Safety

Basic Safety
Home Safety
Apartment Safety
Safety When Out of the Home
Safety When Walking Down the Street
Safety for Walkers and Joggers
Safety While Driving Your Car
Safety While Using Public Transportation
Safety When Traveling
Minimizing Anxiety and Staying Safe When Terrorist Risk is High

The first factor is opportunity. The criminal must see and identify an opportunity with a potential victim. Criminals will "look" and in many cases "wait" for such opportunities to arise. Only when an opportunity presents itself does the crime have the potential to occur. It is therefore critical for you to be aware of your surroundings at all times and to constantly be certain that you are not creating an opportunity for a criminal to take advantage of. For example, walking alone at night to your car after you shop instead of waiting for a security escort is creating a very real opportunity for a crime to occur.

The second factor is the element of surprise. The criminal understands that he or she has the advantage of the element of surprise, making it very difficult for a potential victim to react quickly and effectively. One common thing perpetrators do to maintain the element of surprise is to approach the victim from behind.

The third and perhaps most important factor is "looking" like a victim. Many victims were unaware that the "aura" they projected was likely the most important factor in the perpetrator's assessment of them as a potential target. Criminals are constantly evaluating their next victim based on who appears to be an easy target, who seems unaware of their surroundings or location, and who appears particularly vulnerable by the way they walk or carry their valuables. Most criminals are very good at "scoping out" and "sizing up" potential victims.

Following are some suggested safety and security tips for your home and everyday life:

Basic Safety

• Always be aware of your surroundings and location. Look up when you walk and project poise and confidence.
• Trust your instincts. If you sense danger, immediately move to a safer place.
• Don't display jewelry, cameras or other expensive items. Such items are exactly what predators are looking for.
• Know that alcohol and drug use can impair your judgment and ability to stay safe. Predators know that intoxicated individuals often make good targets.
• Always maintain a positive mental attitude.

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Home Safety

• Equip all doors and windows with secure locks and consider installing a home security system.
• Make home surroundings uninviting to criminals. Keep plants trimmed back to eliminate potential hiding places.
• Keep the outside perimeter of the house lit at night or install motion activated lights to alert you to any activity outside of your home.
• Keep some indoor lighting on during the night.
• Get to know your neighbors. They often know your patterns and schedule and can be helpful if something happens or appears to be out of the ordinary. Some communities have found Neighborhood Watch or e-mail listservs to be helpful in keeping each other safe and informed.

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Apartment Safety

• When returning to an apartment by yourself, be cautious of unfamiliar visitors that might be near your apartment entrance. If possible, don't let them see you entering the apartment alone. If necessary, leave and come back later.
• Hold your landlord accountable for installing proper locks, lighting and landscaping. Thoroughly read your tenant agreement to understand how you are being protected from potential crime.
• Get to know your neighbors. They know your patterns and schedule and can be helpful if something happens or appears to be out of the ordinary. Some communities have found Neighborhood Watch or e-mail listservs to be helpful in keeping each other safe and informed.

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A Safety Checklist for Apartments

Courtesy of the National Crime Prevention Council

Safety When Out of the Home

• Tell a friend or family member the "who, what, when and where" so that someone will know where you are, who you are with, and when you expect to return.
• Try to go out with at least one other person.
• If you're not very familiar with the person you will be meeting, meet in a "neutral" public place.
• Carry at least enough cash for a phone call and a cab in case you need it.
• Avoid leaving your drink unattended or letting strangers get a drink for you. A predator could use such an opportunity to drug you.

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Safety When Walking Down the Street

• Be aware of your surroundings and location at all times. Look up when you walk and project poise and confidence. Listen to what is going on around you. Try to keep your dominant hand (the one with greater strength) free.
• Avoid unlit, vacant or remote places.
• Change your course of direction if you think you are being followed. Head in a direction of safety or where there are other people if at all possible.
• Have your keys out and ready before reaching your car or house to allow quicker entry and to serve as a weapon by putting them in a fist between your fingers if necessary.

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Safety for Walkers and Joggers

• Always know where you are running/hiking and where help can be accessed.
• Know your start and end points and the precise path you are taking before you depart.
• Tell a friend or family member where you are running/hiking, the path you expect to take and how long you expect to be.
• Always look up. If you are passing someone, maintain poise and confidence, and consider making eye contact.
• Always walk or jog against traffic, so you can see what is coming.
• Listen to what is going on around you. Listening to music is distracting and negates one of your most valuable defenses.
• Don't go off the beaten path. While it can be invigorating to explore, only do so when you are with a "buddy" or friend. Parks or marked paths will often have rangers or other hikers/runners on them, providing another level of security.
• Take a cell phone and whistle with you to hail for help if necessary.

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Safety While Driving Your Car

• Always look in your car before you get in.
• Always plan your trip ahead and know your route.
• Keep your car in good working order by following regular maintenance schedules and having problems serviced as soon as possible.
• Never hold maps or directions up in window view. Perpetrators can easily identify you as someone unfamiliar with the area.
• Make sure you have enough gas to get to your destination, especially when driving at night.
• Keep your car doors locked at all times and your windows rolled up if you think you may be in an unsafe area.
• Never leave your house keys, automatic garage door opener or personal information in your car when it is being serviced or if you valet your car.
• Never put your name or address on your key ring.
• When driving, take note of other cars around you so that you can identify anything unusual or if someone is following you.
• When approaching a red light or stop sign, never pull up too closely behind the car in front of you. Leaving a buffer gives you room to maneuver and drive away if someone approaches your car.
• If you are in a carjacking situation, some experts suggest that you immediately ram the car into the nearest pole, tree, truck or other object to disable the car and prevent the crime from continuing. Remember that your personal safety is paramount and that all decisions must be made accordingly.
• If someone hits your bumper on the road or highway, drive to the nearest gas station or public location to exchange insurance information. Some carjackers use this tactic to steal a vehicle or to rob the driver.

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Safety While Using Public Transportation

• If waiting for a bus or taxi try to stand near something such as a bench or light pole to help you maintain balance. If possible, wait inside.
• Stay awake while riding buses, trains and taxis.
• Keep your belongings on you. While sitting, keep purses over your shoulder and larger bags between your legs.
• Try to sit near the driver and door when on a bus.
• Try to sit in an aisle seat so you won't be blocked in.
• Try to ride in a train or subway car with other people, rather than one that is empty.
• Pay attention to who gets off at your stop. Noticing unusual behavior or strangers can help alert you to potential danger.

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Safety When Traveling

• Stay alert. Even if you are on vacation, remember that you're likely in unfamiliar territory and should therefore be especially vigilant.
• Avoid carrying cash. Traveler's checks are less appealing to perpetrators.
• Try to travel during daylight hours, especially if you are traveling alone.
• Know where you are going and how you will get there before you depart.
• Keep wallets more secure by putting a rubber band around them or by wearing trousers that have button pockets. Alternatively, carry your wallet in your front pocket. Only carry the money and/or credit cards that you will be using on your trip.
• Purses with zippers and flaps are less likely to be targeted by pickpockets. Also, when carrying a purse over your shoulder, position it so that your valuables hang in front of you rather than behind you.
• If you are in a waiting area or are making a phone call, place your bags between your legs.

Courtesy of the National Crime Prevention Council

Special thanks to our contributing safety and security specialists Tim Dimoff of SACS Consulting and Investigative Services and Sam Fadel of the City of Hialeah Police Department.

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