Your Personal Safety

  • Always be aware of your surroundings. Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible.
  • Appear confident and purposeful when you walk, robbers and rapists look for someone who appears vulnerable.
  • Be careful when people stop you for directions or money. Always reply from a distance and never get too close to the car.
  • Do not give your telephone number to wrong telephone callers. Ask the caller, "What number are you calling?"
  • If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk in the opposite direction or walk on the other side of the street.
  • If attacked on the street, make a lot of noise, bite, kick, scratch and scream. Act quickly to throw the attacker off guard. Remember that first goal is to get away.
  • If out, avoid walking alone when possible and never hitchhike.
  • If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body in front; carry no more money or credit cards than you need.
  • If you think you are being followed, walk quickly to where there are people and lights.
  • Never reveal to a stranger or wrong number caller, your address or that you are home alone.
  • Teach your children how to dial 911.
  • Walk in the middle of the sidewalk facing oncoming traffic.
  • Wearing headphones while walking can distract you and make you less alert to potential danger.
  • When parking, look inside and around your car before getting in for anyone who may be hiding or approaching you.