Learn how to keep yourself safe in social and solo situations:
- Stay alert by being aware of your surroundings.
- Walk everywhere with a sense of purpose – show you are calm, confident and know where you are going.
- Go with your gut feelings – if you feel uncomfortable, leave.
- Carry your purse firmly and close to your body or better yet leave it at home and only carry what you need in your pocket – such as a small amount of money, keys, and maybe one credit card.
- Keep your wallet in an inside coat or side trouser pocket.
- Have your car or house key in your hand as you approach the door. If attacked use those keys as weapons!
- Park in well-lighted areas that will be well-lighted when you return. Be sure to lock your car doors. If you jog, do not jog alone in isolated areas.
- Do not hitchhike and never pick up hitchhikers.
- Only list your last name and first initial in the phone book and on mailboxes.
- Ask the phone company to not list your address in the book.
- If you are concerned about crime and must go out, use the buddy system. Take a friend on that jog around your neighborhood. You’ll both benefit from it!
