PERSONAL SAFETY FOR ADULTS

Knowing how to protect yourself can reduce the opportunity of becoming a victim of crime.
Street safety can reduce the opportunity for muggers and purse-snatchers. Home safety can
reduce the opportunity for unwanted intruders. Consider taking our protect class,
click here for more information.

3 BASIC RULES

DO stay alert. Keep your mind on your surroundings, who's in front of you and who's behind you.
Don't get distracted.

DO communicate the message that you're calm, confident, and know where you're going. Stand
tall, walk purposefully, and make eye contact with people around you.

DO trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave.

WHEN WALKING

1.  Plan the safest route to your destination. Choose well-lighted streets and avoid passing vacant
     lots, alleys, or construction sights. Take the long way if it's the safest way.
2.  Know you neighborhood. Find out what stores and restaurants are open late and where else
     you could go to for help.
3.  Don't walk alone at night and always avoid areas where there are few people.
4.  Carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it. Carry a wallet in an inside
     coat or side trouser pocket, not in a rear pocket.
5.  Don't flaunt expensive jewelry or clothing.
6.  Walk in the middle of the sidewalk. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys.
7.  Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
8.  Walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.
9.  Don't overburden yourself with packages and groceries that make it hard to react.
10. Have your house or car key in hand as you approach your home or vehicle.
11. If you suspect someone is following you on foot, cross the street and head for the nearest
      Populated area. Walk quickly or run to a house or store to call police. If you're really scared,
      scream for help.
12. If someone is following you in a car, change directions immediately and make a visible point
      of writing down the license number.
13. Be careful when people stop for directions. Always reply from a distance and never get
      close to the car.
14. Consider carry a shriek alarm.

WHILE DRIVING

1.  Keep your car in good running condition to avoid breakdowns
2.  Plan your route in advance, particularly on long or unfamiliar trips. Have enough gas and
     money to get there and back.
3.  Drive with all the car doors locked. Keep windows rolled as high as possible.
     If your car breaks down, raise the hood, use flares, and/or other warning devices. Make
     sure to carry a flashlight with good batteries. Stay in the locked car. When someone stops,
     ask them to phone for help, ask for the police to standby until you are on your way.
4.  Consider carrying a cellular phone.
5.  Park in well-lighted area that will still be well lighted when you return. Lock your car.
6. Be particularly alert and careful when using underground and enclosed parking garages.
    If you are being followed while driving, drive to the nearest open business, restaurant, etc.
    where you can safely summon the police. Try to get the car's license number and description.
    If no safe areas are near, honk the horn repeatedly and turn on your emergency flashers.

WHEN AT HOME

1.  Make sure all the windows and the doors in your home can be locked securely, particularly
     sliding glass doors. Use the locks! Keep entrances well lighted.
2.  Use a peephole or an intercom to find out who is outside before opening the door.
3.  Check the identification of any sales or service person before letting them in. If in doubt call
     the company or utility to confirm identifications.
4.  Don't let any strangers into your home - no matter what the reason or how dire the emergency is
     supposed to be. Offer to make an emergency phone call while they wait outside.
5.  Never give the impression that you are home alone if strangers telephone or come to the door.
6.  Don't give any information to "wrong number' callers. Ask what number they are dialing.
7.  Be very careful about answering surveys and never give personal information such as your
     Social Security card number and Credit card numbers.
8.  Your answering machine should never indicate you are not at home. The recorded message
     should tell the caller that you are unable to come to the phone at the moment and if they leave
     a message you will get back to them.
9.  Hang up immediately on any threatening or harassing phone call. If the call persists, call the
     phone company and the police.
10. Use only your last name and initials on your door, mailbox, and in the phone book.
11. Do not leave house keys in the mailbox, planter, or under the doormat. Give a duplicate key
      to a trusted friend or neighbor in case you are locked out.
12. Replace old locks when you move to a new house or apartment.
13. Pull your shades after dark.
14. If you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, don't go in. Go
      to the nearest phone and call the police.

JOGGING, BIKING, AND OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

1.  Choose routes in advance that are safe and well populated.
2.  Vary your route and schedule.
3.  Avoid jogging and biking at night.
4.  Know businesses that are open and locations where you could go for help.
5.  Consider carrying a shriek alarm.
6.  Consider not wearing headphones. It's safer to be alert.

BUSES AND ELEVATORS

1.  Try to use well-lighted and frequently used stops.
2.  Try to sit near the bus driver. Don't fall asleep. Stay Alert!
3.  While waiting, stand near other people.
4.  If you are verbally or physically harassed, attract attention by talking loudly or screaming.
5.  Be alert to who gets off the bus with you. If you feel uncomfortable, walk directly to a place
     where there are other people.
6.  Look into the elevator before getting in to be sure no one is hiding.
7.  Stand near the controls.
8.  Get off if someone suspicious enters. If you're worried about someone who is waiting for the
     elevator with you, pretend you forgot something and don't get on.
9.  If you're attacked, hit the alarm and as many floor buttons as possible.

WHAT IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU?

1.  Remain calm, try not to panic or show signs of anger or confusion.
2.  If the attacker is only after your purse or other valuables, don't resist. You don't want it to
     become a violent confrontation.
3.  Make a conscious effort to get an accurate description of your attacker: age, race, complexion
     body build, height, weight, type and color of clothing.
4.  Call the police immediately, identify yourself and your location, and request assistance.