Monday, December 14, 2009

Parking Lot Safety

Parking lots are an easy target for thieves looking for a “quick score.” Vehicles parked in parking lots are targeted when valuables are left in plain sight, and in instances where thieves have had prior success with break-ins and vandalization. Alert motorists can make a proactive contribution to ensure a safe parking lot and reduce the likelihood of incident.

Before you park
• Find a parking space you feelomfortable parking in.
• Park in a well-lit area. Avoid parking in a secluded area.
• Remove all valuables from sight. “Out of sight out of mind, if they can’t see it, they can’t steal it”

When you park
• Always lock your car and roll up the windows.
• Never hide a spare key in or around your vehicle.
• Remember your specific parking location. Carefully note the aisle numbers and/or letters.
• Never leave your car engine running or with the keys in the ignition, even if you are only gone for a moment.
• Be aware of everything and everyone around you.
• If you notice a stranger or suspicious person loitering in or around the parking lot, immediately notify security or the police.

After you park
• Walk with purpose and confidence.
• Keep your keys in hand as you walk to your vehicle.
• Working late? Request for a security escort to your vehicle or walk with a group or coworkers.
• Upon return to your parking location, inspect the exterior and interior of the vehicle before getting inside.
• If you have a flat tire, immediately return to the building and ask for help.
• Never open your vehicle door or window to accept help from a stranger.
• When you get into your vehicle, immediately lock your doors (before buckling your seatbelt) and turn on your headlights.
• If a suspicious person approaches your car, honkyour car horn.
• If you sense someone may be following you, switch directions or cross the street. If this does not deter the stranger, immediately proceed to an open store, restaurant or lighted house.
• Never be afraid to call or shout for help.
by Walden Security

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Applications Available Online Beginning Dec. 15 for USA Funds Access to Education Scholarships

USA Funds® will award $1 million in USA Funds Access to Education Scholarships® to lower-income students for the 2010-2011 academic year.

The program provides $1,500 scholarships to undergraduates and full-time graduate or professional students from households with incomes of $35,000 or less. Up to 50 percent of the awards go to students who are members of an ethnic minority group or are physically disabled. Residents of USA Funds’ and NELA®’s designated states receive priority consideration for the awards.

The scholarships will be one-time awards, although the recipients are welcome to apply for the scholarship program in subsequent years, as long as their cumulative awards under the program do not exceed $6,000.

Eligibility criteria and a link to the online scholarship application are available from www.usafunds.org/scholarship.

The deadline for students to submit scholarship applications is Feb. 15, 2010.