As the seasons change and the weather gets warmer, people become more active outdoors. Here are a few important personal safety tips for staying secure during the warmer season.
Stay Protected this Summer with Expert Safety Tips
1. Wallet
If you carry a wallet, always make sure that it’s in your front pocket. You don’t want to become a target for pickpocketing, so avoid using your back pocket.
2. High-Traffic Areas
Always walk, jog or run in well-lit, high-traffic areas, even during daytime hours. Never take shortcuts through parking lots or alleys. Avoid parks during dusk.
3. Facing the Traffic
When walking on a sidewalk near a street, always walk facing the traffic to avoid being surprised by someone in a vehicle.
4. Eye Contact
If someone is walking behind or approaching you and you are unsure of their intent, make direct eye contact with them to let the person know that you are aware, you seem them and that you will not be a victim.
It also helps to observe and make a mental note of their distinct facial features and details like:
- Hair color and length
- Eye color
- Beard
- Tattoos
- Piercings
Just try to remember everything you possibly can about the person.
5. Switching Directions
If you think that you’re being followed, abruptly switch directions or walk into a police station, fire station, hospital, business or public place to ask for help.
6. In Case of Emergency
In your cell phone contacts, program “ICE,” which stands for “in case of emergency,” and link it to a family member or a friend. At least make sure it’s someone you trust to call the police, firemen or other authorities if you are unable to call for yourself.
7. 9-1-1
Always program 9-1-1 into the direct dial feature of your cell phone.
8. Distractions
Remember, talking on your cell phone or listening to headphones in public makes you easy prey for criminals. Always leave one ear open to hear what’s going on around you, so you will be able to react when needed.
9. Changing your Routine
Change your walking and/or exercise routine from time to time. Plan different routes with landmarked “safe places” where you could go in the event that something happens.
10. Keys
When approaching your residence or vehicle, never fumble in your pocket, purse or bag for keys; have them in your hand prior to reaching the door.
11. Car
When approaching your parked car, do not unlock the doors right away. Pass the vehicle and come back. Look and make sure that no one is hiding in or around your vehicle, especially in the back seat, before you get in.
12. Public Transportation
When using public transportation, cover your jewelry. Also, turn stone rings towards the palm of your hand.
13. Space
Always keep your space from people around you.
- Intimate space is 0 to 1.5 feet
- Personal space is 1.5 to 4 feet
- Social space is 4 to 12 feet
- Public space is 12 feet or more
Incorporate these handy safety tips into your daily routine to stay safe this summer.