Officials with the Jones County Sheriff’s Department are working to make sure residents know how to protect themselves when needed.

Jones County Sheriff Alex Hodge and Captain Eddy Ingram, who is the JCSD’s director of training, are conducting Home Safety Meetings throughout the county.

Shuanita Weathersby, public relations director for the Sheriff’s Department, said a series of community home safety meetings are being conducted in various neighborhoods.

The department conducted its first meeting on Monday at First Baptist Church of Myrick and its second meeting on Thursday at the Sandersville City Hall.

During the meetings, Ingram explained not only safety tips, but also offered residents several self-defense techniques. Officials also provided some firearms training geared specifically to women.

“Residents are being told about ways to protect their homes and themselves,” Weathersby said. “They are also being reminded about checking their windows and doors, and being more aware of their surroundings and the lighting in the areas they travel.”

Officials said the home safety meetings are open to the public.

Weathersby said the next scheduled Home Safety Meetings will be held Monday at Life Church on Highway 84 West and Tuesday at Moselle Elementary School’s Multipurpose Building.

Each of the meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Anyone wanting more information about the Home Safety Meetings can contact Weathersby at the Jones County Sheriff’s Department by calling at (601) 428-3151.

Anyone with information concerning any suspicious or criminal activities can call Jones County Crimestoppers at (601) 428-STOP.