According to the Eminence Police Department, the crime rate in our state and country, including Henry County has continued to increase, especially in the last five years, sparking the need to conduct a program on being self-aware while at home and away from home.  The Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent collaborated with the Eminence Police department to conduct this program on Building Self-Awareness by marketing the event on social media, the Cooperative Extension website, writing an article in the local paper and sharing the program with the county Homemaker Clubs.  The program was held at the Extension Office and was conducted for one day at two different times to accommodate as many clientele as possible.  

The program consisted of a presentation and a question-and-answer session.  The Eminence Police Department Major presented ways to be self-aware at while at home, while out on the town, and on vacation.  The Major stated, “most citizens do not realize while you are on the internet, you are not anonymous.  Guard what you put out, personal life, schedules, children information, even purchases.”  The Major also discussed ways to be self-aware at work and the consideration of weapons citizens already have: keys, hands, feet, and teeth.  The Major emphasized to always have a plan wherever you are; stay confident and aware!

                The program was well attended by more than 20 people and from the evaluation questions that were asked, each attendee learned something new and would make at least one change to their daily lives to be more aware and to keep themselves safe.  The program was well received by all participants and will be conducted again to reach more clientele.