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Below is a list of suggestions on enhancing your personal safety. The most basic tips that we can suggest
are 1) listen to your instincts, and 2) use common sense. We hope that you find this useful, and apply these measures in your
daily routine.
While Alone At Home
Women living alone, use first initial rather than first name on Mail box or phone book
Relinquish only your car key to garage or parking lot attendants, etc. Always retain custody of house key.
Be highly selective in whom you admit (Offenders are often friends or acquaintances of their victims).
Require identification of repairmen, servicemen, etc. (Offenders sometimes pose as phone repairmen, policemen, fire inspectors,
etc.).
Do not let phone caller know you are alone.
Keep doors and windows locked.
Keep Shades or drapes drawn after dark.
Preparing to go out
Determine the safest route of travel (the shortest route may not be the safest).
Inform you family of destination, phone number at destination, expected time of arrival and return.
Inform the person whom you intend to visit of your expected time of arrival.
Carry proper change for phone or emergency use.
Leave at least two lights burning in your house.
Leave outside entrance lights burning.
Lock all windows and doors, including the garage door.
Do not hide keys in mail box, above door, under mat, etc.
Carry penlight flashlight in your purse.
What to Avoid while out walking
Walking alone, if possible.
Dangling your purse.
Displaying jewelry.
Heavily overgrown areas (trees, weeds, shrubbery, etc.).
Dark doorways, hallways, and parking lots.
Alleys and little traveled side streets.
Deserted parks and wooded areas, vacant lots and buildings.
Warehouse and industrial areas.
High crime rate areas.
Do walk with authority, displaying an air of confidence and purpose of destination.
Be alert to your surroundings.
Preparing Your Car
Check gasoline supply.
Have motor tune-up and adequate battery (to avoid starting and stalling problems).
Make certain tires are in good condition (to avoid flats).
Use snow tires when needed.
Make certain the door locks and dome light work.
Approaching Your Car
Have key ready before approaching car.
Look inside car; checking front and rear seat areas for intruder.
Lock door immediately upon entering (even before placing key in ignition).
While Driving
Keep all doors locked.
Keep windows rolled up (at least partially).\
Never pick up hitch-hikers (male or female, adults or children).
Be extremely cautious about stopping to render assistance in what appears to be emergency situations.
Be alert to being followed by another vehicle.
If being followed, drive to nearest policeman, police facility or open business place.
Wear man's hat.
Keep purse and valuables hidden from view.
If you car becomes disabled
Raise hood and place white cloth or handkerchief on antenna or door handle.
Call police, home or emergency service from your car if you have a cellular phone or if a phone is within reasonable distance.
If you remain in car, keep doors locked and windows rolled up.
Remain alert and very cautious when accepting help from a passing motorist.
Upon Returning Home
Locate your house key before leaving car or before approaching house if walking.
If you find evidence of intrusion, leave or call the police.
If you observe a strange car or person on premises, leave and call police.
Enter cautiously and be alert.
If an intruder is in you house, leave immediately and call police
Do not attempt to interfere with the intruder's escape.
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