Safety Tips:
- Always be aware of your surroundings – This applies whether you are traveling alone or in groups. Do not just focus inwardly on your thoughts if you are alone, or your friends if you are together. Keep one eye out for your environment, looking out for suspicious characters, possible danger, etc. Also, do not assume that because your area has been “safe” thus far, that it will continue to be so.
- Travel in groups – “There is safety in numbers” is not just a cliché. Its true. Make a point of traveling together with others, whether its on public transportation, on campus, in cars, etc.
- Change the route you normally travel by – If you have taken the same bus, train or highway to get to work or school, change your route. Even if it takes you a little longer, your safety is more important. By changing your route, you can avert possible attacks or harassment from those who know your schedule, method and route of travel well. Please note though that you should avoid short cuts that take you through unfamiliar or unsafe areas.
- Look confident – Walk with a straight posture and your arms swinging by your sides. Avoid slouching or walking like a victim. This makes you an easy target for attackers.
- When riding by public transportation choose the right seat – If you are riding by bus or train, do not sit on the window seat as you may be “blocked in” by a potential assailant. Always select the seat next to the aisle so that you can quickly leave if necessary.
- If you are driving alone – Don’t think that if you are in a car, you are safe. Windows should be up and doors locked even when driving to avoid unwanted passengers at intersections. When you are walking to your car, always have your keys ready, so that you can quickly get into your car.
- When you get to your car – Do not just get in right away. Always check your car before entering, especially the back, for any intruders.
- Never leave your car door unlocked – Even if it means for one minute to drop something off in the mailbox that’s a few feet away. Attackers have been known to lie in wait for such an opportunity.
- Be careful in parking lots – Always be alert in parking lots, especially when it’s dark. Ask someone to escort you to your car. Between cars and inside cars, it’s easy for someone to hide and wait until an un-alert person comes along.
- Do not use the MP3 – If you are used to listening to your Mp3 while outside, drop this habit, especially in isolated areas. With your MP3 on, you cannot hear the approach of a possible attacker.
- Note “safe houses” along your route – Mentally note locations at intervals on each route you take that can be used as “safe houses” if you are attacked, such as shops or houses that you know to be occupied by a friend or acquaintance.
- Do not open the door of your home without checking – DO NOT open the door to your home without first checking from a window, peephole or by asking and verifying who it is. Instruct children to do the same.
- Report any suspicious activity around your home – If you see people loitering on the streets near your house, call the police on an emergency number and report it immediately without thinking too much.
- Stay off the phone – Walking around with a phone clamped to your ear is dangerous as you will stop monitoring your environment effectively. Make your call from somewhere safe whilst stationary.