Personal safety covers a wide variety of subjects and themes. In order to stay safe, one should be aware of their surroundings. Take immediate action when a situation is uncomfortable.
A few simple precautions can reduce the risk to one’s personal safety.
Home
- Keep doors locked
- Don’t answer door to strangers, (even if they smile and have cookies)
- Don’t invite strangers into home (to eat those cookies with milk)
- The telephone also provides access to one’s home. Don’t give out personal information over the telephone
ATM
- Observe surroundings. Watch for any suspicious persons, occupied vehicles close by or odd circumstances
- Use the ATM during normal business hours
- Be ready to transact business. Have ATM card, deposits, and other paperwork ready and in hand
- Remain observant while using the ATM
- Leave quickly. Do not count money received from the ATM (go in car/lock doors)
- If approached, leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1
- Report any suspicious persons or activity to law enforcement authorities
Parking Lots
- Park under a street light
- Lock vehicle
- Keep keys in hand. Check around and inside vehicle before entering. Once inside vehicle, lock doors for safety
- Don’t be overloaded with packages
- Keep purse on side of body away from traffic
- Be wary of people sitting in parked cars nearby
- Ask for a security escort if you feel uneasy
Out and About
- There is safety in numbers. Whenever possible, don’t go out alone. Go out late in pairs
- Walk confidently, directly, at a steady pace
- Keep purse inside coat or wear a fanny back or backpack
- Walk facing traffic
- Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys
- Know area well enough to know where to go for help
- If followed, change direction by crossing the street or turning around
- Be cautious of people asking for directions, the time or money. Keep a buffer distance from strangers
- If attacked, make a lot of noise – attract attention. Yell “Call the police” rather than “help”
- If followed in a vehicle, stay on busy streets. DO NOT DRIVE HOME. Call 9-1-1 on cell phone and go to the nearest police station, fire station, or business.
- If car breaks down and someone stops to help, stay in locked vehicle and ask them to call police
Running or Walking
- Notify a family member or friend of exercise plans, including departure and return time
- Jog or walk facing traffic which makes it more difficult for someone to drive up from behind
- Be alert, walk with authority, look ahead and scan surroundings, avoid walking too closely to bushes or tall overgrowth
- Attempt to keep unfamiliar people at a distance
- Always jog or walk in a familiar area; avoid heavily wooded, poorly lighted, rural or secluded areas
- Be aware of surroundings; avoid wearing earphones that will prevent hearing surrounding activity
- Wear bright colored clothing to improve visibility; avoid exercising after dark
- Vary route and schedule. Seek immediate help from any nearby residence, open business or group of people if followed
- Carry a cell phone to use for emergencies; minimize phone conversations, which distract and increase vulnerability
- Be alert to someone who asks for directions and continues to engage in conversation
While these tips are helpful, there is no guarantee to safety. Please just Be aware, Be loud, Be defensive and BE SAFE!