed to be your haven – the structure that keeps you and your family safe and protected. It’s the place you retreat to after a long day, the shelter that keeps you protected from the elements of unpredictable weather patterns and it’s the refuge where you can lock your doors and know that you and your family members can peacefully rest your head for the night.

1. Evaluate your lighting

Employing light properly is one of the most economical and effective ways of increasing safety and security around your home.  To determine if lighting around your home is adequate, evaluate your current situation while in total darkness.

• Start by walking around the perimeter of your house at night. Before you go outside make sure all your inside and outside lights are turned off. The purpose of this stroll is to help you identify shadows and blind spots on your property that occur naturally at night.  If you have someone to accompany you on this walk-around, have that person take some notes.  Many cell phones are equipped with a feature that lets you audibly record your notes.  Be sure to look at the areas surrounding doors, first floor and basement level windows. Then look for line of travel one would take when approaching your home from the street and also assess bordering property lines.  Garage, shed or other outbuildings also warrant a review. Record your observations you see when looking toward your home as well as away from it, as if looking out from a window. From the standpoint of keeping intruders out, what areas require the most light?  Do you need to add any accent lighting?

• Finish this lighting evaluation from the inside.  For this evaluation, upon entering your home, turn lights on as you would normally after returning at night. The goal with this is to ensure that your lights illuminate deep into the room.  You should be able to immediately tell if any of your contents have been disturbed, which could indicate a sign of an intrusion.  Avoid a situation where you walk in and flip a switch that turns on a light immediately above you, resulting in the rest of your home still in the dark. If there is an intruder inside, you’ll be at a disadvantage with this lighting setup. Rearranging your light setup may require you to hire an electrician to install a wall-switch that controls lamps located further in the room.  If you have multiple levels, have your electrician install wall switches on the upper floor that allows you to turn on lights on the levels below.

Lighting is an often overlooked element of security that can be particularly useful when investigating ‘bumps’ in the night.

2. Landscape with an eye on security

Another point to consider is landscaping. For homes with plants and bushes situated within three to four feet from the foundation take a look at the clearance height measured from the bedding to the base of the foliage.  It is essential to keep this area neatly pruned, free of mulch and other clippings to ensure a minimum clearance of 12-18 inches.  Overgrown landscaping provides a means of concealment for anyone with ill intent. For homes where new landscaping is to be added, consulting with professionals can help to make certain your plant selections not only meet with your esthetic vision, but add to the security of your home as well.

3. Ensure your home looks occupied

Does your home look lived-in? Or does it give the appearance that it is unoccupied? For example, keeping curtains drawn at all hours of the day is unnatural.  Letting the outside light into your home is a great way to demonstrate your home is thoughtfully looked after.

When shopping for window treatments, consider a layered approach. Each set of blinds, curtains or draperies should hang on separate rods so they act independently.  During daylight you can open the heavier draperies, but draw sheer curtains closed. This way you maintain a level of privacy, preventing passersby from peering into your home. You are also able to look outside without approaching the window too closely. During evening hours, you can draw the draperies completely closed for added privacy. Your home will have stunning curb appeal, it will look occupied and the window treatments will help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

4. Remove yard clutter daily

There is nothing more telling about the occupants of a home than what can be seen in the yard. Your home may have a basketball hoop in the drive or a semi-permanent play set in the yard. From a safety standpoint these items should always remain tidy and safe for child’s play. Put away playthings each time they are no longer in use and pull them out when needed. In the lazy days of summer it’s easy to convince yourself that balls and other toys will be used again the next day, so leaving them out overnight should be okay. Perhaps they may not be stolen; but nonetheless leaving them out is an unsafe practice.

While it may be unpleasant to think about, no segment of our communities are safe from child sexual predators. It is a parent or adult guardian’s responsibility to practice safe routines and develop protections for children.  A simple step that every parent can take to protect children is to ensure their playthings are put away daily.  These include all items that can be removed from public view: tricycles, wagons and other small and portable toys.  Children will often remove items of clothing such as sweaters and shoes as they go about exploring their world.  These items not only signal that a child lives in your home, but may also indicate a child’s age group. Remaining mindful of this simple precaution will aid in keeping your child safe.

