Improve Your Safety
Three Basic Rules
1. Trust your instincts
-If something looks wrong or dangerous, change your course of action.
2. Use common sense
-Let someone know where you are going and when you will return
-Never carry a lot of cash, keep your wallet or purse close to you
-Don't resist if someone wants your belongings, especially if that person has a weapon
-Avoid dark streets or lightly traveled areas
3. Work with the Police
-Get to know the police
-Ask police about unfamiliar neighborhoods before traveling there
-Report suspicious activity
-Ask for assistance if you expect trouble or suspect danger
-Personal Safety
-Personal Appearance
-Wear clothes that will allow you to move easily
-Carry only what you need: less is better
-Keep your wallet or money separate from your purse
-Hold your handbag in front of you and not around your neck
Walking
-Remember there is safety in numbers
-Walk with confidence, be direct and alert
-Use areas that are well traveled and well lighted at night
-Avoid short cuts, vary your route
In a car
-Don't ride with strangers or pick them up
-In traffic, keep doors locked and windows up
-Park and lock your car and remove the keys
-Park in areas that are well lighted
-When you return to your car, check in and around it, and have your keys in your hand and ready to use
-If you are followed, don't go home, go to a public place or police station
-Keep valuables in trunk or hidden in the car and do not keep registration papers or valuables in the glove box
-BE COURTEOUS! Confrontations often occur when drivers become frustrated about how others drive
If you have car trouble
-Raise the hood, use emergency flashers, tie something white around your antenna or mirror.
-Carry a 'HELP' sign and keep a can of tire inflator in trunk.
-Stay inside the car, lock the doors and if help is offered, ask for the police
-Remember to regularly check your car's oil, gas, water and tires. Service your car regularly.
If you are followed
-Act suspicious; turn and look at the person
-Let the follower know you won't be surprised
-Change direction; cross the street
-Go into a public place, such as a store or gas station
-Carry a whistle or personal alarm and know how to use it
-If attacked, act quickly - you can yell at the attacker, scream for help, run or fight back by giving a quick blow to vital areas such as the throat, nose, eyes, knees or groin.
-You could also vomit or urinate and yell that you have a disease to scare off the attacker.
-The most important goal is to simply SURVIVE any attack!
Beware of Suspicious Activity
-Person who behaves strangely or whose movements are unusual
-Vehicle that makes frequent passes around the block, drives at night with no lights on, or driving recklessly
-Person carrying, concealing or attempting to conceal weapons
-Person stopping others on the street or approaching kids
-Gangs or groups gathering to cause trouble
-People who sell things out of their cars
Self Defense
-Martial Arts are good for mental and physical fitness, but it takes time to become skilled. Some techniques take years of practice to master.
-Defensive Tools: may be taken from you and used against you. Be sure the tool you use is in good working order.
-Noise- whistles, alarms etc. Have them ready and working
-Sprays- tear gas, mace and pepper spray. Be sure the spray is in your hand. Sprays may be illegal in some states
-Fire Extinguisher can be sprayed into the attacker's face or used as a club
-Stun Guns can be used if opponent is close, since it must be applied to skin
-Lethal Weapons- knives, guns, razors etc. You must be properly trained and in some cases licensed.
-Household Items -- kitchen utensils, ashtray, flashlight, aerosol can spray.
-Personal Items -- brush, comb, pen, pencil, nail file, keys.
Protecting Your Car
-Always lock all doors and roll up the windows
-Install tapered interior door lock buttons
-Park in heavily traveled areas
-Engrave an identifying number on a hidden place on the car and on any valuable components to help the police identify recovered property
-Don't leave any valuables in sight or hide spare keys
-Have alarms or fuel shut-off switches installed
Business Travel
-While at the airport stay alert and watch your bags
-Watch out for staged mishaps, like someone bumping into you or spilling a drink. Often such an 'accident' is a ploy to divert your attention
-Keep a record of the contents of your luggage and anything valuable in your carry-on
-Avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewelry, etc. that might draw attention
-If driving, become familiar with your travel route before you start and make sure your rental car is in good operating condition
-At a hotel, never leave your luggage unattended, keep all hotel doors and windows locked
-Learn the locations of fire exits, elevators and public phones in case of emergency
-Ask hotel staff about the safety of the neighborhood and what areas to avoid
-Always verify who is at your door. If an unexpected visitor claims to be hotel staff, call the front desk to make sure