Personal Safety
- Walk with purpose and confidence. Look around, be familiar of your surroundings
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Remain on well-lit streets, walking in the center of the walkway, away from bushes, shrubs, doorways and parked vehicles. If you feel uncomfortable, cross the street or stay clear of an area.
- If you suspect someone is following you, look directly at the suspicious person to let the individual know that you are aware of his/her presence. Do not walk to your residence or vehicle. Walk directly to a business or convenience store, anyplace that has people around, and summon assistance.
- Transfer valuables such as credit cards, cheques, cash and identification to a small wallet or something similar and carry this on your person, either in your pocket, jacket pocket, or fanny pack
- Use a personal alarm device.
If you are attacked:
- Do not freeze and do not panic
- Attempt to get somebody’s attention by yelling something like “Police”‘ “No” or “Stop”.
- Assailants do not like attention so this may discourage them.
- Be very loud and persistent.
- Responding to an attack will be different for every individual.
- Use whatever force you feel is necessary to escape.
- Be ready and take action to get away.