Personal Safety

• Have a plan and be prepared to use it.
• Trusting your instincts and avoiding dangerous situations can prevent many problems.
• Be constantly mindful of persons around you. Keep your head up and your eyes moving. 
• Always know your location and where you can find help. Become comfortable in your surroundings, but do not become lax in your approach to personal safety.
• Walk close to curbs and away from doors and bushes.
• Walk with confidence.
• Carry a shoulder-strap purse so that it hangs straight down from your shoulder, suspended between your arm and body.
• Carry handbags tucked under your arm, with any flaps facing your body.  
• Always check your vehicle before entering. As you approach the vehicle from a distance, remember to look beneath it in case any predator is laying in wait.
• Have your keys in hand as you approach your car, office, or house.
• If you think you are being followed, stay on busy streets.  If you have any doubts, drive to a police station, fire house, well lighted gas station or public place.
• Avoid secluded/private places. A criminals’ best weapon is anonymity. Denying privacy is your best defense.
• Choose a well-lit ATM, and have someone with you when using the machine at night. The best time to get your money is in the morning. Plan ahead so you can avoid having to use an ATM at odd hours.
• Avoid drive-up ATM machines. Many of these ATMs are positioned so that the machine is between you and passing traffic. They are usually in the rear of the bank parking area, away from the road. This provides excellent "cover" for criminals.