Safety While Hiking: Enjoying Your Time Outdoors

The Hiker Responsibility Code is a set of principles that all hikers can look to before they hit the trail. Similar to the Skier’s Responsibility Code endorsed by the National Ski Areas Association, the Hiker Responsibility Code was created to help hikers become more self aware about their responsibility for their own safety every time they are on a hike. It also acknowledges the inherent danger of hiking in the backcountry, and encourages hikers to be better prepared every time they are on the trail. The Hiker Responsibility Code was developed and is endorsed by the White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire Fish and Game.

Hiker Responsibility Code

You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared…

1. …with knowledge and gear. Become self-reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start
2. …to leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans.
3. …to stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest              person.
4. …to turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect   your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
5. …for emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
6. …to share the hiker code with others.

Travel responsibly on designated roads, trails and areas.

• Stay on the trail even if it is rough or muddy.
• Walk single file to avoid widening the trail.
• Spread out in open country where there are no trails rather than following each others’ footsteps—this avoids creating a new trail and disperses your impact on the land.
• Comply with all signs and respect barriers. Buddy up with two or three hikers to reduce vulnerability in case of an accident.

Respect the rights of others

• Respect the rights of others, including private property owners, all recreational trail users, campers and others so they can enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.
• Be considerate of others on the road or trail.
• Leave any gates as you found them.
• Proceed with caution around horses and pack animals. Sudden, unfamiliar activity may spook animals, putting you in danger.
• When you encounter horses on the trail, move to the downhill side of the trail. Stop and ask the rider the best way to proceed.
• Keep your companion animals under control to protect yourself, other people and wildlife.
• If crossing private property ALWAYS ask permission from the landowner.
• Keep noise to a minimum.

Educate yourself and take care

Educate yourself prior to a trip by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes and knowing how to operate your equipment safely.

• Obtain a map of your destination and determine which areas are open to you.
• Make a realistic plan and stick to it. Always tell someone your travel plans.
• Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures and permit requirements.
• Check the weather forecast for your destination and plan accordingly for supplies, clothing and equipment. Don’t neglect appropriate footwear in all weather.
• Carry a compass or a GPS unit and know how to use it.
• Carry water and emergency supplies even on short hikes.
• Dress in layers and always carry a jacket to be prepared for quickly-changing weather conditions.
• Never allow the weight of your pack to exceed one third of your body weight.
• Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands, streams, seasonal nesting or breeding areas.
• Do not disturb historical, archeological or paleontological sites.
• Keep your distance from wildlife.
• Remember that motorized and mechanical vehicles are not allowed in designated Wilderness Areas.

Do your part

Do your part by modeling appropriate behavior, leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species and restoring degraded areas.

The longest journey begins with a single step. Lao Tsu, Tao Te Ching

Good Safety Habits & Tips to Keep Your Home Safe

Safety doesn’t take a lot of time, but it does take thought and planning.  To build maximum protection for your home, you need to consider two levels of threat. The kind you, your family or guests can create accidentally and the kind that burglars or vandals can create deliberately.  To address the first kind of threat, make a commitment to safety by reviewing the suggestions below and selecting a few to launch your personal home safety campaign

Protecting Your Home from Internal Threats

FIRE SAFETY

19 GOOD SAFETY HABITS

Protecting Your Home from External Threats

A state-of-the-art security system is always the best protection for your home, and the extensive range of available systems, at varied prices, makes looking into this solution well worth your time and effort.  But it also makes sense, whether you’re home or away on vacation, to take a few simple safety precautions on your own:

When you’re away from home for extended periods, be sure to take the following steps:

Your home is the place where you need to feel safe—a little forethought and planning can help keep you and your family secure in your home…whatever its size and location!

Safety Tips for Travelers

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you should be careful to ensure a good trip by being protective of yourself and your belongings. Here are some helpful safety tips:

