Introduction

Personal safety or security incidents can happen quickly. Accidents, break-ins, violent confrontations, or other incidents can create challenges for even the most well- prepared people.

Purpose

This article covers some of the basic topics related to some activities related to personal safety issues, and can serve as an outline for a Member Services conversation you can have with a Navigator 24/7.

Table of Contents

Filing Police Reports

If you have been the victim of a crime you may wish to file a police report. Most police departments will request that you contact a non-emergency phone number to speak with officers, visit that department's website or visit in person to file a police report.  

Protective Orders

Filing an application for a protective order or restraining order have different procedures, depending on location.

Requesting Police Reports

If you have been involved in a situation that required a law enforcement response, you may be advised to request a copy of the police report for your insurance, legal proceedings or for your records. Local or State Police have policies and procedures that vary by location for requesting and receiving police reports.

Legal Representation

There are many situations that may benefit from speaking with an attorney. If you wish to consult with an attorney at any time and for any reason, your Navigator can refer one to you. Attorneys are all accessed through Federal and State Bar associations.

Poison Control

Poison Control information is accessible at 1-800-222-1222. This service is operated by Poison Control Centers and is available 24/7 to answer questions from people who may have been exposed to dangerous substances. Contact them on the web at poisonhelp.org or webpoisoncontrol.org.

First Aid

The term "First Aid" may refer to ordinary people doing things like cleaning minor wounds before applying band-aids or may refer to people with some level of training providing life saving CPR or other care. Many people are greatly benefited by taking first aid courses, downloading first aid apps and storing some helpful supplies at home, in cars and at the workplace.

Emergency Department (Room)

The "Emergency Department" or "Emergency Room" of a hospital handles emergency medical situations.

Trauma Centers

Some Emergency Departments within hospitals operate "Trauma Centers" which assign a level of care for emergency situations. Trauma Centers are rated 1-5 using Roman numerals (Levels I, II, III, IV and V) with Level I being the most equipped and ready to handle trauma related emergencies.

Health & Safety

Food Safety & Quality

Federal organizations such as the USDA and FDA as well as state and local organizations provide standards, regulation, training, guidelines and inspections that address issues of food safety and quality.

Labeling

Food products are subject to specific guidelines governing what must appear on food labeling including things like ingredients, nutritional value, production dates and known allergens.

Licensing

Restaurants and other food handling operations are typically licensed by local boards of health or state agencies that ensure they adhere to good standards and practices.

Training

Personnel who handle food are typically required to take food safety training like ServSafe that tries to establish good food handling practices that reduce the risk of disease transmission and food contamination.

Disease Tracking

Food that makes people sick may also involve the local health department or, more rarely the CDC.

Water Safety & Quality

Water quality varies by source, treatment, storage and transportation including bottling or pipes in your home. Water from wells, local municipal sources, bottle sources and others each have their challenges with contamination at the source and along the way.

Temporary Drinking Water Issues

Sometimes drinking water may be temporarily unsafe due to flooding or chemical leaks or spills.

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous Chemicals

Many households have cleaners, solvents, paint, fuel and a variety of chemical products that may be safe while stored properly, but can cause risk to health and safety when mixed or when stored or disposed of improperly.

Mold

When certain types of mold grow on surfaces, inside of construction materials and within ventilation systems it can create a chronically unhealthy situation. Testing for mold is a sensible precaution.

Lead

Homes built before 1978 may have had lead paint at some time. In homes where lead paint was used, it may not be the coat of paint you see but an older coat beneath the surface. This can create dangers such as window sills that chip, or dust created from sanding layers of paint.

Radon

Some homes are built on top of rocks and soil that produce a naturally occurring colorless, odorless, slightly radioactive gas called radon. People who spend time in homes with elevated radon levels may be at higher risk of cancer. This may be especially true in certain areas of the country and with certain home designs where people spend time at lowest elevation (such as a finished basement). Smoking in presence of elevated radon gas has been known to synergistically increase the risk of cancer.

Asbestos

Once a commonly used fire prevention and control material, asbestos is now known to cause cancer. It is found most frequently when performing renovations on construction prior to 1976. Asbestos may be found in tiles, insulation, boards and shingles. Asbestos removal must be handled by a licensed professional.

Consumer Safety

There are consumer safety considerations for nearly all of the products and services we buy. From the materials and manufacturing processes to packaging and labeling.

Dangerous Products

The Consumer Products Safety Commission protects the public against unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products

What you stand to lose

Personal Health

It can be dangerous to your health to inhale, ingest or otherwise be exposed to many chemicals and materials. Risk to people may be slow and chronic over time, or more acute exposure leading to immediate adverse health effects.

Personal Safety

Experiencing crime or confrontation can create risks to personal safety. Minor or moderate issues can escalate if not handled.

Money

Incidents, accidents or other hazardous household situations may lead to increased costs. Not addressing these situations could make them much costlier in the long run.

Peace of Mind

Exposure to unhealthy conditions, crime, confrontation or other risks to personal health and safety can cause prolonged distress.

Member Services

Noble Navigators provides guidance, direct action and ongoing support services for more than a dozen important life situations, including providing care for others. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact Noble Navigators 24/7 for live assistance

Behind the Scenes Information

People can take steps to help protect their own safety and security and make their lives more resilient to common challenges. Planning, information and assistance can help people make informed decisions.

Key Terms

Emergency Services

Medical, fire and law enforcement services that are dispatched to a particular location. They may be managed by local, state, Federal or private organizations.

Non-Emergency Services

Many organizations that work with emergencies also have a non-emergency phone number or communication process, to protect the availability of those providing real time emergency services.

Police Report

Law enforcement organizations tend to document their activities and the incidents they encounter. People sometimes request the police report on incidents in which they are involved.

Consumer Safety

The US Consumer Product and Safety Commission, along with dozens of state, Federal and local laws, agencies and guidelines, together serve to protect US Consumers.

Protective Orders

Protective Orders, or "Restraining Orders" are legal orders issued by a judge intended to protect citizens from certain forms of abuse or harassment. The procedures for filing protective orders differ from state to state. Those requesting protection may be able to present themselves at the courthouse to file an application and speak with a judge. Those requesting protection may wish to speak with an attorney as part of that process. Your Navigator can refer you to an attorney at any time.