• All activities in life involve RISK!!
• We all have different attitudes about RISK!!
• You can either refuse to engage in an activity because of exaggerated RISK
• You can engage in very RISKY activity while refusing to take any precautions
• OR you can assess the RISK, take precautions and live as fully as possible
• The following precautions should be adopted
• They WILL NOT guarantee safety
• BUT they WILL minimize criminal opportunities

 PERSONAL SAFETY IN YOUR HOME

• Have lights at all entrances
• Use a wide-angle door viewer, see who is at the door before opening it
• Don’t use your full name on mailbox, telephone book, or answering machine
• Don’t leave your schedule on an answering machine
• Know the neighbors you can trust
• Don’t hide keys in easily accessible places-criminals will find them
• Check photo ID on repairmen
• Never give personal information to telephone solicitors
• Consider creating a “safe room” with separate phone or cellular phone and strong locks
• Don’t let strangers in your home to use the phone.  Make the call for them
• Use security bars for added security on sliding exterior doors

 PERSONAL SAFETY ON THE STREET

• NEVER hitchhike
• Walk in the middle of the sidewalk
• Walk facing oncoming traffic
• Don’t carry too many packages
• Don’t wear music headphones
• Don’t read while walking or standing on a sidewalk
• If you carry a purse with shoulder strap be prepared to let go if snatched
• Carry a second wallet
• If confronted with a weapon-don’t resist
• Avoid being on the street if you are upset or intoxicated
• If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body, preferably in front and carry no more money or credit cards than you need
• If confronted by someone who takes your property, get a good description to help the police in making the arrest.

 PERSONAL SAFETY IN A CAR

• Keep your car in good working order
• Check the area around your parked car
• Always park in visible, well lighted areas
• Avoid parking next to a large truck or van
• Have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle
• When sitting in your car, keep the doors locked and the windows rolled up
• When driving, keep all doors locked
• Any valuables in the car should be placed in the trunk
• Exercise extra caution when using underground or enclosed parking garages
• When stopped at traffic lights, allow space between you and the next vehicle in case you have to drive away
• If someone attempts to enter your car blow the horn and drive away
• Many people consider a cellular phone a good investment
• DO NOT pick up hitchhikers
• Do not open the window if someone approaches to ask questions
• Never leave house keys attached to car keys at service stations or parking facilities
• Do not stop for stranded vehicles-call for help
• If you have a flat tire, drive on it to a well-lighted area
• If your vehicle is disabled, raise the hood, attach a handkerchief to the door handle, and stay in the car with the doors locked
• If you are involved in a minor accident that is suspicious-stay in the car
• If you are being followed, DON’T drive home
• Carry in your car: a flashlight, fix-a-flat, maps, warm clothing, a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, empty gas can, and a white cloth to tie on the door handle
• If you are driving in an area you are not familiar with, plan the route and check a map before you start out

 PERSONAL SAFETY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

•  Beware of overheard conversations-don’t tell where your going
•  Stay awake and alert
•  Have exact change
•  Sit close to the driver
•  If you sense that someone is following you-walk towards other people

 PERSONAL SAFETY IN A BUILDING

•  Avoid isolated corridors, hallways, stairwells or poor lighted restrooms
•  Avoid elevators with only one person
•  Stand near controls of the elevator, if assaulted hit alarm or emergency button

PERSONAL SAFETY SUMMARY

•     Safety comes first
•     Always be alert
•     Find a safe area
•     Exercise caution
•     Take time to be safe
•     Your safety is your responsibility