Personal Safety (Return to)

When Walking

• Know where you are going and walk assertively, even in familiar areas.
• Avoid overloading yourself with parcels, or wearing clothing or shoes that may restrict your ability to run. Glance over your shoulder periodically, and be alert when walking past alleys, bushes, trees or parked cars.
• If you think someone is following you, go to a public place where there are other people, rather than your home. If the person is obviously in pursuit, run, yell, and bring attention to yourself.
• If the person follows you to a telephone booth, dial 0 or 911. If you are unable to speak, let the phone dangle.
• If someone is following you in a vehicle, turn and walk the other way. If harassing comments have been made, write down the license number of the vehicle, and a description of the occupant(s), and report this to the police.
• Try to arrange transportation to avoid walking alone at night. Otherwise walk on a well-lighted, well- traveled streets.
• If you find yourself without a ride, it would be better to call a friend for a ride, or take a taxi, than to take the risk of hitchhiking.
• If you walk or run at the same time each day, vary your route. Avoid taking shortcuts through alleys, abandoned lots or fields.

In Your Home

In A Vehicle