Sunday Mornings with Rania: New Year’s Resolutions

Rania Mankarious is executive director of Crime Stoppers of Houston. (Photo: lawellphoto.com)

Do you remember the turmoil surrounding Y2K? I remember it like it was yesterday. We feared the collapse of technology, people spoke of getting “bunkers” and the cover of Time Magazine spoke of “the end of the world.” Seventeen years later, we can firmly say that all the hype was for nothing. But that’s what sometimes happens around the New Year – we all seem to take the time to stop and evaluate, think through the best and the worst, make commitments of change {also knowns as resolutions} and plans for the future. 

It’s interesting when you think about it. A simple change of month, day and year can offer a “reset” button on life, a new chance and a new outlook. In reading about the most common new year resolutions, here is what came up: diet, exercise, spend more money, save more money, invest in time with family, travel more, quit the job, take the job, post more online, post less online, cook more, eat out more – the list goes on and on. There’s a resolution for everything but there’s one I didn’t see and one I’d like you to think of: to be more safety minded. Of all the possible resolutions, this is one I hope you and your family will consider. 

So here’s what my personal safety minded resolutions look like. I hope you’ll consider adopting these resolutions for you and your family: 

• Do everything you want to do but before doing so, mentally review any potential safety pitfalls. Having a safety-minded outlook is a win-win for all. 
• At your home: install an alarm, use that alarm, keep doors and windows locked, garage doors closed and home secure. Use caution when opening the doors for strangers and have safety plans for your home and family, such as what to do in case of fire or a home invasion. Enjoy every aspect of your home but be safety minded when it comes to security.  
• Whether running errands, at the bank, shopping or just out and about – be aware of your surroundings, park strategically, shop safely, keep items in your trunk, lock car doors, walk with purpose and always be aware. Do everything, but do it safety minded.  
• With your kids: Talk, talk, talk and talk about potential safety concerns. Cover topics like social media and engaging with others known and unknown online, bullying and cyberbullying, driving and texting, driving and drinking, safety at school and necessary safety measures to take whenever they are out and about. Your kids should also have plans – what to do if separated from you in public places, what to do if they learn of a potential threat at school, what to do if home alone and a stranger approaches. They should have full and wonderful lives but learn to be safety minded in everything they do. 

The entire team at Crime Stoppers wakes up every day with each of you on our minds. Our goal is that you and your families have a wonderful, happy, healthy and safe 2017.