PERSONAL SECURITY & SAFETY

Almost all activities in life entail a certain amount of risk and each of us has different attitudes toward risk.  At one end of the spectrum you have the person who refuses to engage in any activity by exaggerating the level of risk involved.  At the opposite end is the person who engages in very risky activities while refusing to take the necessary precautions.  Neither one of these attitudes is extremely useful for living an empowered life.  What is useful is to accurately assess the risks, take the necessary precautions that make common sense, and live life as fully as possible.

The following precautions are meant to give you general security and safety guidelines.  They will not guarantee safety but should serve to minimize criminal opportunities.  It is really up to you to make your personal security and safety a high priority.

At Home

  • Survey your home’s perimeter and close up areas that leave you vulnerable to burglary.
  • Install quality deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and use them – even when at home.
  • A small chain between the door and doorjamb is not real secure and can be easily defeated.
  • Install quality locks on all windows and use them – even when at home.
  • Windows left open for ventilation should be fixed to not open wider then a few inches.
  • Install a peephole or wide-angle door viewer on exterior doors.
  • Have lights at all entrances to the home.  Exterior lights used for security purposes – should be either activated by motion deter or controlled by a photoelectric cell.
  • Minimize the amount of shrubbery or other plant growth near windows, doorways, walkways or other possible areas of concealment.
  • Don’t leave a schedule of times you will be away from home on your answering machine.
  • Use timers to turn lights and radios on when you are not home (noise is a great deterrent).
  • Do not use your full name on your mailbox, in the telephone directory, or on your answering machine.
  • Do not open your exterior door to the home unless you know exactly who is there.  Do not open the door to an unexpected visitor - even a delivery person.
  • Do not hide extra keys near an entry area – like under a mat, a planter, etc. Criminals are good at finding them.
  • Ask for photo identification of repair or utility personnel.  If you did not call for this service, always call and verify with the company before opening your door.
  • Never give personal information to telephone solicitors.
  • Create a “safe room” within the house.  This is usually the master bedroom.  This room should have a solid door, strong locks and not be easily accessible from the outside.  Have a fully charged cell phone in the room along with some sort of personal protection, i.e., pepper spray, stun gun, Taser, firearm – be sure to know how to properly use).
  • Do not permit strangers into the home to use the telephone.  If they need help, let them know you will make the call for them.
  • Be sure to train your children not to open the door for strangers.
  • Engrave all property of value and keep a record of serial numbers and valuable property.  Photograph or videotape valuables and keep in a fireproof safe or a safe-deposit box. 
  • When moving into a new residence have all exterior door locks re-keyed.  This especially goes for moving into an apartment complex.
  • Install a good quality security system that provides 24-hour monitoring for burglary and fire.

Telephone Calls

  • Do not give your telephone number to wrong telephone callers.  Ask the caller, “What number were you trying to call?”
  • Check references of any personal calling seeking information about you and your family for a survey, credit check, or subscription drive.  You could always call the agency or company the person works for to verify the identity and intent of the caller.
  • Never reveal to a stranger or wrong number caller, your address or that you are home alone.
  • Teach children telephone security techniques.
  • If you receive a threatening, harassing or obscene telephone call, notify your local police department.  Do not engage in conversation with this person, immediately hang up and be sure to record the time, date, and content of each telephone call.

While Away From Home

If you are away traveling while your family is home, their security is going to be a high priority for you.  To give you added peace of mind, remind family members to use your home security system, if you have one.  If not, then have them be vigilant about locking doors and windows and following any specific home safety plan that you have setup.  You might want to review specific home safety tips with children who are both old enough and responsible enough to be left home alone without any adult supervision.  Here are some safety essentials they should know:

  • Where emergency phone numbers, contact people, and safety rules are posted.
  • The fire escape plan should there be a house fire.
  • Basic fire-aid skills.
  • Safe route home from school and rules regarding talking to strangers.
  • Make sure your children know who is allowed in the home while you are away and how to check an individual’s identity before opening the door.
  • When your children are playing outside, be sure they know exactly what their physical boundaries are and how to react to strangers.
  • If children are allowed to prepare and eat food while you are away, teach them how to do it safely.

