Advising your kids as they move on to college or their first job and away from home

After double-major, I still read quite a few psychology papers/studies on abnormal psychology which is what I focused on. One long and interesting study focused on violent burglars and/or rapists and what is called "victimology". Hundreds were asked what the main deterrents were and, not surprisingly, the one at the top of the list was a dog. Most teenagers/young adults in dorms or budget apartments can't have one or couldn't afford one so what else was listed (including specific ones from Danny Rollin who targeted female students). I am dismayed by how many students/young workers are living in unsafe residences or locations and unprepared.

1. Make sure your kids' windows have a screen and nail the screen shut.
2. One burglar/rapist/murderer squeezed through tiny bathroom windows. Put a wedge, a nail, or something secured so the window can only open so far.
3. Secure all patio doors with a bar and never leave them open for cats to get in and out.
4. Put deadbolt locks on the bedroom and bathroom doors. That is where most violent attacks start (element of surprise, these guys don't want to get hurt, only to hurt).
5. Never ever let yourself be moved from the parking lot, your car or your apartment to another spot, place or car-fight and scream with everything even if they are armed - if you are moved, statistics show that you will be killed and you are way more likely to survive the threats.
6. Get mace for your keychain if someone accosts you at your car, door, elevator.
7. Most smartphones now have a built-in Personal Safety App where you can set up numerous features including safety checks. Mine also has an alarm button that I hit and if I don't stop it will blare out a screeching .alarm, call 911 and a list of family and friends with my location.

"If you’re going for a late-night run, travelling in an unfamiliar neighborhood or taking a ride share, you can set a timer for your phone to check in with you. If you don’t respond to the Safety Check feature, your phone will automatically share your real-time location with your chosen emergency contacts. They’ll know where you are and that you may need help." https://www.android.com/articles/personal-safety-app/