Personal Safety

The Basic Rules

• Stay Alert! Be aware of others and threatening situations.
• Maintain a confident posture/attitude.
• Have a game plan.
• Trust your instincts.

When Walking

• Use well lighted and busy streets. Try to avoid deserted streets, vacant lots, alleys, construction sites and wooded areas.
• Always take the safest route, even if it is a little longer.
• Don't flaunt expensive jewelry, clothing or electronics.
• Don't wear headphones or only wear one earbud. They keep you from hearing what is going on around you.
• Don't overburden yourself with packages or groceries. They make it harder to react to a situation.
• Don't let a passerby distract you. Criminals sometimes work in pairs. One may ask for directions or fake an injury, while the other is stealing from you.

Carrying Money?

• Wallets should be kept in an inside pocket.
• If a purse must be carried, make sure to keep it close to your body and keep a firm grip on it.