Safety and Security Information

• Wear a helmet
• Know your local laws
• Be visible
• Keep to the right and always ride with traffic
• Ride a well-equipped bike
• Get a light
• Avoid road hazards
• Look back before you pass or merge
• Yield to pedestrians and other vehicles when appropriate
• Don't weave between parked cars
• Make eye contact with auto drivers
• Be alert

Download Active Shooter Guide

Infant Safety Links

• Infant Safe Sleep Resources - Preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Infant Safe Sleep Information - provided by Michigan Department of Human Services
• Window Blind and Window Covering Safety Resource for Infants and Toddlers

Child Safety Information

Child Car Seat Safety Information

• Don't let your child wear clothing with his or her name on it. A child will tend to pay attention to anyone calling him or her by name.
• Videotape and take photos of your child two or three times per year, including profile shots.
• Do not leave a child unattended while shopping, visiting with neighbors or friends, or running errands. Under no circumstances should you leave a child alone in a car or truck.
• Make sure your child always checks with you before going anywhere with anyone.
• Make sure your child learns his or her address and phone number at an early age. A second phone number of a friend or relative is also helpful.
• Teach your child how to make a collect phone call, and to begin with "Operator...I'm in trouble; I need your help."
• If your child is a latch-key kid, make sure that he or she knows to keep all doors and windows locked, never let anyone know that he or she is alone, and never let anyone in the house, not even someone claiming to be a police officer or from the fire department. Those kinds of professionals know to forcibly enter in case of an emergency.
• Have your child fingerprinted.
• Know whether your child is left or right handed.
• Keep a written record of all birthmarks, scars and identifying features, like moles or freckles.

Internet Safety for Children

Child safety is at the forefront of parents' minds in light of the numerous child abductions that have occurred and child predators who prey on young children via the Internet.

Internet Safety Talk

In an effort to equip parents with the necessary tools to protect their children, the Sheriff's Office holds Internet safety presentations for students and adults.

This program is a reaffirmation of the Oakland County Sheriff's Office commitment to child safety.

For information on Internet safety presentations or to request child safety literature, please contact Mandy Andrews, Community Liaison, at 248-858-1947.

• Fully focus on driving. Do not let anything divert your attention, actively scan the road, use your mirrors and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Store loose gear, possessions and other distractions that could roll around in the car, so you do not feel tempted to reach for them on the floor or the seat.
• Make adjustments before your get underway. Address vehicle systems like your GPS, seats, mirrors, climate controls and sound systems before hitting the road. Decide on your route and check traffic conditions ahead of time.
• Finish dressing and personal grooming at home – before you get on the road.
• Snack smart. If possible, eat meals or snacks before or after your trip, not while driving. On the road, avoid messy foods that can be difficult to manage.
• Secure children and pets before getting underway. If they need your attention, pull off the road safely to care for them. Reaching into the backseat can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Put aside your electronic distractions. Don’t use cell phones while driving – handheld or hands-free – except in absolute emergencies. Never use text messaging, email functions, video games or the internet with a wireless device, including those built into the vehicle, while driving.
• If you have passengers, enlist their help so you can focus safely on driving.
• If another activity demands your attention, instead of trying to attempt it while driving, pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place. To avoid temptation, power down or stow devices before heading out.
• As a general rule, if you cannot devote your full attention to driving because of some other activity, it’s a distraction. Take care of it before or after your trip, not while behind the wheel.

