Here are general tips for staying safe in a variety of
situations, including walking, jogging, shopping, or riding elevators:
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Stay alert at all times and tuned in to your surroundings,
wherever you are. The wearing of headphones while walking or jogging can reduce
your level of alertness.
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Plan your route in advance, and vary your routes whenever
possible.
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Get to know the neighborhoods and neighbors where you live
and work. Find out what stores and restaurants are open late and where police
and fire stations are located.
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When walking or jogging, use busy streets, and avoid
shortcuts through deserted parks, vacant lots, and unlit passages.
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At night, walk or jog only on streets with plenty of light
and traffic, and avoid walking alone if possible.
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Walk on the part of the sidewalk close to the street and away
from shrubbery, trees, or doorways. On less busy streets at night, it is
sometimes safer to walk in the street rather than on the sidewalk.
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Stand tall and walk confidently. Don't make it obvious if you
are in unfamiliar territory.
Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave
right away and get help if necessary.
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Don't carry large sums of cash. If you do carry cash, do not
display it in public.
If possible, carry only identification, phone numbers, and the credit cards you
will need. Keep a list at home of credit cards and other important material you
would need to replace in case of loss.
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Separate your house keys from your car keys. Women should
keep their keys in places other than their purses. That way, if your purse is
snatched, you will still have your keys.
Keep names and phone numbers of relatives or friends on your person, in the
event of an accident or emergency.
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Consider carrying a whistle or other noisemaker, and sound it
loudly if you are accosted or feel threatened.
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Beware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Thieves
often work in pairs. One may bump you or cut you off, while the other is picking
your pocket.
A good purse is one with a flap that folds over the opening and fastens at the
bottom, and often has an interior zipper. The easiest purse for you to open is
also the easiest for a pickpocket to steal from.
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Purses should be carried close to the body, under an exterior
garment, and slung across the body. Flaps should be secured and turned toward
the body at all times.
Wallets should be carried in an inside coat pocket and cash in a front pants
pocket. A rubber band tied several times around a wallet can increase friction
and make it easier for you to notice if you are being pick pocketed.
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Avoid wearing excessive jewelry. In particular, keep
necklaces and bracelets inside your clothing.
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Don't discuss personal information with strangers.
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Before entering an elevator, look at the persons already in
the car. If you are uneasy, wait for the next elevator.
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If a suspicious person enters an elevator and you are uneasy,
then get off right away.
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If you notice a person in an elevator has not pushed a floor
indicator button, do not get off at your floor. Go back to the lobby and report
the suspicious activity.
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Stand near the control buttons. If threatened or attacked,
sound the alarm and push several floor buttons if possible.
