In today’s context, BASS had nothing to do with fish. It simply stands for Be a Safe Senior.
That was the message Braxton Brown delivered to about 100 senior citizens today at Kirkwood Adams Community Center in the kickoff for the program, which was born from his safe seniors seminars.
“This program was designed for seniors to bring back things we take for granted,” he said during the introduction of the program, sponsored by Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service, the Roanoke Rapids Police Department and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office. “We’re excited about this program. We’ll set it up for five or 100 people.”
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The first matter Brown spoke of was pocketbook safety, finding the biggest one in the audience. Taking it away from its owner, Brown asked her, “What else have you lost? How do you get home? What I’m trying to tell her is her whole life can change in an instant. You’ve lost your credit cards. (The thief) knows your address, has your cards and your car.”
This is why it is important to keep your card information and the numbers needed to cancel them stored in a safe place at your home, Brown said.
Brown presents Rose Massey, director of the Jo Story Senior Center, a certificate of appreciation.
Something as innocent as yard work, he said, is an invitation for scam artists and thieves. Many criminals will distract a homeowner with chitchat about their garden or flowerbeds. “I’ve got your attention. I’ve got a conspirator working their way into your home. If you’re out in your yard, lock your doors. If someone asks for a drink of water don’t be afraid to show them the water hose.”
While many audience members responded rest stop when asked about the safest spot to stop on trips, Brown said, “Wrong answer. Rest stops are one of the worst areas you can stop at.”
Don’t take wallets or pocketbooks in with you, he said. “I can get a pocketbook as quickly off a hook as I can the floor. “
A man standing at a urinal can have his head pushed into the wall just enough to knock him out or stun him, Brown said. “Go to a Hardee’s or McDonald’s where there are a lot of people. Be leery of people asking you to fix flat tires. These things are happening more and more and it’s not going to get better.”
Men should carry dummy wallets in case of stickups, keeping the real wallet in the car so the one with little cash in it can be surrendered.
Brown recommends thinking twice about taking pocketbooks inside while shopping and never leave them in the shopping cart. If you must take a pocketbook inside, tie it to the child harness strap. “It’s going to cause a lot of distraction when someone’s dragging a shopping cart. The less you’re showing the less attention you’re showing.”
A safe bet is never enter your car if see a large truck or van parked beside it. Go back in the store, have store security escort you and never use the keyless entry from a distance to unlock your car. “They can tell where your car is.”
For more information on Be a Safe Senior contact Hockaday at 252-537-6144.
