Be street smart with your personal safety
02/01/2009
When most people hear the terms "personal safety" and "self-defense" they might think of punches and pepper spray. But staying safe when walking to work or just out for a walk should begin long before you even step out of your home. Planning, awareness and following your instincts are your best bets to reduce the chance of becoming a victim of a crime, especially when walking alone.
Plan and use the safest and most direct route. Stay alert to your surroundings. Recognize when something or someone appears out of the ordinary. Become familiar with businesses on your route. Know which stores stay open late. Choose well-lighted streets at night. Carry keys and money in a pocket rather than in a purse or wallet. If you feel uneasy, go directly to a place where there may be other people. Walk with purpose and confidence. Walk with friends when possible. Take some time to think about how you usually react to risky or dangerous situations. You can change how you might react by practicing a different response if needed.
If you think you are being followed by someone in a car, turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Try to note the license plate number and call 911. If you think you are being followed by someone on foot, turn around to let the other person know you see them, cross the street and go to a place where there are more people and call 911. If you are verbally harassed, ignore it and walk to a place where there are other people.
When faced with danger, trust your instincts to tell you what to do. Remember, there is no right way or wrong way to react. Always evaluate your resources and your options; continue to assess the situation as it is occurring. If the first tactic chosen is not working, try another.