As part of our continuing effort to provide Boca Raton residents and tenants our commercial, warehouse and corporate office locations, Danburg Properties of Boca Raton works closely with the Boca Raton Police Department to distribute tips, news and suggestions to help residents and business owners live safely in Boca Raton and southern Palm Beach County. In response to this week’s shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, it’s more important than ever that everyone have a plan.

The latest advice article from the Boca Raton Police Department reveals how to stay safe when attending events with large crowds or doing such everyday activities. These can include going to school, shopping, seeing a movie or attending religious services. The tips below can be helpful in a variety of situations including shootings, criminal incidents, building fires, or simply being separated in a crowd.

If faced with a catastrophe or personal threat, be prepared to react. In the unfortunate event that you find yourself in the middle of a catastrophic incident, such as an active shooter situation, it is vital that you are mentally and physically prepared to run, hide or fight.

Be aware of your surroundings. If you see something or someone that does not seem right, do not hesitate in notifying the police.

Familiarize yourself with the location of an area’s fire exits. This is important in the event of fire and could also provide an escape route in the event of a medical or criminal emergency.

Find a meeting place. When you arrive at a location, determine a meeting place with your family. Should you become separated, this meeting place – which could be your vehicle or any pre-selected location – will provide a “landmark” to return to.

If forced to flee, leave large belongings behind. If an emergency arises in which it is necessary to leave the building, be prepared to leave any large belongings behind, making a faster escape possible.

Keep your personal information with your child or children. In the event you become separated, a card including your name and cell phone number can be invaluable to event staff or a police officer who finds your child.