Stay alert and scan your surroundings.
Send a message that you're calm, confident, and know where you're going.
Carry a cell phone to use for emergencies.
Be alert if a stranger engages you in conversation.
Be realistic about your limitations and avoid situations that can put you at risk.
Walking or Jogging
Walk or jog with a companion.
Avoid heavily wooded, poorly lit, and secluded areas.
Walk close to the curb and avoid doorways, bushes, and alleyways.
Do not listen to music or talk on the phone.
Wear bright-colored clothing.
Vary your route if you feel you are being followed.
Attract the attention of others when in trouble.
Safety in and around your vehicle
Observe your surroundings; if you feel uncomfortable, have someone walk with you.
Always have your keys in your hands when walking to your vehicle.
Check your car before entering; look underneath and inside.
If you notice something valuable lying near your car, don't stop to pick it up. It might be a ploy to distract you.
Keep your doors locked and windows up.
When stopped by the police, don't get out of your car. If you doubt the car stopping you is a real officer, flash your lights to acknowledge their request and drive to a populated area before stopping.
If you think you are being followed, don't go home. Drive to a busy store, go inside, and call the police.
Keep your cell phone handy in the event of an emergency.
If you have car trouble, stay in your car with the doors locked and ask someone to call for help.
Safety in public places, shopping, etc.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Dress comfortably and leave your jewelry at home.
Maintain good control of your purse/wallet at all times. Do not leave your bag(s) unattended for any reason. If you have to make a trip to your vehicle to get rid of numerous bags, do so. Remember to be as comfortable as you can at all times.
Think about carrying your wallet in your front pocket.
Keep credit card phone numbers in your cell phone to notify you immediately if any of your cards are lost or stolen.
Notify your credit card company that you will make numerous or large purchases within a certain time frame.
Do not become distracted by people asking for “things”.
Do not leave packages in plain view inside your car; put them in the trunk or out of sight.
When walking through the parking lot to your car, have your car keys in your hand, ready to go.
If you do not feel comfortable walking to your car, request mall/store security for an escort.
Safety while using an ATM
Always pay close attention to the ATM and your surroundings. Don’t select an ATM at the corner of a building — corners create a blind spot. Use an ATM located near the center of a building. Do automated banking in a public, well-lighted location free of shrubbery and decorative partitions or dividers.
Maintain awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction. Be wary of people trying to help you with ATM transactions. Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car nearby. When leaving an ATM, make sure you are not being followed. If you are, drive immediately to a police or fire station or to a crowded, well-lighted location or business.
Do not use an ATM that appears unusual looking or offers options with which you are not familiar or comfortable.
Do not allow people to look over your shoulder as you enter your PIN. Memorize your PIN; never write it on the back of your card. Do not re-enter your PIN if the ATM eats your card — contact a bank official. Cancel the transaction.
Do not wear expensive jewelry or take other valuables to the ATM. This is an added incentive to the assailant.
Never count cash at the machine or in public. Wait until you are in your car or another secure place.
When using a drive-up ATM, keep your engine running and your doors locked, and leave enough room to maneuver between your car and the one ahead of you in the drive-up line.
Maintain a supply of deposit envelopes at home or in your car. Prepare all transaction paperwork before you arrive at the ATM. This will minimize the amount of time spent on the machine.
Closely monitor your bank statements and balances, and immediately report any problems to your bank.
If you are involved in a confrontation with an assailant who demands your money, COMPLY and call the police when it is safe to do so. Remember what the assailant looks like and the vehicle he/she used, if any.
IN THE EVENT OF A ROBBERY
Keep calm; let the robber know you intend to cooperate.
Obey all the robber's orders. Keep all communication with the robber short and simple; don't argue.
Do not fight the robber or use a weapon. Violence will only increase everyone's risk.
Give the robber all the cash and merchandise they demand.
Do not chase or follow the robber.
Be identification-conscious. Observe the robber, their weapon, and their escape vehicle so you can accurately describe them to the police later.
Immediately report the robbery to the police. DO NOT hang up the phone until they arrive.
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