• Listen to your child. Pay careful, thoughtful attention. If your child tells you something you don't want to hear, don't ignore the statement -- talk about it.
• Encourage healthy and creative activities. Emphasize the importance of good health. With a young child discuss the difference between medicine and illegal drugs. Help your child get involved in hobbies, after-school activities, or sports.
• Help your child feel good about him/herself and develop strong values. Relate the fact that you place high value on your child's special qualities and that drugs will destroy those qualities. Discuss values such as honesty and responsibility.
• Educate yourself and talk with your child about alcohol and other drugs. Teach him ways to say no. Get to know the facts about how drugs harm people -- physically, socially, and educationally. Don't exaggerate about the effects of drugs or make up "facts."
• Set a good example. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so responsibly and moderately. Your habits and attitudes strongly influence your child. Keep the distinction clear about what is legal for adults but not for children. Do not use illegal drugs.
• Help your child learn to deal with peer pressure. Children need to know that their friends can be wrong. You and your child might act out various situations in which someone tries to convince him/her to drink alcohol or take drugs. Figure out several good ways to handle a situation.
• Know what to do if you suspect a problem. Beware of signs and symptoms of drug use. Seek advice from a professional -- a counselor, a religious leader, or someone at a local treatment center.
• Team up with other parents. Form or join a parent group that provides information on child-rearing and facts on alcohol and other drugs. Support one another in coping with your children's concerns and problems.

• Know who you're dealing with.
• Protect your privacy.
• While online order only on a secure server.
• Guard your online password.
• Pay the safest way.
• Check the refund and return policy.
• Read the fine print.
• Check delivery dates.
• Review warranties.
• Compare prices.
• Check shipping and handling fees.
• Order early to allow plenty of time for shipment and delivery.

Holiday Shopping Safety

There is no ice that is 100% safe. The following information is a recommended guide to help judge recreational use of clear, solid blue ice and help you minimize your risk:

• 5" inches thick minimum for general use (fisherman, ice skaters, and foot traffic)
• 8" inches thick minimum for travel by snowmobile, Off Road Vehicle (ORV)

(We do not recommend automobiles out on the ice. This also voids any insurance claims)

Survey the ice, keeping in mind that ice conditions change day by day, lake by lake, and location by location on the same body of water. Some signs of changing ice conditions can be, but are not limited to: moving water near a stream, river, unseen spring or inlet, slushy areas, depressions in the snow, heavy snow, white “milky” or black colored ice and “frazzle” ice weakened by the freeze-thaw cycles. Frazzle ice is pocketed with tiny air pockets and often looks like frozen slush. These are all signs of thin ice or unsafe ice.

• Do not go out alone on the ice. Always take a partner or someone who can call 911 or go for help in an emergency.
• Do not make the first tracks on the ice. Check with someone who has experience with a particular lake or pond before you venture out on the ice.
• Always leave a travel plan with someone who can call for help and direct a search party if you do not return. Plan ahead by dressing appropriately for changing weather conditions. Dress in layers to protect all exposed parts of your body. Consider wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) as part of your overall protective clothing or a flotation jacket or suit. Ice creepers attached to boots will help to keep you stable on the ice and can assist in self-rescue.
• Bring safety items which may include: cell phone, whistle, rope, ice pick or awls, screw driver, hand flares, flashlight, throwable PFD. Plan ahead for a rescue.
• Check and double check the ice thickness with an ice spud, auger or cordless drill. If you discover a weak spot, retrace your route off the ice. Keep a distance between others in your group.
• If you hear the ice crack or detect unsafe ice you should stay spread out, immediately lie down (which will distribute your weight) and crawl back to safer ice by the same way you came.
• If someone falls through the ice, do not run to the hole. First call 911 and get help on the way and then use a pole, branch, rope or any other handy object, which can be extended to the victim from a safe position. You cannot help if you also become a victim.
• If you fall through the ice, do not panic, because this will only hinder your self-rescue actions. Call out for help and kick your feet while getting your hands and then arms up onto safer ice. This is when the ice awl or screwdriver will help you with your self-rescue. Continue to "swim" up onto the ice far enough to crawl or "roll-out" to safer ice.
• Snowmobiles, ORV's and vehicles on the ice increase your risk of falling through, especially at night. Many accidents occur when operators are driving at a high rate of speed (over driving) and are unable to slow or stop in time to avoid open water or unsafe ice.
• Pets that venture onto unsafe ice are another major cause for many near drownings and deaths. If you find your pet has ventured out onto the ice, resist the urge to go out after them. Stay at a safe position on shore and persuade them back to safety.
• Wildlife that ventures onto unsafe ice is a natural occurrence. Wildlife such as deer are strong swimmers prepared for cold weather and find their own way off the ice. Most often, wildlife discovered in the water are injured and succumb to injuries from predators or natural forces.

