Keeping Safe When You’re Homeless
Keep from freezing – cardboard is warmer and provides some cushion when sleeping on cement. If you don’t have a tent, use a tarp and a sleeping bag. Sometimes sleeping bags, coats and rain gear are available at Loaves & Fishes’ Friendship Park at 1 PM by the service center. Friendship Park provides activities, information, restroom facilities and a safe environment while you access services. The center is located at 1200 North C Street. (916) 443-7378
Fires – Fires can be very dangerous. A propane heater and/ or camp stove for keeping warm and for cooking is a safe alternative. If you sleep in a tent, a small candle in an open jar will heat your tent, and the jar will help prevent a fire.
Fire Safety:
1. Make sure fires are in a dig out pit, have rocks or other noncombustible material around the pit to contain the fire. Never leave a fire unattended.
2. Keep couches, furniture, and other combustibles a minimum of 15′ away from the fire. Tents, tarps and other highly flammable items should be kept a minimum of 25′ away from the fire.
3. If you have kerosene heater or other portable heater keep a minimum of 3′ from combustibles.
4. Never leave candles unattended.
5. Use caution where placing candles. Never place them near curtains, bedding, other combustibles, or where they can be easily turned over.
6. Never smoke in bed or leave a lit cigarette unattended.
7. Keep several gallons of water nearby in case of emergency to extinguish fire.
Dumpster Diving – It is illegal to go through residential garbage cans. Some businesses put useful items outside their dumpsters. If someone else is searching a dumpster, let them finish before you start. Be careful with food by checking expiration dates, freshness and ability to decontaminate (such as vegetables and fruits without cuts).
Silent Beacon is a free app for IPhone or Android that allows users to get in touch directly with emergency personnel or loved ones. If you have a smartphone, look for Silent Beacon on the Google play store or IPhone app store. www.silentbeacon.com