| Self defense tips for using the telephone. The | | | | use your first initial only. Do not use your full name. |
| telephone, whether in your residence or your cellular | | | | Never use titles Mr. Ms. Mrs., especially Ms., when listing |
| phone, has become such a convenience that most | | | | your name in the phone book. Being less conspicuous |
| people take it for granted. There are things though that | | | | in public will allow you more anonymity. |
| you need to be aware of to protect yourself while | | | | If you have children, educate them on proper telephone |
| using the phone. Unfortunately we live in a world | | | | usage. If they are very young, do not allow them to |
| where defending yourself is a constant consideration. | | | | answer the telephone. If they do answer, train them to |
| Many would be thieves use the phone in an attempt to | | | | never tell anyone that they are alone. Children should |
| not only steal your identity but to gather information | | | | never tell a caller who else is home. Test children |
| regarding your habits for perpetrating their crimes. A | | | | periodically on emergency numbers and procedures. |
| few simple self defense techniques will aid in | | | | Do not allow children to use a re-dial system. |
| protecting you and your valuable information and | | | | Maintain a list of emergency numbers and place them |
| property. | | | | close to the phone. If possible, program them into the |
| Use an answering machine and caller ID to screen | | | | phone and memorize the most important autodial |
| your calls. Most newer residence and cell phones have | | | | codes. Police and fire department are the most |
| the capability of using caller ID built in. Most phone | | | | important. Most areas in the US are now on the 911 |
| companies now provide caller ID as a standard | | | | system but there are still outlying and rural areas that |
| service. If you receive a call from an unknown number | | | | are not completed. Correct telephone usage could |
| let the answering machine pick up and take a | | | | save you countless hours and untold amounts of |
| message. | | | | money and could save your life in a self defense |
| Try to avoid having your number listed in the local | | | | situation. |
| phone books. If you are required to list your number | | | | |