On The Street

  • Avoid walking alone whenever possible – and never hitchhike.  It is not worth the risk!
  • Follow your intuition.  If someone is making you nervous, do whatever you can to avoid them.
  • Always be alert and aware of your surrounds.
  • When walking, walk in the middle of the sidewalk and walk facing oncoming traffic.
  • Attempt to appear confident and purposeful when you walk and be alert to your surroundings at all times.
  • If carrying a purse, keep it close to your body preferably in the front.  Carry no more money or credit cards than you absolutely need.
  • When walking to the parking area from the mall or grocery, try not to overload yourself with packages or other items.  Keep your hands as free as possible.
  • Choose well-lighted streets when walking and avoid isolated areas, alleys, vacant lots, abandoned buildings, and construction sites.
  • When walking during hours of darkness, wear light colored clothing and carry a flashlight.  A personal alarm with a high decibel alarm and a light is even better.
  • Wearing headphones connected to portable radios, MP3 players, or iPods while walking can distract you and make you less sensitive to potential danger.
  • If you carry a purse with a shoulder strap, be prepared to let it go if snatched.  Otherwise, you could be knocked down and hurt.
  • Avoid being on the street alone if you are upset or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • When walking alone, carry a loud whistle or high-decibel personal alarm to attract attention or summon help if you feel you are in danger.  Carry the whistle or alarm in your hand so you can use it immediately if needed.
  • Invest in a good quality self-defense class (RAD Self-Defense is an excellent class) or a personal security and safety awareness class.  Learn awareness and basic self-defense techniques to protect and defend yourself.
  • Consider also carrying some type of non-lethal personal protection like a C2 Taser, pepper spray, mace, or a stun gun to defend yourself against an attacker.
  • Always carry a fully charged cell phone to call for help if needed.
  • If followed or threatened by someone who is walking, use your whistle or personal alarm or yell loudly, cross the street and run in the opposite direction.

Driving On The Road

  • Keep your vehicle in good working order and the gas tank at least half full.
  • Be aware of everyone around you – especially when you park your car and get out.
  • Attempt to travel only on busy, well-lighted streets and at night always park in visible, well-lighted areas.
  • When approaching your vehicle, always have your keys in your hand and ready.
  • Once inside your vehicle, always lock your door, roll up your windows, and start the car right away.  Doors should always be locked while driving
  • Any valuables in your car should be placed in the trunk or otherwise kept out of sight, especially if you exit your car for some time.
  • When stopped at traffic lights or in traffic, allow space between you and the vehicle in front of you so you can drive away if necessary.
  • If someone approaches your vehicle and attempts to enter, blow your horn to attract attention and drive away.
  • Have a fully charged cell phone with you in case you need help.
  • Do Not Pick up Hitchhikers!!!
  • Do not open your window if someone approaches your vehicle to ask for directions, the time, etc. Also, be sure your doors are locked.
  • Never leave house keys attached to car keys at service stations or parking facilities.  Someone could easily have a copy of your key made and you would not know it.
  • Do not stop for a stranded motorist.  Instead, contact the local police by assistance.
  • Carry in your car – a flashlight, maps, portable fire extinguisher, tools to fix a tire with, first aid kit, empty gas can, white cloth to tie to door handle or antenna to signal distress and a cell phone.
  • Keep spare money in your car for a taxi, bus fare or telephone calls in case of a breakdown.
  • If you are going somewhere that you are not familiar with, plan your route, and check a map (or map quest) before you start out.
  • Criminals sometimes stage a motor vehicle accident known as a “bump and rob.”  The motorist is robbed when they exit their vehicle.  If you are involved in a minor accident under suspicious circumstances, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and the windows up and await the police.  If you believe you are in possible danger, write down the license plate of the other vehicle involved in the accident and drive to a safe location to report the accident to the police.
  • If you travel a regular route to and from work, make yourself familiar with businesses on the route that stay open late in the event you need emergency assistance.
  • When traveling in unknown areas, drive in the lane closest to the center of the roadway.  Leave enough space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.  If there was an incident, you could quickly move your car out of the way.

Parking

  • Choose well-lighted parking areas.
  • Always be aware of anyone around you in the parking lot – like loiters before getting out of your vehicle.
  • Remember to lock valuables and packages out of sight in the vehicle.
  • Try not to park next to vans, large SUV’s, pickup trucks, or other vehicles whose size and structure can provide concealment.
  • When you get out of your vehicle, always turn off the ignition, remove the key, and lock your vehicle doors, no matter how soon you plan to return.  This is particularly important at service stations and convenience stores.
  • If you have a choice, park in areas that have an attendance or in locations with heavy pedestrian traffic.
  • Take extra precautions when using underground or enclosed parking garages.  Always walk in the center aisle rather than close to parked cars.

