Tips for your Safety

AT HOME
1. Don’t hide house keys in planters, mailboxes, under doormats, or in other common (and obvious) places.
2. Don’t put your name or address on your keys. Losing them irretrievably is much better than giving a criminal the key to your house and car.
3. Don’t open the front door without finding out who it is. Verify the identification of service personnel, even if you are expecting them.
4. Don’t rely on door chains. They can easily be kicked in or otherwise broken.
5. Never give personal information to unknown or “wrong number” callers. This includes your phone number, social security number, credit card number, and address.
6. Don’t reply to harassing phone calls. Hang up immediately.

IN PUBLIC
1. Stay alert to your surroundings. Take note of who is behind and ahead of you. Use your peripheral vision to keep track of anyone gaining on you.
2. Get away. Don’t second-guess your instincts just to avoid embarrassment or give someone the benefit of the doubt. If you think you’re being followed, cross the street if possible and go to a well-lit place where there are other people.
3. Carry a shrill whistle and don’t be embarrassed to use it if you suspect you may be in danger.
4. Always walk as if you know exactly where you are going. Stand up straight and make brief, self-confident eye contact with people around you. Police believe that rapists and muggers target victims who appear vulnerable, weak, easily intimidated, or who seem to be daydreaming. Conduct yourself accordingly!
5. Hold on to your valuables. Women should carry their purses close to the body. Men should carry wallets in inside coat pockets, not pants pockets.
6. Don’t look like an easy target. Avoid carrying large amounts of money and wearing obviously expensive jewelry. Handle your money and credit cards carefully; try not to display them while making transactions.
7. Plan the safest route when walking—day or night. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, deserted streets, and construction sites.
8. Lighten your load. Avoid walking with a large load of packages or grocery bags. They slow you down and make it difficult to react quickly.
9. On public transportation:

• Avoid sitting near doors and exits. You are more vulnerable to being robbed or attacked by a criminal on foot.

• Be aware of who gets off a bus or train with you. If you think you’re being followed, walk directly to an area with other people and good lighting.
10. In an elevator:

• Take a quick look before getting in an elevator. If someone suspicious is on board, or gets on with you, back out and wait for another car.

• Stand near the elevator controls.

• If you are attacked, hit the alarm and as many floor buttons as possible.

IN THE CAR
1. Lock your door and keep the windows rolled up. Always lock the doors when you park your car, no matter where you are or how brief a time you’ll be away.
2. Look around. Check the front and back seats and floors of your car before getting in.
3. Keep your car well maintained and the gas tank at least half full. This will lessen the chance of your being vulnerable on the highway.
4. If your car does break down, put up the hood and lock your doors and windows. Set out flares if you have them and use your cell phone to call for assistance. If a stranger stops to help and you don’t have a phone with you, roll the window down an inch or so and ask him to call police or a tow truck.
5. Don’t drive home if you’re being followed. Go to a police station or a well-lit service station where you can use the phone. Never get out of your car unless you’re positive you can get inside safely.
6. Don’t pull over if someone tries to force you off the road. Get a description of the vehicle and write down the license number. Drive immediately to a police station or any open business and report the incident to the police.
7. Don’t stop if a passing motorist indicates something is wrong with your vehicle. Drive to a well-lit area with people around before stopping to check your car.
8. Don’t stop in an isolated area to help someone who appears to have a disabled vehicle. Drive to a phone and call for help instead.
9. Don’t stop for flashing headlights or another signal from another car unless you see the blue or red lights of a police vehicle.
10. Put your purse on the floor of the car while you’re driving. Leaving it conspicuously on the passenger seat could tempt a thief to break in and grab it.
11. Never pick up hitchhikers. Need it be said?