• Wherever you are - on the street in an office building or shopping mall, driving, waiting for a bus or subway - stay alert and attuned to your surroundings.
 • Send the message that you're calm. confident. and know where you're going.
 • Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy. avoid the person or leave.
 • Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check out the locations of police and fire stations. Public telephones, hospitals. and restaurants. or stores that are open late.
 • Have to work late? Make sure others are in the building, ask someone - a colleague or security guard – to walk you to your car or transit stop. If you're a college student, don't hesitate to use your campus escort service.
 • If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant, or lighted house. If you're scared, yell for help

To the Car and On the Road

 • Walk to and from your car with purpose and stay alert.
 • Approach your car with the key in hand. Look around and inside the car before entering.
 • Be wary of people asking for directions or handing out flyers.
 • Trust your instincts - if something makes you feel uneasy, get into the car, lock the doors, and drive away.
 • Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up (at least part-way, if it's hot and you don't have air conditioning), no matter how short the distance or how safe the neighborhood.
 • Don't stop to assist a stranger whose car is broken down. Drive to the nearest phone and call the police to help.
 • Park in well-lit areas, near sidewalks or walkways. Avoid parking near dumpsters, woods, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility.
 • Do everything you can to keep a stranger from getting into your car or to keep a stranger from forcing you into  his or her car.

Public Transportation

 • Use well-lit, busy bus and subway stops.
 • On buses and subways, stay alert! Don't doze or daydream.
 • If someone harasses you, don't be embarrassed. Loudly say, "Leave me alone!" If that doesn't work, hit the emergency device.
 • Watch who gets off the bus and/or subway with you. If you feel uneasy, walk directly to a place where there are other people.

At Home

Make sure you have your keys out as you approach your door.

 • Make sure your entrance area is well lighted.
 • If you live in an apartment or dormitory, don't be polite and hold the lobby door open for a stranger who has been waiting.
 • List only your last name and first initial in your mailbox.

On the Town

 • Do not accept drinks from anyone if you did not see them prepared.
 • Do not leave your drink unattended for any period of time.
 • Always inform a family member or friend of your whereabouts.
 • When entering a bar or club, always know where emergency exits are located in case of a fire or other emergencies.
 • Be familiar with your surroundings (street names, landmarks, etc.): this specific information will be needed to locate you in case of emergency.
 • Do not drink and drive or accept a ride from anyone who has been drinking.

 Designate a driver who will not drink.

 • Do not leave your bag unattended.
 • Arrange a buddy system with a friend and always watch after each other.
 • Never leave a bar or club with a stranger.
 • Carry a cell phone. When possible, call 911 if you are being harassed.
 • Always carry enough money for a taxi.