Personal Safety Tips

Remember, the key to staying safe is avoiding dangerous situations by staying alert to you surroundings and learning what situations can become potentially dangerous!

Safety Tips When On Foot

  • Choose busy streets and avoid going through deserted areas. At night, walk in well-lit areas whenever possible.
  • Try not to jog or walk alone.
  • Carry your purse close to your body. Do not carry valuables with you. A small purse is a good idea.

Safety In Your Car

  • Always lock your cars and take the keys, even if you'll be gone a short time.
  • Keep your car in good running condition, and keep the tank at least a quarter full. Lock doors while driving.
  • Replace standard lock buttons with tapered buttons. The replacements are very inexpensive and are much more difficult to open.
  • If your car breaks down, raise the hood and place emergency flashers on. Wait in the car with the doors locked. When someone stops to help, don't get out. Ask them, through a slightly cracked window to phone the police for help.
  • Always lock your doors even if your driving down the street. You never know when your going to be stopped at a light and someone is going to attempt to get into your car.
  • Carry as few valuables as possible, especially if you must leave your vehicle unattended for long periods of time.
  • Lock packages in the trunk or put them under a seat out of sight before you reach your destination.
  • Don't use your glove compartment as a traveling safe. It is the first place that thieves look.
  • Park in a well lit area that will still be well lit when you return.
  • When traveling and stopping overnight, bring everything into your hotel/motel room. Use the hotel safe for valuable jewelry, cameras, etc. Remember, out-of-state license plates attract thieves. Be especially careful to lock up your valuables at beaches, restaurants, and other tourist attractions. Items such as cellular telephones, CB radios, and MP3 or CD players should be locked in the trunk when not in use.
  • Leave only your ignition key when parking in an attended lot. Never leave your house key or any other key on the ring.
  • Never pick up a hitchhiker!!! Never hitch rides yourself!!!

Safety At An ATM

  • Try to plan ATM use during the day rather than at night.
  • Avoid making withdrawals at ATMs in isolated areas.
  • Pre-plan your transactions to reduce the amount of time at the machine.
  • When making a withdrawal, quickly place the money in your purse or wallet. Do not count the money there.
  • Watch out for suspicious people waiting around an ATM. If someone offers to let you go ahead of them, decline politely and leave.
  • When visiting a drive through ATM, keep your doors locked and be prepared to drive away quickly. Watch in your mirrors, and areas surrounding your car.
  • If you are approached and have not finished your transaction, push the CANCEL button and drive away. If you do not have time to get your card, call the bank immediately.

Three Basic Rules Of Personal Safety

  • Stay alert and tuned into your surroundings, wherever you are. Don't be taken by surprise. Be aware and be prepared.
  • Stand tall and walk confidently. Don't show fear. Don't LOOK like a victim.
  • Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave right away and get help if necessary.