And it doesn’t stop there. Here in the mid-west—as well as other parts of the country—deer hunting has a large following. During the off-season sportsmen will often set up 3-D foam targets as a means of keeping their marksmanship skills sharp. When these ‘targets’ are left standing for long periods of time they indicate the likelihood that firearms or other high-dollar hunting instruments are stored on the property.  While illegal possession of a firearm remains a felony offense in this country, it offers little deterrence to a criminal looking to turn a fast buck.

What does your yard say about you? Keeping your property tidy can help eliminate your home as a target of opportunity, and more importantly keep your family safe.

5. Appoint a Safe Room

There should be one room within your own home that is designated as a Safe Room. Most families have discussed where to go in the event of a tornado or other devastating storm. Yet, equally important to your family’s safety is being prepared with a Safe Room should you or family members suspect an intruder is in your home. Ideally you will want to exit your home if at all possible; though a backup plan is necessary in the event escaping is not an option.

Select a room where you are able to receive a good signal on your cell phone. It also needs to be a room with a heavy duty locking door. Because you should also choose a room without windows, it very well may be the same room you would retreat to in the event of a storm.  It is also important to note that if you need to call 911 from a cell phone, the dispatcher will not likely be able to determine the address you’re calling from.  For this reason, write down your address and keep it close to a flashlight and fire extinguisher. Don’t assume you will be able to remember where you live if you are in a state of panic.

Having your address written down is also important for your children to be able to notify emergency responders where they are located. If you’re concerned your cell battery may be dead or low on a charge, pick up an inexpensive phone charger to keep as a spare in your Safe Room. You need to be able to call for help.

Taking steps to ensure you remain vigilant with your personal safety should become as habitual as taking out the trash or your weekly trips to the grocery store. It is not something you visit once and call it good. Make it a part of your family routine and feel confident that you’ve taken proactive steps to make your house a Home Sweet Home.

Parents need to be careful not to let their guard down or become distracted while traveling or attending public functions during the holiday season. Tim Kang, actor from the hit CBS show The Mentalist has partnered with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to help educate parents about what they should be telling their children to keep them safe while shopping and traveling this holiday season.

Parents need to talk with children about safety before heading out to a busy shopping mall or boarding a plane, train, or bus this holiday season. Crowds are greater this time of year and children may easily become separated from their parents, causing confusion and fear. If that should happen, parents need a plan and children should know what to do.

“Unfortunately many adults and children don’t know what to do if they lose each other in a public place or are faced with other unsafe situations,” said actor Tim Kang. “That’s why the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is offering advice on how to remain safe and avoid panic and potential dangers.”

ALWAYS

• Keep children with you at all times while shopping.
• Accompany and supervise children in public facilities, including restrooms.
• Have a plan in case you become separated, including a pre-designated spot to meet.
• Teach children to look for people who can help, such as a uniformed security officer, salesperson or mother with children.
• Remind children to remain in the area where they become separated.

NEVER

• Dress children in clothing that displays their first or last names, prompting unwelcome attention from people looking for an opportunity to start a conversation with your child.
• Leave children in toy stores or public facilities expecting supervision from store personnel.
• Go shopping or attend a public event with a child if you feel you’re going to be distracted. Make other arrangements for child care ahead of time.
• Allow younger children to shop on their own to purchase surprise gifts for friends or family members.
• Drop off older children at a mall or public place without agreeing on a clear plan for picking them up, including: where, what time, and what to do in case of a change in plans.

If your child is flying or riding a train or bus alone this holiday season, NCMEC urges parents to remember the following travel safety tips:

• When you make reservations for your child, specify that the child will be traveling alone.
• Whenever possible, book a non-stop flight or direct route. Avoid booking the last flight of the day.
• Plan to visit the airport, train or bus terminal prior to departure. Let your child know what to expect, so the experience will not be so intimidating.
• In case of delay or cancellation, remain at the station or gate until the train, plane or bus departs.
• Make sure children travel with proper identification and parents or guardian contact information.
• Always have a back-up plan for the person or people meeting the plane at the destination, in case they are delayed.
• Encourage children not to become too friendly with other passengers or to reveal any personal information.

One Man’s Opinion

Most men have been programmed from an early age to take on the role of gatekeeper—the first and last line of defense between social delinquents and a host of other threats to our families and loved ones.   As men we’ve been taught—and have often demonstrated—that generally we are physically stronger that our female counterparts, and in line with these teachings, real men have come to know that it is unacceptable to force ourselves physically on women—instead, we protect them from harm.

