This was an email I received yesterday and thought it worthy to post here, especially given our "disabled" conditions. I'll just write my own version since I can't copy it exactly with my webtv. I'm sure some of you have heard this all ready.

It's suggested that everyone put their car keys with the lock button, trunk, panic, etc., on their bedside table at night. If you think someone is trying to break into your home and aren't able to call the police for help right away, push the panic button on the key fob and that loud vehicle horn will start making a racket and will continue until you turn it off or the car battery goes dead. It should work from anywhere in your house to the garage and even if the vehicle is parked in your driveway. Someone in your neighborhood will hear it and hopefully investigate. This would also work in a health emergency too.

If you have two sets of keys, maybe one could stay nearby you in the house during the day also. I had never heard this before and think it's a great idea, especially for those with mobility issues. When I'd first gotten my last car new, the horn went off in my garage and it took me forever to figure out how to shut it off -- my neighbor two houses down came to investigate, so it sounds like it should work in an emergency.

Something to think about.......

Might not work for everyone.

A few weeks ago, a neighbor down the street had his car alarm going off on his truck. No one really paid attention to it, until his next door neighbor came outside, opened the door, popped the hood and disconnected the alarm. Then went back inside without going to tell the neighbor that their alarm kept going off, or to check on them.

Would probably work better if you tell the neighbors that if they hear your car alarm going off, to come and check on you.

I have the spare pair for the van in the bedroom just in case. I think the alarm would scare off someone trying to break in, just my neighbors would probably ignore it. I am constantly setting off the alarm to the van because if you press the wrong key or press it twice or try to use the key in the back doors, the alarm goes off. And of course it takes forever to shut it off - sometimes I have to actually start the van before it turns off. It is kinda funny though.

I like this idea, Up here, I have only 3 neighbors, they all know I'm in a chair, think all would respond to alarm as it has never sounded before. One works for gbvernment in a job he carries a gun for. The other is a hunter.

Good idea, Judy....thanks..

That's a great idea, Judy. Thanks for sharing it with us.

I also keep my cell phone within reach, too. My land line phone is too far away to reach from the bed and if I need to call for help I don't even have to get out of the bed!

I too keep my cell phone in the bedroom - just in case. I even have my DD keeping her's in her room.

You're all very welcome! I hope and pray nobody has to use it!!

Good idea Judy! We don't have any close neighbors (one, but she's gone out of town most of the time) But, I think it could be helpful if needed.

Guess I"ll have to rely on my 2 mini doxies to chew up any unwanted visitors.