Although there are a lot of positive things about the summer months for you to think about, such as going on vacation or enjoying a dip in your favorite pool, it is important to understand that not everything about summer is a good thing. In fact, there are quite a few summer hazards that you should know and think about in order to stay safe.
Violent Crimes Increase
During the months when the weather is warm — or downright hot — violent crime increases quite dramatically. From muggings to assaults and everything in between, there is no denying that violent crime goes up across the board when the weather warms up.
There are a few theories out there that people have as to why these crime rates go up, but one of the main theories is that it is because people become much more irritable, much more quickly when the weather is hot. For instance, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department, a full 44 percent of aggravated assaults occur during the hot summer months of the year. Similar findings have been found in other cities and states across the United States as well, so this isn’t an isolated incident.
This means that it is important to take care of yourself during the hot summer months in order to help ensure that you don’t become a statistic. Along with following all of the basic safety rules, it is also essential for you to try to avoid confrontations whenever possible. Although it might seem easy to argue with someone who has started something with you, you should know that tempers can soar and things can escalate very quickly, especially when it is hot outside and people are irritable anyway.
Therefore, you should try to stay out of these situations as much as possible, and don’t be afraid to just walk away if you feel that something might turn violent. Also, make sure to contact your local law enforcement agency if you feel that someone might attack you or commit another violent crime against you or someone around you. It is better to be safe than sorry, and you might prevent yourself or others around you from enduring a serious violent crime. Knowing good self-defense tactics is also an essential for individuals of all ages, so consider learning a few moves and even taking self-defense classes in order to learn more about defending yourself against violent crimes.
Teen Crime Can Increase
During the summer, there are a lot more juveniles and teenagers on the streets and out and about due to the fact that school is out. Although many of these younger individuals are simply out having a good time with their friends, this isn’t always the case. In fact, more and more teens and juveniles have begun getting into trouble during the summer months and have been getting involved in all sorts of crimes.
Some of the crimes that these younger individuals commit are relatively harmless, albeit expensive, such as vandalism. However, you surely don’t want for your home or your business to become the target of such vandalism, and you should know that these so-called “pesky” crimes aren’t the only ones that juveniles are committing. Some commit slightly more serious crimes; others commit very serious and harmful crimes.
For instance, if you are a business owner, you should certainly be on guard for teenage shoplifting and other similar crimes. It is also important to keep a close eye on your home, business, car, family and self when it comes to teenagers who are out looking for trouble.
There are a few good ways to protect yourself and the things and people that you care about from juvenile crimes, however. Being diligent and on the lookout at all times can help, and having a surveillance camera system in place at your home and business can also provide both a strong deterrent and the evidence that you need if one of these crimes is committed. It’s also important to always contact the police if you have witnessed a crime of any sort or if you notice suspicious behavior from teenagers, juveniles or anyone who are around you or your loved ones.
Sexual Crimes Can Be a Problem
A lot of people, particularly females, wear a little less clothing during the hot summer months in order to cool off and stay comfortable in soaring temperatures. Although people have the right to wear what they want without feeling threatened, it is true that some people take individuals who are wearing skimpy clothing as if they are giving an invitation. Unfortunately, this can lead to sex-based crimes.
Avoiding being caught alone, especially in dark areas or areas that don’t have a lot of traffic or people, can be a great step toward protecting yourself from these types of crimes. It’s also a good idea to carry around a whistle that you can use to signal for help in the event that someone attacks you; you can also try looking for applications for your smart phone or device that work as alarms and alert systems. Always reporting suspicious or sexually offensive behavior to the proper authorities can also help you keep yourself safe and can help prevent people from committing crimes against others in the future, and it’s never a bad idea to learn a few good self-defense techniques so that you can protect yourself in the event that someone tries to attack you with bad intentions.
Robberies During Vacations
Going on vacation is supposed to be a positive thing, but your entire vacation can be quickly and effectively ruined if someone robs you during a time that is supposed to be a good one. For instance, there are plenty of criminals out there who watch for people who are going on vacation in order to rob their homes while they are away, and some people also get robbed while they are actually on their vacations, regardless of whether or not they are traveling abroad or if they are simply going on a weekend trip to a nearby beach or lake.
To help prevent people from targeting your home while you are away, make sure that you are proactive. For instance, don’t brag on social media websites or your answering machine that you are on vacation, at least until after you have returned, and don’t tell random strangers in a restaurant, bar or grocery store when you are planning on leaving. Also, remember to ask someone to cut your grass and check your mail and newspapers for you while you are away, and think about setting up the lights and televisions in your home on a timer that will turn off and on at random times throughout the day. Taking these steps can help make people think that you are home even when you aren’t. Also, remember that having a burglar alarm installed in your home is always a positive way to deter theft, and think about installing a surveillance camera system. With the right type of system, you can even check in on your home with your PC or other device so that you can make sure that all is well.
As far as protecting yourself from getting robbed while you are out and about on your vacation, there are proactive steps that you can take as well. For instance, you can try putting expensive items and jewelry in a safe deposit box instead of leaving them in your hotel room, and it’s also a good idea to spring for a room in a safe area when possible. Try to stick with at least one other person while you are out, and notify hotel staff of how long you will out and about and your approximate time of arrival so that they will know to go and look for you if you don’t come back in a reasonable amount of time. Leaving expensive items by your chair at the beach or pool is a good way to get robbed, and make sure that you are careful when using public transportation, waking at night or visiting areas that aren’t very busy.
Taking these steps can help you stay safe during the most crime-prone time of the year in most areas: The summer. It’s also relatively easy to take these precautions, and it will be well worth it when you are enjoying the hot summer months in safety and security. The most important thing to do, however, is not to forget to be careful at all times. Instead, make sure that you have a plan in mind for any potentially bad situation so that you can handle things properly and protect yourself, your property, your belongings and your family in the event that something goes terribly wrong.