Car Trouble

  • If possible, drive to a busy, well-lighted area.
  • Set the parking brake and turn on the vehicle’s emergency flashers.
  • If you have a cell phone, contact someone to assist you.
  • If someone stops to assist you that you do not know and offers to assist you, do not get out of the car.  Communicate with the person through a closed window.
  • If you have a flat tire, drive on it until you reach a safe, well-lighted and well-traveled area.
  • Wait inside your car with the doors locked and windows closed until a law enforcement officer or another trusted person arrives to assist you.
  • If your vehicle becomes disabled and help is not immediately available, raise the hood of the vehicle (if you can safely do so), attach a handkerchief to the door handle, and then stay in the vehicle with the doors locked and the windows up.  Activate your hazard or parking lights.  If  you don’t have a cell phone when someone stops to assist you, through the closed window ask them to call the police.

If Followed While Driving

  • Drive to the nearest police or fire station for assistance.
  • Drive to an open gasoline station, grocery store or other business where you can safety call the police.
  • Keep driving until you find a safe area.  While driving, attract attention to your situation while honking the vehicle’s horn in rapid short blasts and by turning on the emergency flashers.
  • Attempt to obtain the license plate number and a description of the vehicle following you.  Do not drive home or pull over to the side of the road or turn into a driveway.  You could become trapped.

Public Transportation

  • Locate convenient, well-lighted, frequently used bus stops, trains, subway stations or taxicab stands.
  • Check public transportation schedules in advance, especially if traveling at odd hours.
  • Do not wait alone at a bus stop, subway, train station or taxicab stand.
  • Sit as close to the driver as possible.
  • Beware of overheard conversations.  Don’t tell anyone on a bus, train, or subway where you are going.
  • If you are verbally or physically harassed while on the bus, train, or subway, report the incident to the driver or conductor immediately.
  • Be alert to who gets off the bus, training or subway along with you.  If you feel you are being followed, walk toward other people or to an open business.

At Work

  • Become actively involved in working with your employer to improve security in and around your work place.
  • If you can, get into the habit of traveling to and from work and parking lot areas with other people.
  • Park in areas that are patrolled and well-lighted after dark.
  • Avoid using isolated, deserted stairways in office buildings.
  • If you are in an elevator and another person makes you feel uncomfortable, get off as soon as possible.
  • When using an elevator, stand near the control panel by the door so you can easily press the alarm button in an emergency.
  • If you see a suspicious looking person inside an elevator you are about to enter, do not get it.
  • If a suspicious looking person follows you into an elevator, step out of the elevator immediately.
  • Lock valuables such as a purse, wallet, and keys in desk drawers or other secured areas.
  • Do not advertise your vacation plans, times you will be away from home, or the amount of cash you are carrying.
  • Observe security measures when using restrooms in office buildings.  If the facilities are locked, never leave the door unlocked or give the key to an unauthorized person.  Do not enter the restroom if the lock appears broken or the door is ajar.  If the facilities are not kept locked, enter cautiously and check the surrounding area thoroughly before closing the door behind you.
  • Avoid working late or odd hours if possible.  If you must work late or at odd hours, alert a family member, friend, or security officer.  If possible, have a security officer check on you from time to time.  As a security officer, co-worker, or an employee to escort you to your car or to public transportation.  Do not walk to your car alone if you can avoid it.
  • Report all suspicious persons and activities to security personnel.

Safety and Dogs

  • When a dog comes at you, your first instinct may be to run.  Don’t do this!  The dog’s “chase” instinct will kick in and he will chase you.
  • Remain calm and still – let the dog sniff you.
  • In a calm but firm voice tell the dog “NO!  GO AWAY!
  • If the dog lunges at you, block yourself with your purse, briefcase, or coat in order to distract the dog to give you a chance to break free and escape.
  • If in a neighborhood, yell for help or try to get to a door or garage so you can get help.
  • If you are a jogger or walker, carry either small jogger weights with pepper spray or something to defend off a dog.

Your personal security and safety is all about being aware of what’s going on around you, alert to danger signals, and having a personal and home security safety plan of action.  This will allow you to better handle emergencies and any type of threatening situations that may come up.  You also need to listen to that little voice inside you – your instincts, gut feeling, intuition – that voice will let you know when something isn’t quite right and your personal safety may be in danger.  Be sure not only to listen to that voice  -  but ACT!

Home