For many, the actions listed below are small-scale habits practiced on a d aily basis . They are not a guarantee of safety, but are a fi rst line of suggested awareness techniques. Be Alert! Scan the area as you walk. Be aware of your surroundings and walk with confidence. Avoid shopping alone. Try to shop with a friend or relative. Know your surroundings. Keep an eye on the people in front of you as well as behind you. Carry your purse close to your body and do not leave it unattended . Try not to carry too many packages. Place all packages out of sight in your vehicle, preferably in the trunk. Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area. Even in daylight hours, you may want to park near a l ight pole so if you leave when it is darker, your car will be in a w ell-lit location. Approach your vehicle with your keys already in your hand. Keep your vehicle doors locked and your windows shut. Lo ok around, under and in your car, especially the back seat, before you get in. When leaving a b usiness late at night , (if available) ask a s ecurity guard to walk you to your car. Do not go up to just any security guard. Go directly to the kiosk and ask for them to assign an officer to escort you. Predators sometimes dress up to resemble security or other authority figures. When a b usiness requests you to confirm your home address, whisper it to them. Broadcasting your home address among strangers in the line could compromise your safety. When checking into a h otel room, if the person at the front desk says your room number out loud, ask them to give you a n ew room and write the number on a p iece of paper. Or when you check-in, ask up front to not say your room number out loud. Your room number should be your business only. Before entering your hotel room, make sure no one is lingering in the hallway. Always immediately lock your hotel room door after you enter. If you call for room service, and you get a k nock on your door, do not immediately open the door. Ask: "Who is it?" Make the person on the other side of the door tell you who they are before you open it. If in doubt do not open the door and call the front desk. When asking for directions and someone offers to show you the way by having you follow them, do not go. Just ask for them to point you in the right direction. Often, predators want to lure you to a p lace less crowded where your calls for help can't be heard. Always pour your own drink at a p arty and bring it with you everywhere...even to the bathroom. This will make it more difficult for someone to drug you via your drink. If you choose to partake in drinking alcohol, remember to have a d esignated driver. Watch the bartender as he or she pours your drink. To be extra safe, drink wine instead of a c ocktail. Mixed drinks take longer to make. You could be easily distracted and miss the bartender (w ho could be working with a p redator) or someone else placing something in your drink. When going out with your friends, decide beforehand you will stick together. Do not let your friend go off alone with any person. Don't check-in on social media apps when you arrive somewhere. Instead, check in as you leave. This way no one will be able to digitally stalk you and know your every move or when you're not at home. Along the same lines, avoid tweeting or Facebooking from vacation, especially if your account is public, as it is a w ay of letting the world know your home is unoccupied. When you move into a n ew residence, check areas for possible hidden cameras. Your landlord, previous tenant or previous owner could be spying on you. Take Self-Defense Training. Unfortunately, no matter how diligently we practice awareness and avoidance techniques, we may find ourselves in a p hysical confrontation. If available, it is suggested to take self-defense training. Other considerations for self-defense are l awful carrying and possession of self-defense devices . For many, the actions listed below are small-scale habits practiced on a d aily basis . They are not a guarantee of safety, but are a fi rst line of suggested awareness techniques. Be Alert! Scan the area as you walk. Be aware of your surroundings and walk with confidence. Avoid shopping alone. Try to shop with a friend or relative. Know your surroundings. Keep an eye on the people in front of you as well as behind you. Carry your purse close to your body and do not leave it unattended . Try not to carry too many packages. Place all packages out of sight in your vehicle, preferably in the trunk. Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area. Even in daylight hours, you may want to park near a l ight pole so if you leave when it is
Safety
