Contactivity Centre

How Crime-Proof Are You?

A Home & Street Safety Quiz for Seniors

 


P.S. Click your mouse on your answer to get an explanation.

Street Stuff

Q 1. When you are going out to visit someone you should:

  1. Tell that person your expected time of arrival and what route you are taking.
  2. Not give them too much information, as it could be used against you.
  3. Drop in unexpectedly - the element of surprise gives you an edge.

Q2. If someone is about to assault you on the street you might choose to:

    1. Sit down
    2. Fake a heart attack
    3. Fake an I.D.
    4. Turn to the person and say "Don't I know your mother?"

Q3. When walking on the street, you should:

    1. Wear the insignia of the local street gang
    2. Choose well-lit, busy streets, so there'll be plenty of curious gawkers as you get mugged.
    3. Stick to dark alleys so you won't be noticed.

Q4. When you're out alone, perhaps even at night, and you're about to leave a public place like a mall or a bus station:

  1. Announce loudly that you're about to head off on your own, so people will remember your face on the 6 o'clock news.
  2. Use the "imaginary friends" gambit - tag along when a group of people leaves, to give the impression that you are with them.
  3. Find a bench and hunker down for the night.

Q5. If you feel you're being followed:

    1. You probably are.
    2. Turn around and properly introduce yourself.
    3. Cross the street and go into the nearest store or public location, or ring the doorbell of the nearest home and TELL them you are being followed. Ask them to call 9-1-1.

Q6. When you go out:

    1. Always take a lot of cash with you, to use as bribes when people try to mug you
    2. Do not put money or other valuables in your handbag
    3. Don't forget to tip the doorman

Q7. Whenever possible:

    1. Walk with a companion.
    2. Walk with confidence.
    3. Walk frequently.
    4. All of the above.

Q8. If you carry a whistle, screamer, or other kind of emergency alarm, you should carry it:

    1. In your inside pocket
    2. In your purse
    3. In your mouth
    4. Within easy reach

Q9. If you are confronted aggressively by a stranger on the street, you should:

    1. Scream
    2. Speak normally
    3. It depends

House Stuff

Q10. If you are going away from home for any length of time you should:

    1. Leave the taps running just a bit, so they don't freeze up
    2. Ask a neighbour to take in your mail & newspapers
    3. Send postcards to yourself, so people know someone cares

Q11. If the outside doors of your house automatically lock on your way out:

    1. As Martha Stewart would say, this is a good thing
    2. This may not be such a good thing

Q12. When you go out for part of the day:

    1. Leave a note on your door warning people when you will return
    2. Leave the radio or TV on, and perhaps some lights on too, depending on the time of day
    3. Leave yourself plenty of time to get back


Q13. Do you check the identity of a caller before letting them in?

    1. No, if they're polite enough to knock, they're probably nice people
    2. Yes, that's what peep-holes and intercoms are for.


Q14. If you live in an apartment building, your mailbox or doorbell directory should read:

    1. "Occupied"
    2. Your full name
    3. "Go Away"


Q15. If you live alone in a house, you might consider:

    1. Living elsewhere
    2. Leaving men's boots within view of the door or nearby window.
    3. Boarding lots of cats and dogs for company


Q16. If you have an answering machine, your greeting message should NOT:

    1. Mention that you are away
    2. Give your phone number
    3. Mention your name
    4. All of the above.


Q17. If you have reason to believe that someone has broken into your home:

    1. Whistle a happy tune.
    2. Go in with all guns blazing
    3. Send your Rottweiler in first
    4. Do not enter your home. Call 9-1-1 from a neighbour's home right away.


Q18. Always keep a phone:

    1. Busy, to show you have a social support network.
    2. Handy
    3. In your refrigerator, where thieves won't think to steal it.


Q19. Defensive laundry practices - If you live in an apartment building:

    1. Avoid being alone in the laundry room for very long
    2. Avoid doing the laundry
    3. Go with a neighbour
    4. Bring along a cordless phone
    5. Use a washboard and your bathtub, like your forebears did.


Q20. Always keep your curtains or blinds closed:

    1. When the UV index is high
    2. When you're chatting with your imaginary friends
    3. When you are changing your clothing



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