by Jan Wolbrecht | Mar 30, 2025 | Safety Sunday
Hey, the weather’s turning warming and the days are longer and that means Spring Break with the family is upon us. The kids will be out of school soon and thankfully the traffic will better for those of us who are staying put… or for those who have to work.
Either way, one thing we’re all attached to these days and we don’t want to forget wherever we go is our phone. And not just because we feel lost without our phones or that we can’t scroll social media and we might miss a text from a loved one, but it’s actually more about the risk exposure to our privacy than the inconvenience of being “phone-less”.
Here are a few safety features to enable before you head out of town. We need to be cautious of data breaches, stolen identity and our personal privacy. With so much of our lives turning digital, this should be more of a priority than not.
1. Enable theft protection on your phone such as “find my phone” and Theft Protection or Enable Stolen device. These settings can be found in your main phone setting. If your phone detects it’s been stolen (ie quick movement away and changes of Wi-Fi connections) the phone with lock, keeping your data away from the theft.
2.Turn on advanced data protection.
“Apple encrypts iCloud data like photos and messages, while Googles Advanced Protection secures sensitive Android data. Ensure your device is updated and enable these options in account settings.” from Technology Times.
3. Use a Passkey or Biometrics to access your phone to eliminate password risks.
Taking a few steps to protect yourself before your trip will ensure your date stays safe while you’re enjoying your Spring Break or where ever you’re traveling. We must know have to consider all possible ways in staying safe.
by Jan Wolbrecht | Feb 15, 2025 | Safety Sunday, Uncategorized
People watching can be an interesting experience and is something that behavior experts often do. Recently, one expert and colleague, Terry Vaughn noticed while most travelers where clueless about their surroundings, one woman in particular stuck out. Why? What was it among all the people at the airport gate that caught Mr.Vaughn’s attention?
Here’s his post from LinkedIn – Hiding in Plain Sight: How One Woman Manipulated Perception at the Airport
Here are three questions he often asks himself when in public or crowded areas:
1. What do I expect to see?
2. What do I not expect to see?
3. What’s missing?
“Body language nearly always reveals internal thoughts and emotions. The challenge is that most people aren’t paying attention until it becomes too obvious to ignore.
The world isn’t always out to get you, but it doesn’t hurt to notice the things that don’t belong. Whether you’re leading a company or navigating life, attention to detail is never wasted”.
I think these are great questions in develop a habit of asking when we go places. Will you remember to look around the next time you’re at a restaurant or shopping mall; gone to the movies or a sports game?
Something to think about.
Stay Safe!
by Jan Wolbrecht | Nov 18, 2024 | Gift Ideas for Holidays, Safety Sunday
As we anticipate the busiest shopping season; we also understand that the crime rates will increase. In recent pasts, we see spikes in “Porch Pirates” as we find ourselves shopping more online for ease and convenience not to mention it’s always open no matter what our personal shopping hours might be.
So what can we do to minimize a Grinch encounter, that is avoid becoming a victim to theft?
Whether your out and about shopping in person or packages pile up at your front door, there are some things to consider to protect yourself and your purchases.
- If ordering online, check with neighbor who may be home, or work from home, and can watch or collect your deliveries for you. This is important if you’re going to be away for several days.
- Consider having packages shipped to your place of work, or a trusted friend’s place if possible.
- Have lights on a timer, so your home looks like you’re home. I recently found a voice activated light (I found one at Walgreens) which I’ll place in a room near the front door or our back door. Since it’s activated by sound, it’s irregularity is more organic.
- Keep doors locked and garage door closed as much as possible.
I imagine you’re envisioning scenes from famous Christmas movies about now, such as Home Alone.
If shopping at your local department stores or in person, be aware of those around you.
- Do you keep seeing the same person/people no matter where you go within the store and a second shop (specially at Malls).
- Keep your credit card number close to you until asked for it. Remember, most stores have security cameras and if you plop your credit card out (on the counter) are the numbers showing so anyone can see it (or can take a picture of the numbers)?
- Consider using a RFID credit card wallet to avoid being skimmed. It can happen so why not take the necessary precautions?
- Again, when shopping at malls, be aware of who’s around you and where you’re parking.
- Trust you instinct, trust your body! If something doesn’t FEEL right, just go with it! It doesn’t matter if you feel foolish for it. Better safe than not, right? That feeling IS your body’s way of protecting you. Our minds can’t often determine what might be harmful, but our gut can.
- Watch your packages; hold on to your packages. Don’t make multiple runs to your car to “drop off” your bags and return to shop for the rest of the items. If you go out to your vehicle; plan to leave with what you have for that shopping excursion. Yes, others may be waiting in the parking lot for someone just like you- dropping gifts off in an empty car and being “abandoned” for the next hour or so.
How to be proactive at home.
- If your Christmas tree is in the front window, don’t put packages under the tree until the last minute. Your Christmas tree is already a signal to criminals for “free goodies”. Don’t show them what they are missing by having everything under the tree.
- Do you realize how easy it is to see inside of your home with all the lights on? Close your blinds, drapery, window coverings at night.
- Turn on outdoor lights, especially around places where one might want to hide. Understand that your entry ways are the most vulnerable for attacks, and where the bad guy lurks.
- Back up into your driveway when unloading packages. This prevents noisy neighbors, or criminals, from seeing your gifts. I’ve done this and it is a powerful feeling of being in control.
Whatever holiday you’re celebrating, we hope these tips will ensure it’s one that brings you and your loved ones much joy!
Stay Safe. XO
by Jan Wolbrecht | Jan 24, 2023 | Guns and Politics, Safety Sunday
When you visit a range, whether your local one or visiting a new range, make sure to locate life saving equipment before the first shot.
I recently realized I had not done this and wanted to share so you can “Learn from my mistakes” 🙂
What’s the number 1 rule of real estate? Location! As with visiting a range, Know your location! Street address in case you are calling 9-1-1.
Hopefully, you never need to use a fire extinguisher or the emergency first aid (gun shot wound kit) or AED. Know where these items are before you need to find them. It will be a very stressful and time sensitive, potentially life critical time and knowing where these items are will help when it matters most.
Plan in your head taking charge. “Tell” x person to call 9-1-1, “tell’ another person to get the ER kit – it’s hanging… (state where to find this kit) and if necessary, “tell” a third person to go to the street to 1) flag down EMS and 2) direct EMS to the patient.
We must remember and practice our gun safety rules.
I hope this helps you to enjoy shooting and having a (safe)fun time at the range.
