In this 1983 episode, Jobman Caravan covers a range of topics, starting with advice on how to protect your home and neighborhood from crime. Dr. Stuart Hamilton discusses the importance of having a positive self-image, particularly for young men. The episode also introduces the 1983 South Carolina State Teacher of the Year.
Crime Prevention Tips
At the time, it was estimated that approximately 57 million people would become victims of crime, meaning one out of every six households were burglarized. Besides having good relations with neighbors and the local law enforcement, this segment offers tips for minimizing illegal entry.
- If exterior doors in your home have hinges on the outside, an intruder can remove them and lift the door from its frame. If this is the case for you, remount them on the inside of the frame.
- The front door of your apartment or home should have a wide-angle peephole to allow you to see people who are directly in front of your door, as well as those standing on the sides. NOTE: These days, it's a good idea to install doorbell cameras!
- Every outside door should be equipped with a deadbolt lock. If your door has glass panes or the windows are within 40 inches of the lock, consider a double-cylinder deadbolt lock. With this type of lock, you need a key to get out, as well as into your home.
- Secure your windows by installing window locks, gates and bars, or by replacing glass with plexiglass or another unbreakable material.
- There are burglar alarm systems that protect your home from the inside, called space alarms, which you can install yourself, and there are perimeter alarms that sound off while a burglar is outside of your home, which should be installed by a professional. Note: Many reputable security companies exist today to help you with installing a security system.
- Exterior lighting is extremely important to residential security. Doorways, windows, as well as your yard, should be lighted to prevent intruders from hiding in these areas.There are also timers that automatically regulate the interior lighting of your home to create the impression that you are there.
Addressing Self-Image Especially for Males
During the next segment, host Bill Terrell sat down with pediatrician Dr. Stuart Hamilton to discuss the importance of having a good self-image. Self-image is extremely important and begins early, while we are children. In their conversation, Terrell and Dr. Hamilton discussed telling a young boy he has to be 'macho' isn't necessarily ideal.
Dr. Hamilton explained, "Like everything else, there's some truth in it, but it can get to the extreme. You do have to be strong. The world is filled with people and influences that would tear you down or take you apart, and it does take strength to deal with that. But it takes inner strength. It takes a building of the soul, if you will. It takes a spiritual, uplifting and a feeling that you can do it."
1983 Teacher of the Year
Catherine H. Williams, a science teacher at W.J. Keenan High School in Richland School District One was selected as the 1983 South Carolina State Teacher of the Year. Williams, a native of Summerville, South Carolina, began her teaching career at Keenan High School in 1970. A graduate of South Carolina State College, Mrs. Williams majored in biology and minored in chemistry and education.
As a chemistry teacher, Williams stated, "Usually, if a student is not academically motivated, the lesson has to be interesting...a teacher has got to make an effort to keep the class interesting, in order to keep those students' attention."
Side Notes
- Dr. Stuart Hamilton founded Eau Claire Cooperative Health Center in 1981.
- If you need to report a crime, you can reach out to the South Carolina Crime Stoppers Council or 1-888-CRIME-SC.
- South Carolina Crime Rate and Statistics
- There are crime prevention offices around the state:
- City of Columbia Police Department
- Crime Prevention, Charleston, SC
- Crime Prevention Services, Greenville, SC
- Crime Prevention, Spartanburg, SC
- Check your local police department online.