However, this manner of preparing a young boy for his role later in life can lead to conflict and confusion.  Take for example a boy who comes home after school from a day of being bullied, or perhaps had a scuffle at the local playground over use of a soccer ball.  The child might remain aloof and venture directly to his room to avoid socializing with other family members.  This can be due in part from embarrassment from the shiner, or lingering anxiety from the encounter.   Enter conflict and confusion.

Mom sees this as an opportunity to engage school officials about the unacceptable behavior of an isolated group of pupils and demand that corrective action be immediately taken.  Dad on the other hand is prepared to enroll his son in a Tae-Kwon-Do class and after six weeks of instruction, is prepared to drive his son to the very playground where it all started and seek out the little social misfits so his son can dish out oriental-style vengeance.

Of course, a more rational approach is a combination of both viewpoints; learning to negotiate a non-violent conclusion, while at the same time mastering the skill sets needed to defend oneself when the situation clearly dictates the need to do so.

Adopting a “Flight or Fight” mindset might seem as a foreign way of thinking for some, and in fact many men will not accept it as feasible.  For them standing ground and taking an offensive posture is the only way to confront threats, and violence often is the end result.

There is one important matter that should be considered when adopting this approach to problem solving—that is, you are unlikely to carry out your role as ‘gatekeeper’ if you are seriously injured or incarcerated because you chose to fight without giving full consideration to your options.

When a threat materializes and options to disengage or turn-the-other-cheek no longer exist, then fight like a caged lion.  Your survival is of paramount concern.  By this I mean you have every right and responsibility to deliver enough violence to eliminate the threat from all quarters.   Just remember, until such time as all avenues of escape are closed, a strategically acceptable course of action is to walk away and continue preparation to fight another day.

Your family is counting on you and your father will be even prouder of the man you have become.

As a homeowner it is fun to see all the costumes and to bring smiles to the kiddos faces as you plop Tootsie Rolls and Twix bars into their bag. Though, in the midst of the festivities it’s always important to be wise when opening the door to strangers.

Many communities have posted customary times for the children to be out – generally 5pm-8pm or thereabouts.  Invariably each year, long after the last princess has been tucked safely at home in her bed, and after porch lights are turned out marking the close of another Halloween – kids who appear to be far too old to be out trick-or-treating will rap at your darkened door, assumedly looking for sweets.

It never fails; the streets will be empty and nary a house light remaining on. Some of these teens are so old their voices sound like grown men as they bark “TRICK OR TREAT” apparently ignoring the fact that you’ve either chosen not to participate in the tradition or that you’re all done for the night – as signified by no porch light shining.

Do not feel compelled to open the door.  Most of these tardy candy beggars are likely innocent teens who have no real concept of ‘too late to be out knocking on doors’.  Yet it would be naïve to assume anyone rapping on your door at 10pm merely wants a Snicker’s bar.  This could be an opportune time for attackers or burglars to gain entry to your home – after all, it’s Halloween, right? Prime time to let your guard down to strangers at your door.

I’m not suggesting you should be paranoid of every vampire that shows up at your door. Just to be vigilant and make wise choices.  After a reasonable amount of time has passed for the majority of kids to make the rounds, turn out your porch light and lock your door – all of your doors, and enjoy the remainder of your evening without interruption for late comers.

Proof of our society’s decline is that Halloween has become a broad daylight event for many.  ~Robert Kirby

About the Author:  Laurie Ayers is a speaker, author and personal safety and crime avoidance specialist who has given seminars in schools, organizations and corporations. Her message is inspiring, humorous and empowering; delivering the importance of making wise choices to protect ourselves and those we love. Learn more at http://www.LaurieAyers.com

FTC Compliance Disclosure: I am a member of the Kwikset-sponsored SmartSquad and occasionally receive incentives to discuss issues related to home safety and security.

Really? Personalized apparel for small, innocent, helpless children? A pedophile or kidnapper’s dream! “Well hello little er, ah, … Suzy! Your mom asked me to pick you up because she had to work late.”  Or “Why yes, officer, this baby … I mean my baby, Royce, IS my son. Why? Did someone say otherwise?”

What a horribly, unsafe practice. I’m sure the store owner is a very sweet, kind person. She is clearly very talented in her knitting abilities.  She just grossly missed the personal safety dangers with this one.

