Safety Update
Brought to you by ISU Public Safety and the ISU Safety Committee June, 2003
Family Vacation
Planning a family vacation? Whether your destination is Yellowstone National Park, Disney World, Denver or Denmark, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. Making the trip fun and enjoyable for everyone is the key; that's what it's all about.
But just as important to the success of your trip will be steps you take to make it a safe one.
Before You Leave
Preventing crime during family travel starts with making sure your home is protected while you're away. The key is to make it look like you never left:
- Keep shades & blinds in their normal positions.
- Stop mail & newspapers, or ask a neighbor to pick them up every day.
- Put timers on several household lights so they turn on and off at appropriate times. You might even leave a radio or tv on-or put it on a timer.
- Arrange to have grass mowed while you're gone.
- Make sure all your door and window locks are in working order and use them. Activate your home alarm if you have one.
- As a neighbor to park in your driveway overnight.
Packing For Prevention
You'll need to decide what to take with you. Planning can decrease the chances of crime joining you on your journey.
- Clean out your wallet or purse before your go; take only essential credit cards and use them or traveler's checks instead of cash.
- Carry your purse close to your body, or your wallet in an inside front pocket. Better yet, take a fanny pack or wear a money pouch under your clothes.
- Pack as lightly as possible. Lots of heavy, cumbersome bags will slow you down and make you more vulnerable to getting robbed.
- Pack your things in inconspicuous bags.
- Keep a separate record of the contents of checked luggage. Keep anything of value such as medicine and jewelry in a carry-on that stays with you.
Out & About
The best advice for you and your family is to do all you can to blend in with the crowd:
- Don't display expensive jewelry, cameras, bags, and other items that might draw attention.
- Check maps before you go out so you can tour confidently.
- Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets at all times - no shortcuts.
- Always lock your car when it's parked, even if the stop is brief. Keep valuables out of sight, preferably in a locked trunk. Don't advertise that you're a tourist leaving maps and guidebooks on the seat or dashboard - keep them in the glove compartment.
Traveling safely with your family also means sticking together and keeping an eye on your children at all times. Make sure they know where you're staying (name and address), and teach them what to do if they get lost or separated. You might want to agree on a meeting place, just in case. And by all means, make sure your kids know not to accept rides or favors from strangers.
Make your family vacation a memorable one for all the right reasons.
For information on Pocatello Neighborhood Watch contact Pocatello Police at 234-6117.
For Information on ISU Campus Watch or to request a residential safety survey or other crime prevention info, contact Sgt. Will Phillips at 282-2515.
Calling all Hotheads
Tips On Keeping Cool in an Angry World
Anger is a normal, healthy emotion. It lets us know when something is wrong and makes us take action. It's when anger runs wild that people may become hostile, even violent.
Why Do People Get Angry?
"Nobody listens to me unless I get angry."
Some people feel that the only way they can get attention is to get mad, even if it means getting in trouble.
"He/She dissed/teased/bullied me."
People lash out when they feel they are being disrespected or treated unfairly. They may be insecure about themselves or sensitive to certain criticisms and insults, even if someone is just teasing.
"I just got frustrated."
Sometimes it's hard dealing with a lot of emotions, and we don't know how to express ourselves. The result is often frustration and sometimes rage.
"It helps me get what I want."
Just like people use anger to get attention, these people try to use anger to force others into giving them what they want.
Getting a Grip
It doesn't matter whether you're a toddler going through the terrible twos or a grumpy older person, it's always a good time to learn to cope with your temper.
Admit that you're angry.
It's hard to deal with something if you don't admit it exists first.
Deal with it!
When you start feeling angry or frustrated, stop what you're doing. Take a few deep breaths. Take a walk, stretch or laugh, or do anything that takes your mind off the anger.
Don't brush it off.
Everyone gets angry sometimes-it's perfectly normal. Don't reject your anger as irrational or without reason. Try to figure out what's making you feel that way, or talk to someone.
Identify and understand the cause.
Knowing why you're angry helps you deal with it.
Walk away.
You have the power to change or avoid an anger-provoking situation-so use it! Losing your cool isn't cool.
Get a new perspective.
If you're having an argument with someone, understanding where they're coming from might help you resolve the situation without losing your temper.
Vent to your friends and family.
Venting is not taking out your anger on your friends and family. It's explaining your feelings and frustrations to people you trust and who can help you deal with the situation.
If you find that you are angry all the time, and can't get a grip even after you have really tried, you may want to seek professional help.
How To Talk To Someone Who Makes You Mad
Being able to communicate with someone who makes you angry is an important skill. When talking with people who drive you crazy remember to:
- look and feel relaxed
- keep your voice calm
- be direct and specific about what's bothering you
- ask-don't demand
- make your statement once-then give it a rest
Where To Find Help/Support Services
| ISU Counseling & Testing 282-2130 | ISU Psychology Clinic 282-2129 |
| ISU Student Health 282-2330 | Student Affairs Office 282-2315 |
| Ombuds Office 282-2164 | Affirmative Action Office 282-3964 |
| Family Services Alliance 232-0742 | Janet C. Anderson Gender Center Crisis Line 251-4357 |
| ISU Public Safety 282-2515 | EMERGENCY 911 |