Social Security Checks

Are you being targeted?

There are times when you are a more appealing target to criminals such as when you carry a larger sum of money. If you receive a social security check, a criminal can accurately predict when you will have the most money, and you should be alert during these times. If possible, arrange for direct deposit of your funds. This will eliminate the need to carry your check to the bank. If you do carry your social security check, keep it separate, but secure, from your purse or wallet. Good alternatives include an inside pocket of a coat that zips closed or the front pocket of your pants. If a robber confronts you, give them your purse or wallet. When your check is separate, you will know that they are not depriving you of a month’s means to live, and this will help ensure you don’t overreact and elevate your risk for injury by getting involved in a physical confrontation. There is nothing in your purse or wallet worth your safety even if you have put your check in it. When you receive your social security check, it is a good time to have a friend or family member visit you, especially if you live alone. The added security of extra people is a deterrent for a potential assailant. Until next time...Be Safe!

Grand Master Brandon Richards, Ph. D.
Seattle Tae Kwon Do

www.seattletaekwondo.com

Master Richards earns two degrees and is promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt

On June 4, 2011, Master Brandon Richards, became one of only 20 people in the United States to earn a Master of Science Degree in Martial Arts from Amerstate University in Racine, Wisconsin. Amerstate University is the first and only school in the United States to offer an accredited graduate level degree in Martial Arts/Tae Kwon Do. Since he completed his degree Master Richards was immediately eligible to test for his 8th Degree Black Belt. On June 4, 2011 he took his 8th degree Black Belt test and passed. Now that Master Richards has earned his 8th Degree Black Belt he is now considered a Grand Master. After graduation, International University San Diego selected Grand Master Richards to receive an Honorary Doctorate in Martial Science. This was based on his years of service and being one of only a select few that have a Master of Science in Martial Arts and are a 8th or 9th Degree Grand Master. June 2011 was quite a remarkable month for Grand Master Richards.

Dangers Around the House

When was the last time you crawled on hands and knees through your house or decided to taste everything in reach? Probably not since you were in diapers, but if you have children, you should consider doing just that as a safety precaution. Statistics show that most injury and death to children occur in their own homes and it doesn’t only concern babies but children as old as 14 years of age.

We are all aware of the obvious:
· Do not leave children unattended in bath or pool,
· Lock up firearms,
· Block stairs with child-proof gates
· Place household chemicals in the places where children cannot reach

But did you know that there are dangers in every room of your house? A simple lighter or medicine container left unattended may draw a young child to explore. Natural curiosity can lead to a devastating occurrence that can involve injury to property and more important, to a child.

· Fire Alarms - Install ionization alarms, which are better at sensing flaming fires, and photoelectric alarms, which are better at sensing slow, smoky fires.

· Medications – should be in child-proofed cupboards. And if you no longer need that prescription, don’t leave it lying around the house. Take it back to the pharmacy or for a controlled substance such as Vicodin, OxyContin, Xanax, etc., take it to the Mountlake Terrace Police Department. Please remember, that while young children can get poisoned, older children sometimes use prescription meds to get high. If you don’t want to drive anywhere, crush the pills and mix with coffee grounds, place it in a non-transparent container or sealable bag and throw it in the garbage. Don’t forget to rip off the prescription label from any container that you are throwing out.

· Window Treatment Cords - Cords can present a substantial hazard since they can wrap around or choke a child.

· Furniture and Carpets – can slide and cause injuries to anyone. Secure these with anti-slip pads.

There are many hazards that children can meet with in their own home but these simple things can help keep them safe and offer you peace of mind.

Courtesy of the Mountlake Terrace Police Advisory Board


Seattle Tae Kwon Do
www.seattletaekwondo.com

Women's Safety

People Seeking Directions

If you become lost while driving, you should seek directions by driving to a well-populated area, but what should you do when someone in a car asks for your help? While most people seeking directions are in genuine need of help, it is always wise to exercise caution. A common method of abduction involves luring a person closer to the car by using a map and asking directions. Once you are close enough to be reached, they grab you and step on the accelerator. To avoid falling out of a moving car, you will unconsciously assist them in being pulled into the vehicle through the open window.

Be aware of what is happening around you when you are offering directions. Someone could come up from behind you while you are distracted. Keep your directions simple. The less time you are in contact with a stranger, the safer you are. In addition, simple directions will be more helpful to a lost driver, and they can always ask another for more directions when they are closer to their destination. If you cannot be heard, speak louder. Avoid going closer to the vehicle. Helping people is fine, but use caution while doing so. Until next time...Be Safe.

Grand Master Brandon Richards, Ph. D.
Seattle Tae Kwon Do

www.seattletaekwondo.com

www.seattletaekwondo.com

Getting Separated from Your Child

Knowing Your Family Car

In today's busy world even the most cautious, protective parent can be separated from their child. This situation is scary for the parent, but can be terrifying for the child. There are several things you can teach your child that will help prepare them for this type of situation. Today's tip focuses on parking lots. First, teach your child to not wander the parking lot looking for you. Instead, they should go back to the store entrance where they will be out of traffic and more easily seen by you.

Also, it is surprising how many children cannot accurately describe their family’s car. Sometimes we overlook the fact that a three to five year old spends a greater amount of their time on the inside of the car looking out. The size of parking lots associated with malls and shopping centers makes this knowledge crucial for the safety of small children. If a young child is separated from their family, they could feasibly be within sight of your car and never notice.

Two additional assets for your child’s awareness include always identifying a permanent landmark near the area you have parked and having a specific picture, color sticker, or other item in the window for them to see. You can help your child by having them draw a picture of your car and color it so they are aware of its appearance. In future articles we will discuss what your child can do if lost in a store or other area. Until next time...Be Safe.

Grand Master Brandon Richards, Ph. D.
Seattle Tae Kwon Do

www.seattletaekwondo.com

Have a Code Word

When Someone Must Pick Your Child Up in an Emergency

We spend so much time teaching children not to talk to strangers that we sometimes overlook the fact that this can cause complications in an emergency situation. If you need to send a trusted friend of the family or relative to pick your child up from school or another setting due to an unexpected emergency, this person may be a stranger to your son or daughter. Many things could happen to cause this situation including an unexpected trip to the emergency room, an accident, and so forth. For this situation it helps to teach your child a "Code Word" which only you and your child knows. It should not be something that is easily guessed, and your child needs to be taught that it is a secret, one they cannot tell anyone else. When your trusted friend arrives, they tell your child that you sent them and they say the code word. In today's complex society, this extra precaution can help with dealing with strangers. Ideally, you will be able to call the child's school or daycare center, as well. However, you should be aware that these institutions will likely not release your child unless you have already made arrangements in advance. With the complexity of family structures and custody issues, even a biological parent could be refused by the school without advanced notification. Regarding the code word, once it has been used it must be changed. Talk to your children about strangers and what you would do in an emergency situation. Until next time...Be Safe!

Grand Master Brandon Richards, Ph. D.
Seattle Tae Kwon Do

www.seattletaekwondo.com