STREET SAFETY TIPS

STREET SAFETY TIPS
Wherever you are on the street, in an office building or shopping mall, driving, waiting for a bus or cab, stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings. Always have your personal alarm with flashlight easily accessible from your purse or pocket.
Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uncomfortable, avoid the person or situation and leave.
Always be familiar with the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check out the locations of police and fire stations, public telephones, hospitals, and restaurants, or stores that are open late.

On Foot-Day or Night

• Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, dark parking lots, or alley. Always carry a personal alarm with a flashlight.
  
• Don't flash money or other tempting targets like jewelry or clothing.
• Carry your purse close to your body, with your flashlight and personal alarm in your hand or easily accessible.
  
• Put your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket, not your back pocket. Carry only what is necessary and try not to keep currency and credit cards all in one place.
• Don't wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movements.
• Have your car or house key with you personal alarm/flahlight in hand before you reach the door.
• Try to use automated teller machines in the daytime. Have your card in hand and don't approach the machine if you're uneasy about people nearby. Better yet, only use the ATM machines inside of grocery store, malls, or gas stations.
• If you think someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant, or lighted house.
  
• If someone harasses you, don't be embarrassed. Loudly say "Leave me alone! Someone call the police! Get away!" If that is not enough of a deterrent, using an extremely loud personal alarm will send a would-be attacker running.
  

Vehicle Safety:

• Keep your car in good running condition. Always check your fuel level before traveling any distance. Make sure there's enough gas to get where you're going and back.
• Always roll up the windows and lock car doors, even if you're coming right back. Check inside and out before getting in.
• Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert and have your personal alarm in hand when in dark lots and underground parking garages.
• If you think someone is following you, don't head home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station, gas station, or other open business to get help
  

If Someone Tries to Rob You:

• Don't resist. Give up your property. It's not worth your life.
• Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker as accurately as possible. Your actions can help prevent others from being victims.
• Take a Stand! If you can, use your personal alarm to scare away an attacker. Most criminals are too lazy to attack someone who is prepared.
  
• Make your neighborhood and working place safer by reporting broken street lights, cleaning up parks and vacant lots, and lobbying local government for better lighting in public places.
• Initiate a block watch program in your neighborhood by contacting your neighbors and local crime prevention unit.