Street Sense = Common Sense

3 Basic Rules

• Stay Alert!
• Stand tall and walk confidently.
• Trust your instincts.

When Walking

• Use well-lighted and busy streets. Try to avoid deserted streets, vacant lots, alleys, construction sites, and wooded areas. Moreover, always take the safest route, even if it is a little longer.
• Walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.
• Don't flaunt expensive jewelry and clothing.
• Carry money? Wallets should be kept in an inside coat or pants pocket, NOT in a rear pants pocket. Also, if a purse must be carried, make sure to keep it close to your body and keep a firm grip on it.
• Don't wear stereo headphones. They keep you from hearing what's around and behind you.
• Don't overburden yourself with packages and groceries. They make it harder to react to a situation.
• Don't let passersby distract you. Criminals sometimes work in pairs- one may ask you for directions or fake an injury while the other is stealing from you.
• When using a pay phone, stay alert. Keep the phone call short and simple. The less attentive you are of your surroundings, the more thieves view you as a target.
• Automatic Teller Machine users should also keep transactions short and simple. If you feel threatened, or if someone suspicious is standing near the ATM, don't use it or come back later. Put away any money withdrawn from the ATM immediately.
• Have your key in hand, as you approach your car or home.
• If you feel you are being followed, cross the street and head for the nearest well lighted, populated area. Quickly walk or run to a house or store to call police. If you are scared, scream for help.
• If you feel someone is following you in a car, immediately change directions. Try to not the license plate number and the make, model, and color of the car.
• Never hitchhike.

When Driving

• Be alert and careful when using underground and enclosed parking garages. Try to park in the more traveled areas of the garage, near the entrances, exits, and on the lower level.
• Always try to park in will-lighted, heavily traveled areas that will still be so when you return. If there are no spaces left in those areas, move your car to a better location later on.
• When parking, always lock your car doors and roll the windows up all the way- even if you're only running a quick errand.
• Check for people in the back seat or on the floor before you get in your car. If you see someone, leave the car immediately and call the police.
• Place wallets, purses, or any other valuables on the side of your seat or underneath your seat- NEVER on a seat. Be alert at intersections, on expressway "on and off" ramps, and any time when traffic is moving slowly. These are times when smash-and-grab robberies are most likely to occur.
• Try to stay in an outer lane of traffic when driving alone. This will keep you away from the curb and less vulnerable to attack.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Keep all cars in good running condition to avoid breakdowns in dangerous or unfamiliar areas.
• On long or unfamiliar trips, plan your route in advance.
• If your car breaks down, raise the hood, use flares, and tie a white cloth to the door handle or antenna. Stay in your car. When someone stops, ask him or her to call the police.
• Always carry a flashlight with fresh batteries, flares, a fire extinguisher, and a first-aid kit.

Ups and Downs in Elevators

• Always look in the elevator before getting in to be sure no one is hiding.
• Stand near the controls.
• Get off if someone suspicious enters. If you're anxious about someone who is waiting for the elevator with you, pretend you forgot something and don't get on.
• If you feel threatened or are attacked in the elevator, hit the alarm and as many floor buttons as possible.

Other Streetwise Tips

• Never carry a key ring or case with your name and and/or address on it. If your keys are ever lost or stolen, this information could be used to burglarize your home or car.
• Try to let someone know where you will be at all times. That way if you have an accident, a friend, family member or co-worker will know where you were supposed to be and come looking for you.
• Carry emergency money for a cab or bus fare and an emergency phone call.
• Know your neighborhood. Where are the local police and fire station? Find out what businesses are open late.
• Consider carrying a whistle or a shriek alarm.

If You Are Victimized...

• Remain Calm: Try not to panic or show any signs of anger or confusion.
• Get a Description: Make a conscious effort to look at the attacker carefully so you can give a good description to the police.
• Call the Police Immediately: Give your name and your location. Stay with the victim until they arrive. Be supportive and offer to accompany the victim to the hospital or police station. How would you feel if you needed help and no one volunteered?