I. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR TRANSPORTATION

A. Public Transportation (buses, taxies, subways, trains)

1. Do not fall asleep on any of the above modes of transportation; stay awake and alert at all times.
2. Do not flash valuables; jewelry, etc.
3. Keep all valuables in front of body.
4. Keep a distance from path of upcoming transportation.
5. Do not let someone stand directly behind you when waiting for transportation, they could easily
push you in the path of a vehicle.
6. When waiting for transportation, try to mingle in with the crowd, a lone traveler is an easy target.
7. When carrying valuables, (pocketbooks, briefcase, camera, case, etc.) keep them close to your body.
(between legs or hold them). Do not place them down on the seat.
8. Do not flash a lot of money when paying for a fare or ticket.
9. Stay in a well lit area, do not wait in dark areas.
10. Never board empty subway cars, always try to board the central area of transportation. Most people
get on and remain there (trains, subways).
11. Make the most use out of public transportation. Minimize your walking distance.
12. Do not use public transportation if you have been drinking excessively or are ill. You will
become a target in a danger zone.
13. When getting off public transportation terminals, always take note of your environment and people
in it.
14. Bathrooms in public transportation terminals are very dangerous. Be aware of surroundings when
using these facilities.

B. Private Transportation (cars)

1. Keep all doors locked.
2. Check back seat before getting into vehicle.
3. Keep window 3/4 way up when stopped at a traffic light.
4. Have keys ready before going out to a car.
5. When a car breaks down, unlock hood and raise it. Get back into the car and try to have someone
call the police.
6. Be aware of your surroundings while walking to your car. Make sure that no one is following you.
7. As you approach your car, check underneath it.
8. Do not flash a large amount of money when paying.
9. Avoid driving your vehicle through areas that you know are crime infested.
10. If you left your car in good condition and it does not start when you come back, be suspicious
immediately .
a. Do not accept unsolicited offers of assistance.
b. Do not unlock the door to admit a stranger.
c. If you see a motorist who needs assistance, drive to a phone and send assistance, do not top.
11. When valet parking, take house keys of a key rings. Also, remove any other valuables and or paper
which may indicate home address.
12. Do not display accessories, such as tape players or CB radios, where they will attract a thief’s
attention.
13. Do not get out of your car in a dark, remote location even if you have been involved in a car
accident. Drive to an open service station, or business and call police. Accidents may be deliberate.
14. While you are driving if you believe someone is following you.

DO NOT…
a. Pull of to the side of the road to see if the person will pass.
b. Travel down side streets.
c. Go home.
d. Panic

DO…
a. Pull into a well lit gas station or store and see if the other person also pulls in or goes about his
travels.
b. Stay on well lit heavily traveled streets.
c. Keep windows rolled up and doors locked.
d. Slow down your pace so you are observed by other vehicles, beep horn if necessary.
e. Drive directly to police station, fire station or hospital emergency room.
f. If the follower panics and speeds past your car, be sure to get license number.

15. If someone attempts to enter your car at a stoplight or stop sign, drive away, sounding your horn,
even if it means running a red light. In general, turn to the right when driving away.

C. Street Security (walking, jogging, bike riding)

1. Do not carry more money or valuables than you can afford to lose.
2. If approached by a robber, cooperate-surrender your valuables.
3. If the robber attempts to physically harm you, defend yourself.
4. Walk on the side of the street facing oncoming traffic.
5. On a busy street carry your purse or briefcase on the side furthest from the curb.
6. Carry a shoulder strap purse so that it hangs straight down from shoulder; suspended between your
arm and body. The strap should not cross you body.
7. Carry handbags with a short strap as you would a football, with your arm place through the strap.
8. If you are being followed on a well traveled street, slow down speed up, reverse direction in other
words indicate to your pursuer that you are aware of him. Then go straight for help.
9. If followed on a deserted street, walk briskly to a well lit and populated area. Do not run straight
for home unless help is available.
10. Running, screaming and use of loud whistle are recommended defensive weapons. Do not keep
whistles around neck.
11. If you must carry large amounts of money, do not keep it all in one place.
12. Do not carry keys in the same place as identification that would tell a robber where to find a door
which the key fits.
13. Avoid walking the streets alone after dark. Utilize taxi cabs wherever practical.
14. If you must walk alone at night, do not walk near cars parked at the curb or close to doorways or
shrubbery which could conceal a mugger.
15. If necessary do not hesitate to walk in the street.
16. If you must walk the streets at night regularly, vary your routine to minimize the possibility of
someone’s lying in wait to assault you.

II. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR VULNERABLE
ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS

A. Indoor Areas

1. Stand near button panel while in elevator so you will be able to get out in the event of an
emergency. If your need help do not hesitate to press alarm button.
2. If someone makes you nervous in an elevator, get off immediately and re-enter on next trip.
3. Carefully check all lobbies and vestibules for suspicious individual before entering.
4. If an attacker attempts to follow you into a vestibule or room immediately press your foot against
the door. This will temporarily keep him out and possible discourage them.
5. When you are entering your apartment building and a stranger enters with you, pretend that you are
a visitor, press the buzzer and wait. If the stranger is admitted as a visitor then proceed to enter your
apartment.
6. Be aware of any strangers in your apartment building. Avoid stairwells unless absolutely necessary.
Always listen for footsteps and noises.

B. Outdoor Areas

1. When walking to a car always remain aware of surroundings. Walk on the side of the street facing
oncoming traffic.
2. Never walk close to alleys, stairwells, or entrance ways.
3. When walking in a crowded parking lot, do not walk in between or directly next to parked cars,
someone may be waiting there. Walk slowly in the aisle and always be looking.
4. Do not park in isolated areas of a parking lot.
5. Keep a safe distance from strangers in cars when asking for directions or inquires.
6. Before entering a tunnel or corridor survey the area to make sure you can get through safely.
7. When you are alone, you became a prime target. If you have to go through an isolated area wait
until other people come along and walk through with them.
8. When walking to areas, be leery of people stopping you and asking for change, directions, time,
cigarettes, etc.
9. If you are being followed on a well traveled street slow down, speed up, reverse direction; in other
words indicate to your pursuer that you are aware of him. Then go straight for help.
10. If followed on a deserted street, walk briskly to other people of stores.
11. If followed, do not run straight for home unless help is available.
12. Running, scramming (fire) and use of a loud whistle are good defensive weapons. Whistles should
not be kept around your neck. Your pursuer may use the rope or chain to choke you.
13. Avoid walking streets alone at night. Use taxicabs whenever practical.
14. If you must walk streets regularly at night, vary your route to minimize the possibility of someone
lying in wait to assault you.

III. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD

1. Organize Citizens Watch Patrol. Citizens that get involved with their neighborhood make it a safe
neighborhood.
2. Be aware of strangers. If someone looks suspicious, do not hesitate to contact the police. They will
send a car over to investigate.
3. If you see a strange car, be sure to get a description and plate number.
4. Parents organization cooperating with schools and police department can aid in the protection of
your community.
5. Children should stay away from strangers and never take gifts from anyone.
6. Teach your children to take a populated route to school. Never cut through anyone’s backyard. Stay
with a friend. The buddy system is always the best way.
7. Make sure a neighbor whom you can trust is aware of the times that you are away so they can keep
and eye on your property.
8. If you have a baby-sitter in your home, know who they are and be sure that they are aware of
everything to do in the event of an emergency. Leave an emergency phone number and number
where you can be reached.
9. Learn to get involved and care about each other. There’s safety in numbers.
10. Take the needed steps to make your neighborhood well lit.