PERSONAL SAFETY

While Alone at Home

1. Women living alone, use first initial rather than first name on Mail box or phone book
2. Relinquish only your car key to garage or parking lot attendants, etc. Always retain custody of house key.
3. Be highly selective in whom you admit (Offenders are often friends or acquaintances of their victims).
4. Require identification of repairmen, servicemen, etc. (Offenders sometimes pose as phone repairmen, policemen, fire inspectors, etc.).
5. Do not let phone caller know you are alone.
6. Keep doors and windows locked.
7. Keep Shades or drapes drawn after dark.

Preparing to go out

1. Determine the safest route of travel (the shortest route may not be the safest).
2. Inform you family of destination, phone number at destination, expected time of arrival and return.
3. Inform the person whom you intend to visit of your expected time of arrival.
4. Carry proper change for phone or emergency use.
5. Leave at least two lights burning in your house.
6. Leave outside entrance lights burning.
7. Lock all windows and doors, including the garage door.
8. Do not hide keys in mail box, above door, under mat, etc.
9. Carry penlight flashlight in your purse.

What to Avoid while out walking

1. Walking alone, if possible.
2. Dangling your purse.
3. Displaying jewelry.
4. Heavily overgrown areas (trees, weeds, shrubbery, etc.).
5. Dark doorways, hallways, and parking lots.
6. Alleys and little traveled side streets.
7. Deserted parks and wooded areas, vacant lots and buildings.
8. Warehouse and industrial areas.
9. High crime rate areas.