DANBURY TOWNSHIP -- About two dozen people learned how to "Refuse to be a Victim" Monday night at the Danbury Senior Center.
Port Clinton attorney and National Rifle Association instructor Terry Rudes conducted the NRA crime prevention program, which was sponsored by the Danbury Township Police Department.
Rudes said someone who wants to commit a crime usually will, but people can make it much harder for them.
"Our best defense against criminal activity is mental preparedness," Rudes said.
He told program participants to be careful with their personal information, and be aware of the times and places they are the most vulnerable.
Rudes covered several topics, including different points of entry into a home, and the different sorts of locks.
"They're not going to keep anybody out unless you use it," he said.
He also discussed having a "safe room" in the house in case of intrusion.
"If you've got youngsters in the home, it changes your plan considerably," he said.
"Everybody should know what the plan is, what they're supposed to do, and you've got to practice to be sure everybody is gong to do it."
The safe room should have a flashlight and batteries, a set of home and car keys and protection devices.
"Have your cell phone charger on your night stand."
Rudes also talked about different types of personal protection devices.
"Whether it's pepper spray or it's a firearm, you've got to practice with it to see how it works," he said.
Home security systems can help, but only if law enforcement personnel respond in time.
"These burglars do not take long. They know their craft," Rudes said.
Noisy dogs can also be a good deterrent.
The instructor also discussed safety while traveling and driving, as well as personal safety.
He recommended the participants follow their intuition, and not give up if their safety is threatened.
"You never, ever, ever give up. Until you give up, you can win any fight."
He also discussed how to keep from falling victim to scams, and to protect one's identity while online.
Several times, the instructor reminded the participants to keep from assuming that crimes only happen to "the other guy."
Rudes said he will give another "Refuse to be a Victim" program in Elmore in the early fall.
"There were a number of different police departments that want the program, so we'll be doing it from one end of the county to the other," he said.
Danbury Township Police Department Police Chief Michael Meisler said he was happy with the turnout. Officer Josh Young, who is in charge of training for the department, said he wants to provide a seminar on self-defense for women in the future.
Although not mentioned in the article, Richard is also a NRA certified instructor and was helping with the class. :-) The article can be found here. The article includes a picture of dad teaching and was printed on the front page of todays paper (below the fold).