Some may fail to see how dangerous it is to provide complete strangers vital information about your precious child. Both parents and manufacturers are so overtaken with the cuteness factor that they are missing the obvious – that they could be serving up their baby, toddler or youngster to child predators on a silver platter!

Ayers on the Side of Caution gives this one a Thumbs Down.

Below is an example of one of the routes published. The article contained the entire school district. I sanitized it a bit as I clearly don’t want to perpetuate this dangerous practice.

XYZ Area Schools bus routes for 2011-12

Thursday, September 1, 2011

The following is a list of XYZ Area Schools’ bus routes for the 2011-12 school year. For more information call 555-3890.

[SPECIFIC SCHOOL ]

Driven by [Specific Bus Driver’s Name] — Bus No. 02C

The bus will leave the bus garage at 6:40 a.m. and travel north on Jebavy to Decker, East on Decker one mile turning around and backtracking. The bus then travels north on Jebavy to Angling Road, east on Angling to Beaune Road, north on Beaune to Ehler and east on Ehler to Jebavy. Then north on Jebavy to Barnhart, west on Barnhart to Sherman, south on Sherman to Shagway and west Shagway to Lincoln. The bus will then turn around and take Shagway back to Jebavy, turning south to Fountain Road, east on Fountain to Sherman, south on Sherman to Mavis, east on Mavis to Jebavy. The bus then turns south on Jebavy to Dewey, west on Dewey to Sherman where it turns around and backtracks Dewey to Jebavy. The bus then travels south on Jebavy picking up children who live on the west side of the road and continues on to the XYZ High School/Middle School complex, ABC, DEF, and GHI elementary schools.

Does anyone else see anything wrong with this practice? If I was a parent whose child rode one of these routes you can bet your bippy I would be on the phone to the school district expressing dissatisfaction over this information being so readily available to the public.

For more information on the dangers of being time and place predictable continuing reading here.

The snow is finally gone and the temperatures are definitely indicative of beach season. It’s that time of year we enjoy picture perfect weather and relaxing vacations.  It’s a time when you can reflect, dream and watch people.  Though as a crime avoidance specialist, I’m never fully off the clock; I’m always in domain awareness mode.  Unfortunately I’ve witnessed more than a few deadbeat parents at the lake shore.

Typically the term “deadbeat parent” is used to refer to obligor parents who have freely chosen not to be a financially supportive parent in their children’s lives.  However in this case, I am using the term to refer to parents who are so engrossed in their own tan at the beach that their children become potential victims of abduction.

Just this week our local news had the following horrific headlines: Deputies Find Sunburned Baby on the Beach. A concerned fellow beach-goer alerted the sheriff’s deputy to the situation.  The 34-year old babysitter was out frolicking in the water while the 7-month old baby lie unattended, strapped in a car seat – left to bake on the beach like a piece of bacon.

This irresponsible behavior isn’t unique to my town. On any given sunny day, a sandy beach will look like a group of multicolored ants swarming a sidewalk that contains melted drippings from an ice cream cone. Sun worshipers are everywhere and the shore is filled with the jovial noise of laughter and shrills of delight as children of all ages jump the waves and frolic in the water.  It’s the perfect storm for pedophiles and kidnappers.

I’ve watched in horror the ambivalence of grandparents with their noses in books as their young charge was playing solo down at the water’s edge. I’ve witnessed a dad chatting with his buddy while they sat facing the sun (all the better to work on his tan doncha know) oblivious  to his elementary aged daughter who was at his back, alone in the water repeatedly whining “dad, dad, dad, dad, you promised to come in and play with me.”   And then there was the mother sunning herself with a towel over her face, ear buds in both ears as her young son was at least 75 feet away busy tormenting the seagulls.

These deadbeat parents are obligated to take watch over their children, yet they freely choose not to be responsible or take an active role in the welfare of their children’s lives.  They care more about their book and their tan than the whereabouts of their own children!

If you don’t think that abductors watch for just such an opportunity, you’re kidding yourself.   There was so much noise, so many people and so much activity, any of those unattended children could have easily and quickly been snatched away.  It’s not uncommon to see parents with crying children in tow as they exit the beach.  We figure that they are simply fighting the extrication because they don’t want to go, the sand is too hot or they are merely tired.

