FARMINGTON — Concerns over personal safety following a recent string of home invasions in the area has prompted a community presentation, “Staying Safe in Your Environment: Don’t Fall Victim.”

Farmington Police Detective Marc Bowering and Deputy Chief Shane Cote will offer tips and information in a proactive response to help give people their control back, Sherra Osgood, program coordinator from the Healthy Community Coalition, said.

The community presentation is scheduled from 6 to 7  p.m. on Monday, July 25, in the Bass Room at Franklin Memorial Hospital. It is free and open to the public.

“We’ll talk about safety and little things to do to not be a victim,” Bowering said Tuesday. 

Topics will include safety tips for protecting yourself in your home and when traveling, vehicle safety, safety while shopping and identity theft, he said.

The presentation is a slight departure from the normal work of the health coalition, a part of the Franklin Community Health Network, Osgood said.

During a meeting of the FCHN Wellness Team, members were discussing current events and how people they’ve spoken with in the area are generally scared, Osgood said.

“Members became a little upset and angry and sought a proactive way to give people their control back. Safety is important for people’s health,” she said.

One team member, who was not originally from Maine, couldn’t believe how some people here don’t lock doors, or leave keys in their cars, sometimes leaving the engine running while they go into a store. 

Organizers voiced their observations that people are not as vigilant as they could be in protecting themselves, their families and belongings.

Farmington Police Chief Jack Peck has recommended residents become more vigilant and more aware of their surroundings and lock doors and windows in response to a recent homicide.

The police were willing to provide the presentation as they are working hard to restore a sense of security as quickly as possible, Osgood said.

Osgood said the officers will also address Internet safety, including Facebook, where people don’t think and announce their intention to go on vacation or post the fact they are home hanging out by themselves at night, she said.

“We’re not being vigilant and are unaware of the potential that could happen,” she said.

The presentation follows the format of the organization’s “Prescription for Health” programs.

Although the program is free and open to the public, Osgood asks for preregistration. She can be contacted at the Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County at 779-2933, or by email: [email protected]

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