Oakland County offers many outdoor recreation opportunities with our lakes, ponds and rivers. However, before you step out onto the ice we strongly urge you to plan ahead and consider the risks involved. "When in doubt, don't go out."

The Oakland County Sheriff's Marine Division offers: Boating, ORV, Snowmobile, and Hunting Safety Classes to the public. If you would like more information on "Ice Safety" or any of our outdoor recreation safety classes please call us at 248-391-0256.

Staying Safe on the Ice

See also: Report Identity Theft

If you suspect you have been a victim of Credit or Internet Fraud and/or Identity Theft, contact the following to report the incident:

• U.S. Postal Inspection Service
• U.S Governments Central Identity Theft Clearing House (FTC Controlled)
• Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) run jointly by the FBI and NW3C
• Social Security Administration (Office of Inspector General)
• U.S. Department of State Passport Services: Report your lost or stolen Passport by filling out a DS-64 form. Phone 202-955-0430.

To protect yourself from further incidents, protect your credit and identity by contacting the following:

Identity Theft

• Identity Theft Resource Center - A Non-Profit Organization - Victim Resources
• The Michigan Secretary of State: Have a "verify driver's identity" (Driver's Alert) placed on your driving record/history.
  • Phone 517-322-1589

Credit Card or Check Fraud

The three major credit tracking companies: Have a "fraud alert" placed on your credit record/history. For a more permanent answer to fraud, also place a "fraud victim statement" on your records.

Report the lost or stolen checks to the following check reporting/monitoring organizations:

• CheckRite: 800-766-2748
• Chexsystems: 800-428-9623
• CrossCheck: 707-586-0551
• Equifax: 800-437-5120
• National Processing Co.: 800-526-5380
• SCAN: 800-262-7771
• TeleCheck: 800-710-9898

Remember that your credit and identity can be compromised at any time. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself and avoid years of confusion and chaos that can accompany credit and identity fraud.

• Keep your passwords private, even from your best friend! Your online service will never ask for them, so neither should anyone else.
• Use only your Log-in Name and/or e-mail address when chatting or sending e-mail.
• Never give out personal information like your name, address, or phone number.
• Always delete unknown e-mail attachments. They can contain destructive viruses.
• Remember that nothing you write on the Web is completely private -- including e-mail. So be careful and think about what you type and who you tell.
• People are not always as nice, cute, or funny as they may sound online. Never make plans to meet an online "friend" in person.
• Tell you parents if you come across something that makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Keep the computer in a central location in your home.
• Never arrange a meeting with someone you have met online.
• Never send a person your picture or anything else without first checking with your parents.

Protecting Your Child Against Internet Crimes

Here are some common sense rules that motorists should follow under various conditions. You must rely on your own judgment and assessment of the situation to determine the best course of action.

• Remember to keep your vehicle locked at all times, whether moving or parked. If you are driving at night, use well-lighted streets and parking lots that are open to easy observation.
• Be cautious of any stranger approaching your vehicle. If you feel that you are in danger, press the horn repeatedly in short blasts; this will attract attention.
• If you think you are being followed, pull into the nearest gas station or safe place. Do not drive home!! This gives your follower your address.
• It is advisable to plan and study your route before you leave, whether it is for a short drive in the city or a longer trip into the country.
• Do not pick up hitch-hikers. This may seem overcautious and an unfair stereotyping of hitchhikers; however, you do not know to whom you are giving a ride. You could be needlessly jeopardizing your safety and well-being.

