Realize that no set of tips or
guidelines can ever give you all the information you need on personal
safety for every situation you could come in contact with so don't stop
learning here--consider these tips a starting point and consult with
your local police, safety professionals, and other resources for specifics
you need to consider in your personal situation. These are general guidelines
for personal safety and should be used as such with individual discretion
and common sense.
* Walk in well-lit open walkways:
Avoid sidewalks with large shrubs or dark doorways which can hide attackers.
* Don't walk alone: If you can't
walk with a friend(s) walk in public areas where other people are.
* Walk Assertively: Attackers are
risk assessors and if you seem vulnerable, unaware, less sure of yourself
you appear to be easier prey. Assertive body language makes you appear
alert and a more difficult target.
* If you think you are being followed:
Go to where other people are, go to a well-lit shope or store, if you
can't find a policeman go to where a crowd of people are where you can
use a phone to call the police. Don't go home--you don't want to let
a would-be attacker know where you live.
* Elevators: Try not to use the
elevator alone, if you do stand next to the controls with your back
next to the wall. If a situation arises press the alarm and as many
floor buttons as possible which will give you as many opportunities
to escape or call for help as possible.
* Telephone: Never tell anyone you
are alone. Discourage obscene callers by not reacting to anything that
is said--just remain quite and hang up right away. Report repeat calls
to the police.
* Park in well-lighted areas and
have your keys ready when you reach the car.
* Check inside your vehicle before
getting in it.
* When dropping someone off, wait
until they have safely entered their residence.
* Avoid isolated roads.
* Never pick up someone you don't
know.
* If involved in a minor collision
at night or in an isolated location, do not exit to inspect damage or
contact the other driver. Signal the other driver with your lights or
lower the window an inch at the top and advise them to proceed to the
nearest lighted police station or occupied business before getting out
of the car.
* If your vehicle is disabled remain
inside. Raise the hood or display a sign to signal trouble. Keep the
doors locked and the windows up until help arrives. If someone stops
to offer help, don't get out of the vehicle; ask them call the police
or a service provider.
* If you are being followed don't
drive home--go to the police station, fire station, or an open business
which is well lighted where you can call the police and wait for them
to arrive.
* If leaving the office at night
walk out with other employees or get the security guard to walk you
to your car.
* ICE - In Case of Emergency
Put an entry in your cell phone which reads ICE. This stands for "In Case of Emergency" then put in your emergency contact number. If you have more than one you can do ICE1, ICE2, etc. Emergency personnel know to look for this entry in cell phones and it will help them contact your emergency contact if they ever need to. Put it in any cell phone your kids use.
* Trust your instincts--if you feel
uneasy about a person, place or situation leave where you are as soon
as possible and get to an area where you feel comfortable.
