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Personal safety

001d26_9d4633841dc04616b3a6e293aaf0901dPersonal safety is taking steps to protect yourself from crimes. Personal safety involves avoiding Crime. Without a doubt, prevention is your best protection against crime. It is also knowing what to do if you are a victim.

By knowing how to react you can help avoid injury and cooperate in the prosecution of the criminal.

PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS

You can increase your personal safety. Many crimes can be prevented if you:

  • Trust your instincts. If you suspect something is wrong, or if a situation seems dangerous, you may be right! Don't dismiss suspicious people, cars or situations. Report them immediately.
  • Avoid dangerous situations. Don't invite trouble. Use your best judgment about where you go and what you do
  • Work with law enforcement officials. People working together can prevent and solve many crimes.
SHOULD I LEARN SELF-DEFENSE?

Learning to defend yourself is a good idea. But don't overestimate your abilities. It may take years before you can use some techniques effectively. Remember, your valuables are not as valuable as your safety!

WHILE YOU'RE OUT
 
  • Try NOT to go out alone at night. Avoid unfamiliar areas, if possible.
  • Don't take shortcuts: don't walk in or near alleys, and don't walk on deserted streets
  • Use caution in parking lots, and don't walk in poorly lighted areas, or dark doorways, or near shrubbery
  • Don't accept rides from strangers, and don't respond to comments from strangers on the street
  • Don't get into an empty elevator with a stranger. If you do ride with another person, stand near the control panel and if attacked, press as many of the control buttons as possible
  • Don't hitchhike, and if someone suspicious is following you, cross the street and walk into an open business
  • Watch your surroundings and be alert for suspicious persons, especially around banks, stores, street, and your car or home
  • If you are alone at work after business hours, keep the door locked. If you work late, ask the security guard or a co-worker to walk you to your car
  • When meeting a new friend, exchange phone numbers only, not addresses
  • On a first date, let family and friends know where you are going. Consider a daytime meeting rather than a night meeting, for a first date, and meet in a public place
  • It is never a good idea to go to a nightclub alone, and if you do, provide your own transportation
  • Keep your space - Intimate space - 0 to 1.5 feet Personal space - 1.5 to 4 feet Social space - 4 to 12 feet Public space - 12 feet or more
  • Don't allow alcohol or drugs to impair your judgment. If you haven't already set a few social standards, do so and stick to them
  • Don't allow an overly aggressive pursuer to change your mind.
IN YOUR CAR

  • Never pickup hitchhikers.
  • Park in well lit area
  • Never allow another vehicle to follow you home
  • If you are being followed, go up to a public place that is safe and call 911. Don't bring the problem home with you
  • Have your keys in hand so you can open the car door without delay
  • Always keep your car in gear when stopped at a traffic signal or stop sign, so if threatened in any way, you can quickly drive away
  • Always check the back seat of your car before getting in
  • If you stop to aid others, do not get out of the car. Ask what the problem is, and go to the nearest phone and call the police
  • Always lock your doors while driving and keep your windows rolled up
  • Always prearrange meeting with anyone so you do not have to wait alone
  • Travel on well-lighted, busy streets. Avoid unsafe areas
  • Check your daily routes -- look for safe places to stop, such as police or fire stations, all-night convenience stores or gas stations.
SAFETY TIPS WHILE RUNNING, JOGGING, OR WALKING

  • Do not work out alone.
  • Advise someone of your workout times and route taken and check in with them when finished
  • Do not work out in deserted or dark areas
  • Have several different routes and rotate them
  • Check your workout route before you start
  • Get to know the neighborhood of your workout routes
  • Avoid bushes, doorways, and alleys during your workout
  • Plan safe locations on your route, well-populated areas where you can go to for help
  • Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewelry
  • Do carry personal identification, with an emergency contact phone number
  • Carry a whistle or some type of noise-making device
  • Stay alert and scan the area in front of you and avoid person(s) or situations that make you feel uneasy
  • Every now and then during your workout check the area behind you
  • Be careful when people stop you for directions, always reply from a distance, and never get too close to a vehicle
  • If you think someone is following, change directions or go to your safe location
  • Carry a cellular phone when possible
  • Report suspicious persons or incidents to the police as soon as possible
  • Know the phone numbers to police and have them available.

ROBBERY PREVENTION TIPS

  • Avoid poorly lit areas. If you must walk through such areas, walk purposefully and with an air of confidence.
  • When walking to your vehicle, have your car keys in hand, before walking across the parking lot.
  • When you enter your vehicle, immediately lock your doors.
  • When driving, keep your doors locked at all times and your car windows rolled up to the point that an arm can't be stuck into your vehicle.
  • When possible, don't walk alone or on dark streets, or take short cuts through deserted area.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash, and keep tempting targets, such as jewelry, as hidden as much as possible.
  • Before you use a bank's automated teller machine, be observant. Look around the area for people loitering. If you see a suspicious person or persons, do not use that machine at that time.
  • Whenever possible, park your car in a well-lit area and as close to an open business as possible.