Personal Safety Precautions

Virtually all activities in life entail some level of risk, and we all have different attitudes toward risk. At one end of the scale is refusing to engage in an activity by exaggerating the level of risk involved. At the other end is engaging in very risky activities while refusing to take any precautions. Neither of these attitudes are useful for living an empowered life. What is useful is to accurately assess the risks, take those precautions that make sense, and live as fully as possible. The following precautions should be adopted within a cultural/gender context. They will not guarantee safety, but they will minimize criminal opportunities.

 

In Your Home Or Apartment

Ø      Have lights at all entrances.

Ø      Have good locks on all doors and windows.

Ø      Do not use your full name on your mailbox, in the telephone directory, or on your answering machine.

Ø      Do not leave a schedule of your times away from home on your answering machine.

Ø      Know which of your neighbors you can trust and depend upon in an emergency.

Ø      Check who is at the door before opening it, and do not open the door to an unexpected visitor.

Ø      Don’t hide extra keys in easily accessible places. Criminals will find them.

Ø      Ask for photo identification of all repairpersons. If you are suspicious, call to verify employment.

Ø      Never give personal information to telephone solicitors.

Ø      Consider creating a “safe room” with a separate telephone line or cellular phone, and strong locks. If someone breaks in, you can retreat there and call for help.

Ø      Do not let strangers into your home or apartment to use the telephone. Offer to make the call for them.

Ø      Use security bars for added security on sliding exterior doors.

On The Street

Ø      Never hitchhike! It’s not worth the risk!

Ø      Be very careful using outside ATMs at night or in unfamiliar surroundings.

Ø      When walking, walk in the middle of the sidewalk and walk facing oncoming traffic.

Ø      Try not to overload yourself with packages or other items. Keep your hands as free as possible.

Ø      Do not wear music headphones while walking or jogging.

Ø      Do not read while walking or standing on a sidewalk.

Ø      If you wear a purse with a shoulder strap, be prepared to let it go if snatched. Otherwise you could be knocked down and hurt.

Ø      A good suggestion for men is to carry a second wallet containing a few dollar bills and old expired credit cards, which are normally destroyed or discarded. If confronted at knife or gunpoint, give the suspect the second wallet and concentrate on a good physical description to help the police in making the arrest.

Ø      Avoid being on the street alone if you are upset or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Ø      If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body, preferably in front. Carry no more money or credit cards than you absolutely need.

In A Car

Ø      When you approach your parked vehicle, visually check the area around the vehicle for any suspicious persons or activity. If you observe anything suspicious walk to where there are other people and call the police.

Ø      Always park in visible, well-lighted areas.

Ø      If you drive a car, attempt to avoid parking next to a larger pickup truck or van. The can be easy to hide behind.

Ø      Have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle to reduce the time needed to enter.

Ø      When operating your vehicle, keep the doors locked and the windows rolled up.

Ø      Any valuables in your car should be placed in the trunk or otherwise kept out of sight.