In 1933 at his first inaugural address Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself". He was speaking at a time when America was in the depths of the Great Depression. If he was alive today I think he would change that statement. You only have to pick up a newspaper or listen to the news to know that there is plenty of danger in the world. The good news is that there is much you can do to limit your exposure to it.
Personal safety is a state of mind, it is having a plan and always being prepared. Following these guidelines and using your instincts and common sense will help make you less likely to become a victim of crime.
 | Trust your intuition. If you feel you are in danger act immediately, it is better to be embarrassed than to be victimized. |
| Be aware of your surroundings. Be watchful of suspicious characters or vehicles. |
| If you think you are being followed, change directions and see if they change. If they do, stay with the crowd or go into a busy store. Do not go home, but go to a friend's house and call the police. |
| If you are attacked, yell for help. "Call the police" or even yell "Fire", sometimes people will call the fire department but may be afraid to get involved with the police. Attract attention, most criminals do not like to be observed. |
| Do not talk openly about your vacation schedule where strangers may hear you. |
| Do not mark your keys with your name or address, it makes it too easy for someone to find your home. Get your keys out as you approach your car or home, so that you can unlock the door immediately. |
| Do not always follow the same routine. Vary your route or times. Predictability can be a blueprint for trouble. |
| Never hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers. |
| Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return. |
| Try to keep one arm free when walking. Do not overload yourself with bags, it makes you an easy target and delays unlocking doors. |
| If you use headphones when walking, jogging, or bicycle riding, keep the volume low enough so you can hear approaching vehicles. |
| If a stranger asks for information or directions, stay a few feet away when you reply and be alert to others in your area. It is common to have someone ask directions to distract you while an accomplice picks your pocket or steals your purse. |
| Always have change to make a telephone call. Many telephones will allow you to dial 911 without money but it is better to be prepared. |
| Be especially careful when using ATM's. Do not let anyone get close enough to see your PIN number or any cash you withdraw. |
| Never count money in public! |
| When riding public transportation stay alert and try to sit near the driver or motorman. Avoid empty subway or train cars. |
| When eating out do not place your pocketbook on the floor or hanging on your chair. |
| Always lock your car and close all windows whenever you park. Also try to park only in areas that are well illuminated. |
| Do not leave packages where they can be seen from the outside of the car. |
| When approaching your car observe the surrounding area looking for any suspicious persons. |
| Have your keys ready and look inside the car before entering. Make sure no one is inside. |
| Maintain at least ¼ tank of gas at all times. |
| Keep a flashlight with good batteries, a distress sign, small first aid kit, and flares in your car. |
| If you see an accident or disabled vehicle do not stop but call the police from the nearest telephone. |
| Avoid using stairwells and be careful when using bathrooms. |
| When you go out, tell a coworker where you are going and when you expect to return. |
| Be aware of strangers that may enter the office. |
| If you see any suspicious activity call security or the police. |
| Do not leave valuables in or on your desk. If your desk has a lock use it, but don't count on it protecting your property. Never leave your wallet or keys on or in your desk. |
| When entering an elevator, if someone looks suspicious do not get in, or if you are in get out. Try to stay by the control panel and note the location of the emergency button. |
| Always keep your doors and windows locked whenever possible. |
| If you have a security system, use it all the time. |
| Make sure that your doors are solid and have good locks. |
| Install outdoor lighting to illuminate your home. |
| Do not leave a message on your answering machine stating that you will be out of town. |
| Do not place extra door keys in plants, under mats, or other such locations. |
| Do not allow anyone into your home unless you know him or her. |
| Utility servicemen should have ID, ask for it and then call to verify, before admitting anyone. |
| If someone comes to your door asking to use the telephone to summon police or an ambulance, do not let them in. Place the call yourself. |
| When going away have a neighbor keep an eye on your home, put out trash cans, and even park a car in your driveway at night. |
| Limit who you tell that you will be out of town. Rather then stop the mail and newspapers, ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up for you. |
| Never tell someone at the door or on the telephone that you are alone. |
| Install an intercom at your door so you can speak to someone without opening the door. |
| Additional information can be obtained by contacting your local police department or insurance company. |
