PERSONAL SAFETY

• Have a plan and be prepared to use it. Personal safety is your responsibility.
• Be constantly mindful of who is around you. Keep your head up and your eyes moving.
• Become "Street Smart". It is not an instinct. It is COMMON SENSE. When you feel uneasy about a person or situation be prepared to react, but try to avoid confrontation.
• Always know where you are. Always know where you can find help. Become comfortable in your surroundings, but do not become lax in your approach to personal safety.
• Walk close to curbs and away from doors and bushes.
• Walk confidently with attitude. Portray confidence.
• Do not feel bullied by people who look you in the eye. Look them in the eyes. Eye contact makes everyone somewhat uneasy. Use that to your advantage.
• Do not let your purse bounce loosely over your shoulder and off your hip, as you walk. Carry it tucked under your arm, with any flaps facing your body. A fanny pack is a good alternative
• Always inspect your vehicle before entering. As you approach the vehicle from a distance, remember to look beneath it in case any predator is laying in wait.
• Have your keys ready as you approach your car, office, or house.
• If you ever have the feeling you are being followed, drive to a public place. Hospital emergency ramps, police stations, and well lighted gas stations are good places to go to for help.
• Avoid private places. A criminals best weapon is anonymity. Denying privacy is your best defense.
• Stay away from isolated ATM locations. Never stop at money machines during off hours. The best time to get your money is in the morning. Plan ahead so you can avoid having to use an ATM at odd hours.
• If you absolutely have to use an ATM at an inopportune time, go to a well lit and attended gas station. Yes, you may have to travel a bit further, but you can rest assured that you are making an investment in your personal safety.
• Avoid isolated bus stops.
• Stand right at the curb while waiting for your bus. Remain in the best line of sight for passing traffic.
• Sit as close to the bus driver as you can. Refrain from ever sitting behind the rear door on a bus if at all possible. Rear doors make a quick and easy get away for criminals.
• While in the office, make sure you lock your door even if you run out for a quick cup of coffee or to use the copy machine. Office larcenies (thefts) are very common.
• Don't be predictable. Most people keep their purse in the bottom right drawer of the desk or on the hook behind the door. Lock your belongings inside the office if you are leaving.
• If you are the victim of a crime and the perpetrator tries to order you into a car or take you anywhere, draw the line. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU EVER GO TO ANOTHER LOCATION. You have to accept the fact that you are putting yourself in extreme danger by going to secondary crime scene. DO NOT allow the criminal to take you to a place where they have more privacy. If fight or flee is ever an option, this is the point where it becomes advisable.
• Be aware of any suspicious persons roaming your area. If someone enters your area of work immediately ask them what they are doing or who they are looking for. Ask them firmly, yet professionally if you can be of any assistance.
• If something seems strange then it may be. Call the local Police department to report suspicious persons.