Safety Tips for Women
1. Always be aware of your surroundings
This applies whether you are traveling alone or in groups.
Dont just focus inwardly on your thoughts if
you are alone, or your friends if
you are together. Keep one eye out for your environment, looking out
for
suspicious characters, possible danger, etc. Also, dont assume that because your area has been
"safe"
thus far, that it will continue to be so.
2. Travel in groups
"There is safety in numbers" is not just a cliche.
Its true. Make a point of traveling together with other
sisters, whether its on
public transportation, on campus, in cars, etc.
3. Change the route you normally travel by
If you've taken the same bus, train or road to get to work
or school, change your route. Even if it takes
you a little longer, your safety
is more important. By changing your route, you can avert possible attacks
or
harassment from those who know your schedule, method and route of travel well.
Please note though
that you should avoid short cuts that take you through
unfamiliar or unsafe areas.
4. Look confident
Walk with a straight posture and your arms swinging by your
sides. Avoid slouching or walking like
a victim. This makes you an easy target
for attackers.
5. When riding by public transportation choose the right
seat
If you are riding by bus or train, do not sit on the window
seat as you may be "blocked in" by a
potential assailant. Always
select the seat next to the aisle so that you can quickly leave if necessary.
If you are taking public transportation alone after peak
hours, sit as close to the driver as possible
and/or choose the section of the
bus/train that is most crowded. Try to get a seat near the exit as well.
6. If you are driving alone
Don’t think that if you are in a car, you are safe. Windows
should be up and doors locked even when
driving to avoid unwanted passengers at
intersections. When you are walking to your car, always have
your keys ready,
so that you can quickly get into your car. But don’t just get in right away.
Always check your car
before entering, especially the back, for any intruders.
7. Never leave your car door unlocked
Even if it means for one minute to drop something off in the
mailbox that is a few feet away.
Attackers have been known to lie in wait for
such an opportunity.
8. Be careful in parking lots
Always be alert in parking lots, especially when it's dark.
Ask someone to escort you to your car.
Between cars and inside cars, it's easy
for someone to hide and wait until an un alert person comes along.
9. If you are traveling by taxi
Always check the identification of the driver (usually
located near the visor) and ensure that it matches
the driver. Once inside,
don't sit behind the driver as it may be easy for the driver to lock the rear
passenger door. Always choose the adjacent seat .
In addition, avoid flagging taxis. Always order taxis so the
driver can be traced if something happens.
10. Dont use a walkman
If you are used to listening to your walkman while outside,
drop this habit, especially in isolated areas.
With your walkman on, you cannot
hear the approach of a possible attacker.
11. Note "safe houses" along your route
Mentally note houses at intervals on each route you take
that can be used as "safe houses" if you are attacked, such as shops
or houses that you know to be occupied by a friend or acquaintance.
12. When you make a call from a phone booth
After dialing the number you wish to call always turn around
so that you have your back to the phone
and may see who or what is coming your
way. You will then be able to tell the person to whom you are speaking that you
may be in trouble and you may be able to use the weight of the phone as a
weapon.
The door of a telephone box could be used to wedge in the limbs of the
attacker.
13. Do not open the door of your home without checking
DO NOT open the door to your home without first checking
from a window, peephole or by asking and verifying who it is. Instruct children
to do the same.
14. Report any suspicious activity around your home
If you see people loitering on the streets near your house,
call the police on a non emergency number
and report it.
15. Always have your mobile phone with you
This is an invaluable safety device. Keep it with you at all
times and keep emergency numbers on it.
Also, keep it next to your bed before
you go to bed at night. Mobile phones were first popularized
by women as a
security device, business people came later.
16. Parking tips
Avoid parking in areas that are not well lit. Where
possible, park close to a school or work entrance
or in a parking garage that
has an attendant. If you see a suspicious person approaching or hanging
around
near your parked car, turn around and go back to an area where there are other
people.
Try to get an escort to your car through the campus or job security or
local police.
17. Tell others about your whereabouts
Parents, spouses and friends should know where you are going
and when you will be back, so that
your absence will be noticed. Arrange a call
in system with a friend if you live alone, whereby you
call when you arrive
home.
18. Trust your instincts
If you are walking somewhere and feel strange or scared,
don’t ignore this feeling. Take extra
precautions by walking a little faster to
get to a more populated or well-lit area or change the
route you have been driving on.
19. If you think you are being followed, change your route
and activity.
You can cross the street, change directions, or enter a
populated building or store. Do whatever
is necessary to avoid being alone with
the person who is following you. Inform a police officer or
security official
about the follower.
20. Attract attention if you are in a dangerous situation.
Get others to pay attention to what's happening to you if
you are under attack or being harassed.
You can alert others by honking a car
horn or loudly describing what is happening.
21. NEVER admit that you are alone
If someone calls your home and asks if you are alone, NEVER
admit it. Ask who the caller is. If they
refuse to identify themselves, calmly
hang up. Keep the radio on in the house so that callers will get the impression
that others are in the home too. Instruct children to do the same when they
pick up the phone.
22. Obscene phone calls
If you receive an obscene call or a crank call, do not talk
to the caller. Hang up if the caller doesn’t
say anything, or as soon as s/he
shouts obscenities. Hang up the phone calmly and do not slam it down.
Note down
the date and time of the calls. If they are persistent, inform local police.
23. If you are a student
Avoid studying in isolated classrooms in parts of the
college campus that are not regularly patrolled
by the schools security
officers.
24. In large buildings take the elevator, not the stairwell
Stairwells are usually quiet and dark. Most people take the
elevator. But if someone creepy gets in,
don't hesitate to get off at the same
time. Or, if someone is already in the elevator who you feel strange about, do
not get in and wait for the next elevator.
Please Share with all women....Thanks
