LifeStyle

Opening the Doors to Healthier and Stress-Free Living

Personal Safety

Spring is just around the corner and the worms are coming out of the woodwork. In other words, now that it is going to be warmer, there will be more and more people out at all times of the day and night. This added social interaction brings an unpleasant fact of life: increased crime.

A while back it was suggested to me that I write an article about personal safety while shopping. Now that we are approaching spring, I have found the following guidelines written by The Department of Public Safety, The University of Louisville and Jerry Rouse of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. These tips are very useful when one goes out among the public day or night.

• Do not shop alone, but shop with a friend or relative.
• Be sure to park your car in a well-lit area. Take care to put radar detectors and cell phones out of view.
• Be aware of you surroundings at all times. Keep an eye on people in front of you as well as behind you.
• Be sure to carry your purse close to your body. Also, do not reveal large amounts of cash.
• Walk with confidence and avoid talking to strangers.
• When approaching your vehicle, have your keys already in your hand.
• Do not attempt to carry too many packages at one time. Be sure to place all packages out of sight in your vehicle in the trunk.
• Make sure to keep your vehicle doors locked and your windows shut.
• If you happen to see anything suspicious or if something just doesn't feel right, leave immediately and contact security or the police.

• Try to not use the ATM alone. Take someone with you or use an ATM when there are others are around. Crowds at the machines deter would-be-thieves.
• Try to avoid using an ATM after dark. If you have to use one, find one that is well lit and does not have any places for persons to hide.
• When first approaching an ATM, be sure to look around to see if you spot anything that makes you uncomfortable or if you see anyone who looks suspicious. If so, do not use the machine, but use an ATM at a different location or come back later. Notify the authorities.
• When using the ATM, be sure to have your access card and any other documents you need ready when you approach the machine. Fumbling with a wallet or purse makes it easier for thefts.
• Should someone else be using the ATM when you arrive, do not stand right behind them; give them enough space to conduct their transaction in privacy.
• While using the ATM, stay alert to your surroundings. Be sure to look up and around every few seconds while transacting your business.
• Be sure to protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Do not enter your PIN if anyone else can see the screen. Make sure to shield your PIN from onlookers by using your body.
• When your transaction is finished be sure you have your card and your receipt, then leave immediately. Do not count your cash at the ATM, but wait until you are in a secure place to do so.
• As you leave, be sure to keep a look out. Be alert for anything or anyone who appears suspicious. If you think you are being followed, go to an area with a lot of people and call the police.

• If you leave a key with a key with a parking attendant, leave only your vehicle's ignition key and not the rest of your keys.
• Do not leave anything attached to your key or in your car with your name and address.
• Do not park next to a van's sliding door.
• When leaving work, change from high heels to low flats or even sneakers. Should you have to suddenly run, you will be able to do so.
• When leaving at night, leave your office or building in the company of others. Do not leave alone after dark. If possible, have someone from security to escort you (U of L: x6111).
• Approach your vehicle with your keys already in your hand. Be sure to look around your vehicle for any suspicious activity. If you see someone loitering around your vehicle, walk past until they leave.
• Do a quick scan of your vehicle's interior before unlocking the door. Be sure to look in the back seat.
• Keep your doors locked and your windows shut.
• Be suspicious of anyone approaching your vehicle, whether passing out leaflets or asking for donations. Always leave the car windows up.
• When on the road do not pick up hitchhikers.

• Keep your windows rolled up and doors locked.
• Be sure to check the back seat and floor for unwanted passengers before entering.
• Always park in well lighted areas.
• Travel on populated, well-lighted streets.
• DO NOT PICK UP HITCHHIKERS.
• If you have car trouble, signal for help by raising the hood or tying a white handkerchief to the door handle. Stay inside the car until the appropriate help arrives (i.e. towing service or police).

• Avoid walking or running alone at night, but go walking or jogging with a friend.
• Do not use headphones while walking, driving or jogging.
• Always walk in well-lit areas.
• Keep your hand free, not over loaded.
• Avoid short cuts.
• When it is dusky or dark, stay away from large bushes or doorways where someone could be lurking.
• Stay near the curb.
• If someone in a vehicle stops you and asks for directions, answer from a distance. Do not approach the vehicle.
• If you are being followed, go immediately to an area with lights and people. If you need to, turn around and walk in the opposite direction, your follower will also have to reverse directions. If you are being followed: cross the street, scream, run to an occupied residence or store, flag down a car.
• And remember: do not display cash openly, especially when leaving an ATM.

Department of Public Safety, The University of Louisville. http://www.louisville.edu/admin/dps/police/rape_bro.htm
Rouse, Jerry. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. http://www.softport-co.com/safety/

Other resources on personal safety and/or safety products can be found:
http://www.louisville.edu/admin/dps/
http://www.louisville.edu/admin/dps/police/cp_main.htm
http://www.ou.edu/oupd/
http://www.scaredsafe.com/
http://www.netstuff.com/target/
http://www.netstuff.com/psi/
http://www.safetykidsclub.com/
http://www.glow-bug.com/
http://www.y2ksupplies.com/
http://www.soshelp.org/
http://www.metroart.com/harris/
http://www.ncpc.org/