• Verify the identity of the person at the door in a hotel or motel before allowing the individual into your room. If the person claims to be an employee, call the front desk and ask if someone from their staff is supposed to have access to your room and for what purpose.
• Use the main entrance of the hotel when returning to your hotel or motel late in the evening.
• Close the door securely whenever you are in your room and use all of the locking devices provided.
• Keep track of your guest room keys at all times. Do not display them in public or leave them on restaurant tables, at the swimming pool or other places where they can be easily stolen.
• Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying cash or jewelry.
• Do not invite strangers to your room.
• Place all valuables in a room safe or in the facility’s safe deposit box.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
• Check any sliding glass doors or windows and any connecting room doors to see that they are locked.
• Report any suspicious activity that you observe to the management.
• Discreetly carry a map and be familiar with the area you are visiting. Plan trips in advance.
• Do not leave purses or pocketbooks on the back of a chair when dining out; keep them in your lap and in sight.
• Keep your wallet in the front pocket of pants or a jacket pocket, not in the rear pocket.
• Secure all electronic devices (such as laptops, telephones, PDAs) under lock when not in use.
• Be careful in and around elevators. Do not get in an elevator if you feel uncomfortable about anyone who is in or near the car. Once inside, try to stay close to the controls and the emergency alarm.
• Be observant and look around before entering parking lots.
• Park in a well-lighted area near an exit. Learn the layout of any parking garage so that you know the quickest routes out.
• Have your keys ready and in hand before entering the garage or parking area. Taking time to search for keys, especially at night, can make you a vulnerable target.
• Always be judicious in your use of alcohol; keep your senses sharp in any new or unfamiliar environment.
• Set your home alarm system and double check all doors and windows before leaving for a trip.

Traveling out of the United States

The U.S. State Department site has a fact sheet for every country detailing current health risks, security concerns and areas to avoid. Also, see http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country for details on conditions, rules and regulations by country.

Traveling can be pleasant and productive as long as you use good sense and remember to stay vigilant about your safety wherever you may go.

Protection Against Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

If these experiences are happening to you, you might feel hopeless, ashamed, desperate, confused and alone.  You may not want to tell other people about your situation because you feel afraid, embarrassed or fear for the safety of your children, parents or other vulnerable members of your household.  You are NOT ALONE and you can find help.

Here are some signs of an abusive relationship that may result in domestic violence

• You are afraid of your partner’s temper
• You are overly concerned about what kind of mood your partner is in
• Your partner prevents you from seeing your friends or family, or alienates them so that they are uncomfortable being around him
• Your partner threatens to hurt or kill you, your children, your family, friends or pets
• Your partner yells at you, reprimands you or demeans you in public
• Your partner calls you names, insults you, threatens you with or actually commits sexual violence against you
• Your partner hits, slaps, pushes or shoves you, pulls your hair or inflicts physical injury on you in any way
• Your partner prevents you from getting or keeping a job
• Your partner keeps you from leaving the house or locks you out of the house.

There’s no reason to accept or tolerate this behavior from a spouse or domestic partner. If you need help, here’s what you can do:

• Leave your home or have someone stay with you.

• Go to a battered-women’s shelter.

• Get medical attention from your doctor or hospital emergency room.  Ask the staff to photograph your injuries and keep detailed records in case you decide to take legal action.

• Communicate with someone who can help—a trusted friend or family member, an advocate or domestic hotline counselor, your priest or minister, your doctor.

• Have a plan for where to go when you escape the home situation.  If you don’t have a car, think of a safe place nearby where someone can pick you up.  Also, know the routes to pubic transportation closest to your house.

• If you have an Order of Protection, keep it on you at all times and keep a copy of it somewhere safe.

• Establish a code word you can use with a friend to indicate your need for help when you are in trouble but unable to speak freely.  When your friend hears that word, it means “Call 911”.

• If you live alone and are in fear, consider installing an alarm system to not only protect your house when you are away, but to also have emergency features accessible from all rooms of the house.

Decide how you and your children would get out of your home if necessary

• Know a pathway you can use at night.  Think of public places you can access 24 hours a day.  Know the quickest route to the police station, hospital, fire station and well-lighted stores in your area.

• If you leave by car, lock all doors immediately.

• Keep your essential belongings—ID, cash, credit cards, keys—in a safe and quickly accessible place at all times.

• Know the best route out of your home, room or apartment building.

If you are afraid your partner will harass you at work, make an escape route.  Also, give a photo of your abuser to a supervisor you trust and to building security if available and make sure the person will NOT be allowed inside.  Give a copy of your Order of Protection to personnel who will help ensure your safety at work.

Most important, know that this situation is not your fault.  Record incidents of abuse in detail, with photographs of injuries whenever possible, and be prepared to report the acts committed against you to authorities.  Do not let your fear of your partner keep you from halting this dangerous pattern of behavior.

You can only get help if you seek it.

Protect Children From Kidnapping And Stranger Danger

Each year, approximately 58,000 missing children are abducted by non-family members. Typically, strangers who kidnap children commit their crimes with intent to harm their young victims.  In nearly 80 percent of non-family child abductions cases, the victim is sexually assaulted or physically abused by the perpetrator.  Every day, these offenders lure unsuspecting children into vehicles and homes.  Because most of these kids are not prepared for the reality of “stranger danger”, they tend to trust unknown adults.