I like to relax on the beach just as much as the next person.  But all things change when you have children.  We have designated drivers to ensure adults get home safely; yet to some it’s a foreign concept to have designated spotters on the beach to ensure our children can enjoy the great outdoors and return home safely at the end of the day. (And I’m not referring to passing this responsibility on to a lifeguard!)  If you don’t have another responsible party to take turns watching your children, then your tan and crossword puzzle will need to wait for another day.

Sadly, those who need to hear this message will never see it or think it doesn’t pertain to them. It’s time we all take a stand when we witness these deadbeat parents. No one wants to get involved; no one wants to offend another parent. No one wants to watch the frequent news stories of yet another missing child or attend a funeral for a child either.  But we do.

I never worry about action, but only inaction. – Winston Churchill

Spring has sprung and it’s that time of year again – Garage Sale Season. I passed one intersection this weekend that had over a dozen signs advertising the sales.  Who doesn’t love Good Junk? Before you offer your wares to strangers, take a moment to familiarize yourself with hidden personal security dangers.

You can learn a great deal about the occupants of a home by what items are offered at garage and yard sales.  With the summer upon us and spring clean-up in full swing, many home residents elect to earn a few extra dollars by clearing out unwanted wares.  For those bent on gawking—and there are many—this is a long awaited ritual among the treasure seekers.  However, there are some genuine security concerns that should be taken into consideration before advertising and hosting such an event.

It is important to recognize that garage and yard sales attract attention.  Who among us has not made a U-turn or circled the block after seeing a makeshift sign offering direction to a ‘Good Junk’ or have highlighted a listing found in the local newspaper?

These forms of advertising are relatively inexpensive and usually serve their intended purpose, which is to attract buyers.  What they also accomplish is invite strangers to your home.  So, here are a few points to keep in mind when planning to make a few extra bucks this summer by selling items you no longer use or need.

1.  Consider partnering with neighbors and friends to host your sale during the same period of time. Multi-family sales attract larger numbers of seekers and enhance security for the sellers. You’ll have to select a large enough location that is suitable for everyone’s goods to be placed on display, but it also negates telegraphing to strangers who lives in a specific home.

This is especially important when infant ware and items used by children are sold.

Bassinettes, walkers, infant clothing and the like are a clear indicator that a child lives in the home. Likewise, consumer advocates have lobbied for years to mandate labeling on products intended for children, which identifies age appropriateness.  A child in the early stages of physical and mental development quickly outgrows educational computer software, board games as well as storybooks geared toward younger children.  Once no longer used, these items make their way to the display tables and bins—often times in the original manufacturer’s packaging.  This information offers further confirmation to a child abductor or sexual predator and reveals a child’s age and in some cases confirms gender.

2. If you elect to host the event at your home arrange to have someone sit with you. This is extremely important when a small child is present at the home—whether sleeping indoors or with you outside. Someone must be available to watch over things should you be drawn to respond to a child’s feeding or other parental chore. When choosing an assistant, ensure that the person is capable of rendering aid or assistance as needed—whether placing a phone call or alerting you to a problem.

3. All visitor activities should be conducted in full view of others.  Occasionally, large furniture or appliances are offered for sale.  These items should never be shown inside the home.  Instead, consider photographing the items to show perspective buyers, or make an appointment for viewing.  The latter allows you to ensure someone is present with you if you must invite a stranger into your home. Also, if you have a sitter with you, ensure that she is available for the duration of your sale.

4.  Do a little web-surfing.  Visit the sites hosted by State and Local police agencies; looking for registered sex offenders with residences within your zip code and surrounding communities. Often times, photos and brief criminal bio’s are available allowing you to become familiar with the physical characteristics of the convicted offender.  This information may also be printed and placed where it may be quickly retrieved if you become suspicious.  In this light, if you believe that a known sexual predator visited your home, after they depart and you have made the area safe, report the incident to your local law enforcement authorities immediately. Report only what you suspect to be true and accurate.

5.  Finally, think carefully about what items you will offer for sale.  Don’t fall into the trap of clearing out everything in your home and pushing it to the curb for every passerby to pick through.  If your have a young child in the home please be mindful of what information someone may determine about that child—review the points above carefully as a guide.  Also, consider consignment shops for items that are identified with infants or, better yet donate them to your local church or charity.  This is an excellent way to practice keeping your child safe and helping others during this time of economic challenge.

With proper forethought and planning you can have a safe and successful yard sale and practice personal security measures, as well.  Stay Safe!