Street Smarts

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

• Follow your intuition — trust your feelings. If you feel that a situation is not right, move out of the situation.

• Be aware of your surroundings. In social situations, be alert to places and situations that make you vulnerable.

• Walk confidently and alertly.

BEING SAFE ON THE STREET

• Be aware that walking alone at night may be dangerous.

• If you are being followed or you see a person or group further down the street who makes you feel uncomfortable, cross the street, walk in another direction, or ask other people walking if you may walk a short distance with them.

• Walk near the curb, in the middle of the street, and away from buildings, trees, and shrubbery, which can hide potential assailants.

• When walking near the car to your home or apartment, carry your house keys in your hand. Don’t stand in a doorway and fumble in your purse or pocket for your keys. Have them ready to use.

• Use a grocery cart when you have many packages. You make a good mark when your arms are full.

• Always dress so that movement is not restricted.

• Try to vary your routine routes of travel. Most rapists have been found to study their victim's habitual patterns.

• While waiting for public transportation, keep your back against a wall (or pole) so that you cannot be surprised from behind.

• Know your routes. Notice lighting, alleys, abandoned buildings, and street people.

• Pick out places that you consider safer, places where you can either make a stand or reassure yourself that you are not being followed or watched (i.e., lit porches, bus stops, stores, etc.).

• If you are going somewhere in a city with which you aren't familiar, check a map, know where you are going. Looking lost increases vulnerability.

IF YOU ARE CONFRONTED

• If may seem like a good idea to tell a robber that you have no money, but this technique may backfire. It is safer to give up a few dollars. Carry a little money seperate from your other funds in an accessible place.

• If someone demands your property and displays or implies in any way that they have a weapon, don't resist.

• If someone tries to grab you, make a scene. Scream, kick, fight . . . do what you can to get away and attract attention.

Shortcuts can save time, but your safety is always worth going a little out of your way. Think twice about walking in areas such as alleyways - especially when you are by yourself or at night.