Should your vehicle break down in an isolated area there are certain steps you should follow, particularly at night:

• Pull your vehicle off the road so you will be out of the traffic.
• Turn on the emergency (4-way) flashers.
• Raise the hood of the vehicle if you can.
• If you have a bright-colored cloth (scarf, handkerchief etc) tie it to your radio aerial.
• Stay in your car with all doors locked and windows rolled up.
• Wait for help to come to you -- a patrolling police car or another motorist.
• Should a passing motorist stop, stay in your car and ask him/her to send help back to you. (You must use your judgment in the situation. If the motorist has his/her family in the car and offers you a ride to the nearest garage or town, only you can decide what is best under the circumstances.) Remember, a helpful or concerned motorist will be only too happy to assist by contacting the right party to help you.

When you go out:

• Secure your home
• Secure your wallet
• Take care with your purse
• Plan your route
• Go with a friend

Winter Driving Survival Kit

It’s a good idea to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you might be traveling into an area where you could encounter snow. Having essential supplies can provide some comfort and safety for you and your passengers. The following items are recommended for your winter driving survival kit:

• Ice scraper/snowbrush
• Shovel
• Sand or other type of traction aid
• Tow rope or chain
• Booster cables
• Road flares or warning lights
• Gas line antifreeze
• Flashlight and batteries
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Small tool kit
• Extra clothing and foot wear
• Non-perishable energy foods, like chocolate or granola bars, juice, instant coffee, tea, soup, and bottled water
• Candles and a small tin can to hold the candle
• Waterproof matches

First, remember that while you are at home there two ways in which you can be contacted: your door and your telephone.

At the Door

Most of the time, the person at your door will be there for a legitimate reason, whether he/she is a friend or stranger.

• If the caller is a recognized friend, there should be no problem. If the caller is a stranger, you should immediately become alert. Never open your door to a stranger. You should have a one-way peephole installed in the door that allows you to see who the caller is. The one-way peephole is inexpensive and easily installed.
• If a stranger is legitimately at your door, he/she will not object to your being cautious. Establish the caller's identity and the reason for the visit.
• If he/she refuses to show identification and will not leave, quietly go to the telephone and call the police.
• If you live in an apartment complex, telephone your building superintendent. Should the caller produce identification but you are still not sure of the validity of the visit, telephone the caller's business office for confirmation.
• If you still feel uncomfortable, do not open your door; ask the caller to return in 30 minutes or an hour. This will allow you sufficient time to contact a friend or relative to be present when the caller returns. Being cautious increases your safety and well being.

There are a number of ways you can secure your doors. If you do not feel your locks are adequate, we recommend that you contact a professional locksmith or a friend to assist you. (North Vancouver RCMP have literature on home security that will provide you information on various residential locking devices.) Should you consider improving the security of your home, investigate thoroughly your lock requirements and the cost of upgrading the security of your doors themselves for a lock is only as effective as the door and frame on which it is installed.

On the Telephone

You control conversations and information flow on your telephone. If you do not know the caller, do not volunteer information. Should the caller ask "Who is this?" you should respond "Who are you calling?" or "To whom do you wish to speak?" Make the caller identify who he/she is calling. If you do not receive an appropriate response, hang up.

Do not allow yourself to be drawn into conversations with strange callers, census/survey takers or business promotion sales persons where you will be asked to reveal your name, address, marital status, personal history information etc. Never give out personal information over the telephone. If the call is legitimate and representative actually requires the information, arrange a meeting to your convenience. The legitimate caller will respect your position and agree to an alternative approach. If in doubt, ask the caller for the name of the business and the telephone number so that you can return the call. Then check the number to ensure that it corresponds to the caller's information.

In the case of obscene telephone calls, night calls from strangers or frequent wrong numbers, call the telephone company and seek their advice. If necessary, change your telephone number.

• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors at a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn.
• Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
• Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don't watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot, hours after use.
• To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don't mix, and water causes oil to spill over, causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
• The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Remember to use your best judgment when attempting to fight a fire. If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call 9-1-1 for help.