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Street Sense - Personal Safety Tips
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By Robert Young
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Wherever you are on the street, in an office building orshopping mall, driving, waiting for a bus or cab, stay alert andtuned in to your surroundings.
Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes youuncomfortable, avoid the person or leave.
Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check out thelocations of police and fire stations, public telephones,hospitals, and restaurants, or stores that are open late.
On Foot-Day or Night
- Stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcutsthrough wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys.
- Don't flash money or other tempting targets like jewelry orclothing.
- Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps.Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket, not a backpocket. Carry only what is necessary and try not to keepcurrency and credit cards all in one place.
- Don't wear shoes or clothing that restricts your movements.
- Have your car or house key in hand before you reach the door.
- Try to use automated teller machines (ATM) in the daytime.Have your card in hand and don't approach the machine if you'reuneasy about people nearby. Better yet, only use the ATMmachines inside of grocery stores, malls, or gas stations.
- If you think someone is following you, switch direction orcross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant, orlighted house. If someone harasses you, don't be embarrassed.Loudly say, "Leave me alone! Someone call the police! Get away!"
Vehicle Safety
- Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure there'senough gas to get where you're going and back.
- Always roll up the windows and lock car doors, even if you'recoming right back. Check inside and out before getting in.
- Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert in lotsand underground parking garages.
- If you think someone is following you, don't head home. Driveto the nearest police or fire station, gas station, or otheropen business to get help.
If Someone Tries to Rob You
- Don't resist. Give up your property. Don't risk your life.
- Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attackeraccurately. Your actions can help prevent others from beingvictims.
Take a Stand
- Make your neighborhood and working place safer by reportingbroken street lights, cleaning up parks and vacant lots andlobbying local government for better lighting in public places.
- Initiate a block watch program in your neighborhood bycontacting your local crime prevention unit.
For products to help keep you safe, visit Urban SafetySupplies.
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