Safety Skills

Home

1. Use a peephole to see who’s at the door – don’t automatically open the door.
2. Have deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and USE THEM! Solid core doors are best.  When moving into a new home or apartment, replace or re-key all the locks.
3. Females that live alone should either have unlisted numbers or use their last name and first initial.  They should also avoid having their street address printed in the phone book if possible.
4. Report obscene, threatening or repeated anonymous calls to police.
5. After dark, make sure all window shades, curtains, blinds, etc. are closed.  Make sure all doors and windows are securely locked and the exterior is well-lighted.
6. Strangers should stay outside.  You can make an emergency call for them if necessary.  Ask to see photographic identification from service people and plainclothes police and verify by telephone if in doubt or call police.
7. Report ANY suspicious activity to police at once.
8. If you return home and suspect something is not right, don’t go in – go elsewhere and notify police.
9. Have additional locking devices if your home has sliding glass doors or glass in or near doors.

Driving

1. Keep your windows rolled up and all doors locked at all times.
2. Be AWARE of your surroundings…when parking your car or going to your car, be on the lookout for suspicious persons loitering nearby.
3. Always try to park in a busy, well-lighted location.  
4. When returning to your car, have your key ready beforehand – glance inside, front and rear, to make sure no one is inside, open the door, get inside, and lock it back without delay.
5. Don’t stop for anyone when driving alone in a secluded area, go to a store or other busy place.  If a motorist needs help, go to a telephone where others are and summon assistance.
6. If you feel you are being followed or someone tries to force you to stop, try to get a description and license number, if possible, and drive to the nearest police station or business for help and notify police at once.
7. If you return to your car and it won’t start or has a flat, don’t accept help from a stranger; return inside and summon assistance from someone you know.
8. Having a cellular phone provides excellent security and a means to summon assistance.
9. When going someplace, let someone know when you’re leaving, your route and destination, and instruct them to check on you if you don’t notify them of your arrival after an appropriate length of time.
10. Always be sure you have enough gas to get to your destination.
11. Be cautious about being stopped or approached by plainclothes policemen.  This can be a subterfuge sometimes used to distract women.  Most legitimate police officers will not mind if you refuse to stop for an unmarked car until you get to an open business or public place.  Badges and flashing lights can be purchased by anyone at many places that sell police equipment.
12. When parking in a valet lot or having your car repaired, leave only your car key(s).

Additional

1. If at all possible, arrange to go places such as shopping and jogging with a friend or relative, not by yourself.
2. Always BE AWARE of your surroundings and people around you.  Many criminals do not look like gangsters, but may be articulate, well-dressed, neatly groomed and adept at conning their victims.
3. Hold your purse close, never set it on counters or floors.
4. When out, try to stay in busy, well-lit areas.  Walk with an air of confidence; try not to appear nervous or frightened.  Don’t smile or return compliments or conversation with strangers, regardless of how legitimate they appear.  Be polite and confident, but brief and firm, leaving no doubt that further small talk is not welcome.
5. Carry no more cash than absolutely necessary.  Keep a list of all credit cards licenses, purse contents, at home.  If someone grabs your purse or attempts to rob you, don’t fight back! Give it up rather than risk injury, then notify police immediately.
6. Consider a course in self-defense; this can help you overcome fear and develop self-confidence and are offered at many colleges, YMCAs and fitness centers.
7. It is legal to carry small O.C. pepper spray dispensers; they are effective and they can be purchased at many stores.  Stun guns and other devices may be useful if you are trained in their use, but they can also easily be turned against you.  Carrying a handgun is legal if done so in compliance with Chapter 46 of the Texas Penal Code or by a person issued a Concealed Handgun License after having met the eligibility requirements listed in Sec. 411.172 of the Government Code. 
8. There is no standard response to recommend if confronted by a rapist.  Remember that most rapes are perpetrated by someone the victim knows and many occur in the victim’s home.  If you are sexually assaulted, do not change clothes or linens or wash.  Immediately notify police.