Personal Safety Tips

1. If you are carrying a wallet, keep it in a front pocket.
2. Be sure to walk in well-lit, highly-traveled streets…even during daytime hours. Never take shortcuts through parking lots or alleys.
3. If walking on a sidewalk near a street, always walk facing the traffic to avoid being surprised by someone in a vehicle.
4. If someone is walking behind you or approaching you and you are unsure of their intent, make direct eye contact with them to let the person know that you are aware, you see them and you are not a victim.
5. If you think you are being followed, abruptly switch directions or duck into a police station, fire station, hospital, business or public place and ask for help.
6. In your cell phone contacts, program “ICE,” which stands for “in case of emergency,” linking it to a family member or friend…someone you trust the police, firemen or other authorities to call if you are unable to call for yourself.
7. Program 9-1-1 into your direct dial feature of your cell phone.
8. Remember that talking on your cell phone or listening to headphones in public makes you easy prey.
9. Change your walking routine by planning different routes and take note of “safe places” you could go should something happen.
10. When approaching your home or vehicle, never fumble in your pocket, purse or bag for keys; have them in your hand prior to reaching the door.
11. When approaching your parked car, look and make sure no one is hiding in or around your vehicle, especially in the back seat.
12. When on public transportation, cover your jewelry. Turn stone rings toward the palm side of your hand.
13. Keep your space: intimate space = 0 to 1.5 feet; personal space = 1.5 to 4 feet; social space = 4 to 12 feet; and public space = 12 feet or more