Here’s the second part of our car safety tips podcast with Greg Reston, Director of Asset Protection at Heartland Corporate Security in MN (You can listen to the first part here.) He has great stories and tips from his experience as a security expert for several shopping centers and companies across the U.S.
If you’re running errands this weekend, first have a quick listen to his top tips on how to be safe when returning to your car after an errand:
We spoke with Greg Reston, Director of Asset Protection at Heartland Corporate Security in MN. He has great stories and tips from his experience as a security expert for several shopping centers and companies across the U.S.
If you’re running errands this weekend, first have a quick listen to his top parking lot safety tips:
Bloggers Marc and Angel have a list of the top ten phone numbers you should have in your cell phone just in case. You just never know when you might need them!
Still in need of additional contact lists to have just in case? Print out these handy emergency contact lists to keep a hard copy of your contact numbers - store them near your landlines at home or at work.
Are your New Year’s resolutions focused on getting more organized and save some money? Here are a few articles and tips to help you keep that resolution going:
1. Talk to your insurance agent: Make sure you have enough coverage now so that you’re not racking up expensive credit cards bills in the wake of a natural disaster or fire:
We spoke with Greg Reston, Director of Asset Protection at Heartland Corporate Security in MN. He has some of the best advice we’ve heard on how to shop smart and stay safe this holiday season:
Don’t leave anything of value in plain sight. Put all bags in the trunk - even empty bags! “You may know it’s empty but the thief doesn’t,” says Reston. “Theft is a crime of opportunity so don’t give them a chance for that opportunity.”
Be aware of your surroundings. “The biggest mistake people make is they’re on their cell phones. [People] are so engrossed in their conversations they don’t notice the guy following them.”
His tip? “If you’re on your cell phone, tell the person you’re talking to about where you are, what you doing such as ‘I’m leaving the mall now, I’m walking to my car…’ just in case something goes wrong.”
Keep an eye on your purse. According to Reston, purse-snatchers often work in teams: one distracts while another snatches. “It could be a person asking silly questions like ‘What kind of baked beans do you suggest?’ and the next thing you know your purse is gone. Also, don’t put your purse [strap] over your head, you could get dragged away with them when they try to snatch it.”
Productivity and frugality blog, WiseBread, has a great post about the top 6 professionals that you should have in your phone’s contact list…just in case. I’ve narrowed their list down to three and added in one extra professional I think you really should have in case of emergencies:
Attorney: Whether it’s a car accident, medical lawsuit or helping you draw up a will or other important document, everyone will probably need or meet with a lawyer at least once in their lifetime. Before something major happens, do the scouting now:
Nolo.com (this is a commercial site but they have good, basic information on how to find a lawyer and understanding fees)
Doctor: Even if it’s just a cold, having a doctor that you can trust can make the world of difference. Build that relationship now before you feel under the weather:
Insurance Agent: Auto, car, life, medical, home owner’s and rental insurance…doesn’t matter what coverage you’ve got, you’ll need a great agent to get the coverage you need and help you get the most out of your claims.
Mechanic: Let’s face it. Someday (could be tomorrow, could be next year), something in your car will break. You’ll need a great mechanic you can trust to get your car back on the road - and fast. Otherwise, you’ll be back in the shop before you know it.
Not only is losing your wallet a stressful, and time-consuming event, it could also put you at risk for identity theft. Read these top tips on what to do if you’ve lost your wallet or purse - just in case it happens to you!
1. If your wallet was stolen: Be sure you are in safe surroundings. If you have a cell phone, call the police. Listen to the directions from the dispatch operator. Keep reading for additional police tips…
2. Make an inventory list of the items in your purse, clutch, briefcase or wallet including credit cards, cell phone, PDA, etc. For a starter list of what to consider click here.
3. Call your credit card companies, alert them to your stolen credit cards and cancel each card.
According to a recent MSNBC article, cell phone companies “hold subscribers responsible for calls made with stolen phones. The bill for such calls can be thousands of dollars, and many carriers hold firm on the policy. That means you must report a stolen or lost phone quickly. Err on the side of caution. A phone can re-enabled if you find it later.” (Full article)
Another tip: Knowing your cell phone’s serial number can really help. How? When reporting your cell phone as stolen, also give your service provider this number. They will be able to block your phone so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless - no calls, no downloads.
How to find your cell phone’s serial number:
Type in the following on your phone: star-pound-zero-six-pound (* # 0 6 #).
A fifteen digit code will appear on the screen — this is your phone’s serial number.
Pieces of the puzzles are still missing in the investigation of the I35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis. Authorities have asked that anyone who was on or near the bridge at the time of the collapse and has not been formally interviewed to contact the National Transportation Safety Board hotline: 1-866-328-6347. Apparently a kayaker was also reported to be nearby at the time of the collapse and they wish to speak with them as well.
These requests raise a good point. If you witness or a victim of a crime, incident or other cause for investigation, you may be questioned or interviewed by authorities.
Don’t worry. Remember that all they’re after is information. If a law enforcement or government official asks you a few questions, answer them as best you can. Don’t make up something if you’re a bit fuzzy on the details, just try to be as accurate and detailed as possible.
It might be difficult to talk about certain things, especially after traumatic events. Let the official know you are having a hard time and they might be able to help you find support services.
Here are a few scenarios where you’ll be expected to answer a few questions or provide information to law enforcement:
If you are worried about giving out information and you think the officer looks suspicious, remember that you can always ask to see identification. Most officers also have business cards or have a badge number. Write this information and their name down. You can then call the station later to provide them with any additional details you might have initially forgotten.
Can’t find your birth certificate? What about your dad’s death certificate?
Thankfully, there is a way to get an extra copy. The National Center for Health Statistics features an online directory for each state’s vital records department - the department you’d need to contact for extra copies of birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates.
Click here to visit the directory, then choose a state (you’ll need to choose the state where the certificate was first issued, not where you live currently). You will need to then contact the agency or agencies listed and you might have to send a copy of a photo ID and also pay a small fee ($10-50).
Don’t need an extra copy right now? You might someday. Visit the Vital Records page and bookmark it for later.
Need to replace other important documents? Click here for a brief list of which agencies to contact for those replacements.
Are your New Year’s resolutions focused on getting more organized and save some money? Here are a few articles and tips to help you keep that resolution going: