Safety Items

Burglary - Business

Survey all buildings for security weaknesses. Consider the following items to enhance building security:

1. Dead bolt locks on all outside doors.

2. Bars on windows in unlighted areas.

3. Motion sensors connected to an outside alarm.

4. Inside low-light cameras and recorders.

5. Security system connected to a security office; sensing motion, smoke and fire.

Any of these items will assist in securing your business building(s).

 

Burglary - Home

In order to maintain a secure home the following actions are listed for your consideration:

1. Do not leave items of value outside at night. Bicycles, lawn tractors, tools and other valuables should be brought inside and locked up.

2. Outside lighting

3. Outside motion sensors

4. Dead bolt locks on all external doors.

5. Security systems are available in levels from audible alarms to contacting a security office. These systems can connect all doors and windows as well as providing inside motion detection, smoke and fire detection.

Eliminate tall shrubbery around windows and doors.

 

Child Abduction

Notify 911 as soon as you believe your child is missing. The appropriate law enforcement authorities will be advised of the missing child and take action.

 

Child Safety

Children can be provided a safe environment through training about avoiding strangers, having supervision and avoid allowing a child to go out alone when possible. This caution includes assuring that playgrounds are properly supervised. A cell phone provides extra protection for a child who is old enough to use one and in places where the cell phone is allowed. Know where your child is at all times.

 

Child Restraint Law - A#32-5-222

Infant-only seats and convertible seats used in the rear-facing position for infants until at least one year old or 20 pounds. Convertible seats in the forward position or forward-facing seats until the child is at least five years old or 40 pounds. Booster seats until the child is six years of age. Seat belts until the child is 15 years of age regardless of where they sit in the vehicle. Alabama's seat belt law, A#32-5B-4, requires that all front seat occupants, regardless of age, be restrained.

 

Concealed Weapon Permit

In order to apply for a concealed weapon permit the applicant must be at least 21 years old, have no criminal record, and lived in Lauderdale County for at least one year. The process requires a visit to the Sheriff's Office, located on the second floor of the Lauderdale County Court House, and complete an application. The application takes approximately ten days of processing. When the process is completed you will receive a letter informing you that your application was approved or rejected. If approved, you can receive your permit in the Sheriff's Office for a fee of $10.

 

Gun Safety

1. Treat every weapon as a loaded weapon.

2. Never store a loaded weapon in your home where it can be accessed by children.

3. When handling a firearm, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and make sure the safety is on.

4. When using a weapon, as in hunting or target shooting, keep your finger out of the trigger housing and have the safety on until you are ready to fire.

Exercise caution and responsibility when handling a firearm.

 

Identity Theft

If you are a victim of the unauthorizad use of your credit/debit card, stolen social security number or any other illegal use of your personal information, take the following action:

1. Call the police in the town where you live and report the incident.

2. If you live in Lauderdale County call 256-760-5757 and report your identity theft to the Sheriff's Office.

 

Keys Locked Inside an Automobile

The Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office has had to discontinue the service of opening locked car doors due to the potential damage that can be caused to the mechanism inside the door by using an opening tool, unless there is a child locked inside or other like emergency.

 

Illegal Drugs

If you know of someone who is manufacturing, selling or using illegal drugs, please call the Drug Task Force at 256-764-7150.

 

Recognizing Gang Activity

The Sheriff's Office is always interested in the illegal activities of gangs commonly found in some schools. You are advised to be aware of a change in your child's demeanor, such as:

1. Failing grades

2. Attitude change, resisting authority.

3. Hanging out with new friends.

4. Gang-type symbols in evidence.

5. Evidence of illegal drug use.

 

Restraining Order

For a restraining order involving domestic violence, see or call the Domestic Clerk, located on the fourth floor of the Lauderdale County Court House at 256-760-5718. For all other types of restraining orders you must see an attorney.

 

Sexual Assault/Abuse

If you are a victim or know of a situation involving sexual assault or abuse, please take the following action:

1. Call the Rape Response Crisis Line 256-767-1100 or

2. Call the Police in the town where you live and report the incident.

3. If you live in Lauderdale County call 256-760-5757 and report the incident to the Sheriff's Office.

 

Smoke Alarm Safety

If you have one or more smoke alarms in your house it is wise to change the battery on an annual date that is easy to remember. (ie: Christmas) If you do not have a smoke alarm in your home, please give serious thought to installing one or more. They do save lives.

 

Suspicious Package

The discovery of an unattended package that has the appearance of potential danger, do not hesitate to report this to law enforcement authority. Clear the immediate area and take no further action on your own.
Call the Florence Police at 256-760-6500 or the Lauderdale County Sheriff at 256-760-5757.

 

Travelers' Safety

The following suggestions should add to your safety while traveling:

1. If you have to stop along the road, try to select a well-lighted and populated area.

2. If your automobile breaks down at night and you are not near a populated area, stay in your automobile with the doors locked. If you do not have a cell phone, place a white handkerchief outside the driver-side window. A passing law enforcement officer will stop and render assistance.

3. Exercise caution when stopping at a rest stop late at night.