Vickie J: What do I do if I think someone in my apartment building is making meth? I don’t want to falsely accuse anyone, but there is often a strong smell of acetone in our hallways.

JW: Vickie, Methamphetamine abuse is a major challenge for the entire country. It’s a very dangerous drug that can be made from common store-purchased chemicals. Aside from the debilitating dangers of using this poison, labs where it can be produced can be set up virtually anywhere—inside of a home, a motel, even inside of a car. This means that the drug suppliers are risking the safety of anyone even remotely near these volatile labs. If you suspect that someone is making meth in your apartment building, that means lives could literally be in danger – including yours – so it’s very important to find out as soon as possible and to help law enforcement stop it immediately.

Continue reading What Can I Do If I Suspect Someone Of Making Methamphetamines? »

Walking alone at night can be very dangerous if you aren’t taking the proper precautions; safety should always be your first priority. John Walsh has some advice to help you use your “street smarts” to stay alert and aware, and to avoid becoming another crime-related statistic.

• Take note of your surroundings, and who’s around you. Don’t be distracted, and pay attention.
• Use well-lighted bus stops, and try to arrange to have a friend meet you.
• Don’t be embarrassed to yell, “Leave me alone,” if someone hassles you.
• Be aware of who gets off at your stop. If you feel nervous, get back on the bus or walk directly to a place where there are other people.
• Never display cash or valuables like an mp3 player. They may make you a target.
• Walk confidently and stay calm. If you think you are being followed, change direction or cross the street.

Remember, always trust your instincts. If something makes you uneasy, go with your feeling.

There’s likely no one alive who hasn’t been the victim of a cut. Most of the time though, a minor cut or scrape can easily be fixed with a good scrubbing and an adhesive bandage. But for kids, this inconvenience can be a big and scary event. The most important part is to always keep your child calm. Assure him or her that you will make it better.

You’ll need to inspect the cut to know how to treat it. If the cut is deep, bleeding excessively or was caused by an unknown animal or type of metal, consult a doctor or medical professional immediately. If you are waiting for medical help to respond to a large wound, apply pressure to the wounded area over a covering. If bleeding doesn’t stop, apply more pressure. Smaller cuts are much more manageable. Our friends at First Aid Info provide these tips for how to treat a small cut from start to finish Continue reading Tending To A Cut The Right Way »

 

October is Crime Prevention Month. To kick things off, the National Crime Prevention Council and the National Sheriff’s Association teamed up for the Celebrate Safe Communities initiative, designed to promote local crime prevention action. It’s the perfect opportunity to get your neighbors involved, and to learn what you can do to fight and prevent crime all year long. The goal is to try to remind all Americans that a safe community is no accident, and prevention is everyone’s business.

For the last several months, communities all over the country have been preparing for CSC events. Even if you haven’t registered in advance, you can still work to spearhead prevention activities and mobilize your community. Here are a few examples of what some communities have been doing to reclaim their streets Continue reading Celebrate Safe Communities All Year Long »