• Tell your children to always walk or play in groups.  Predators search for isolated targets such as children who are walking alone or playing alone.  If you see a friend or neighbor’s young child walking alone, make sure to include that particular neighbor in your stranger-danger strategy.  For instance, you could suggest a buddy or carpool plan to get neighboring children to and from school.

• You should always know where your kids are going, even if they leave the house with another trusted adult.  If your children spend time at their friends’ homes, you should discuss a mutual child-watch plan with other parents.  If your children are young, explain to these parents that you do not allow your children to play outside unsupervised.  Promise to keep a similar close watch on their children when they play at your house.

• If your children walk or ride their bikes to other nearby houses, designate safe places for your child to run if threatened by a stranger.

• Keep a list of phone numbers of other nearby parents and offer your numbers to these parents.  You can quickly check on the location of your children if needed.

• Teach your kids about strangers.  Tell them that a stranger is any adult they do not know. Introduce your children to other parents you trust.  Meet the children of these parents, so you will become a familiar face to the kids.  Ideally, these children will be able to pick out a few friendly adults in a crowd of strangers.

• In addition to other parents, your kids should know which strangers are safe.  Store clerks, police officers, teachers, people who are behind desks in office buildings, mail-carriers and mothers with children are generally safe strangers.  Explain to your children that they can trust these strangers if they ever need help and they cannot locate an adult they recognize.  Teach your children that stores, schools, libraries and restaurants are all safe public places where they can run if they are in jeopardy.

• Practice a secret code word with your children.  Choose a word that would not be easy for a stranger to guess.  Use this code word when another adult is required to transport your child.  Tell your kids they should never get into a car with someone who does not know the code word.  Share the code word with your children and other adults you trust.  Change the word as often as needed.

• Teach your kids about the common lures used by abductors.  Often, a kidnapper appeals to victims by asking the child to help find a lost animal.  Sometimes, the stranger will ask a child for directions.  Occasionally, abductors know the child’s name or the names of the child’s parents.  Perpetrators attempt to use this knowledge to gain the child’s trust.  You should tell your children that adults ask other adults for help when they are truly searching for lost pets, or when they need any other type of assistance.  Also, repeat to your children the importance of the family code word.  If a stranger knows the child’s name, but does not mention the code word, that stranger is probably a threat.

• Practice screaming with your children.  If a stranger attempts to talk to or grab your children, your children should know to shout, “No!” or “Fire!”  Try to recruit the help of other parents.  The group of your children can rehearse screaming at strangers by role-playing.

• Run, yell, and tell!  It makes sense to teach children as early as the age of four about what to do when being attacked by a stranger:  RUN, MAKE NOISE, TELL SOMEONE  Show your children some “safety havens” along routes usually taken so they know where to seek help—a police station, fire station, church, and retail shops.

Safe Winter Driving Tips

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.  Driving in the winter means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers.  If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared and that you know how to handle road conditions  To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.

WINTERIZE YOUR CAR

NECESSARY EQUIPMENT

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES

DRIVING SAFELY ON ICY ROADS

IF YOUR REAR WHEELS SKID

IF YOUR FRONT WHEELS SKID

IF YOU GET STUCK

IF YOU BECOME STRANDED

Neighborhood Watches Are More Important Than Ever

While it’s important to have a home security and safety plan for your house and your property, it’s really worth considering your neighborhood as well. Especially, during an economic downturn, neighborhood watch groups are proving to be a first line of defense in battling property crimes. Matt Peskin, Executive Director of the National Association of Town Watch, estimates that there are about 20,000 neighborhood watch groups nationwide, and reports that there has been an increase in requests for information on starting groups from all over the country including urban, suburban and rural communities.

Martin Floss, Director of the Institute for Law and Justice at Hilbert College in Hamburg, New York, said that as the economy worsens, property crimes tend to increase. “Well-trained neighborhood watch groups can be great assets to local law enforcement,” Floss said. “If you can get people to organize, to look out for each other and to work closely with the police, that is only going to do good things,” he said.

Neighborhood Watch provides citizens with the opportunity to make their neighborhoods safer and improve the quality of life. All Neighborhood Watches share one basic idea: that bringing community members together to reestablish control of their neighborhoods promotes an increased quality of life and reduces the crime rate in that area. The reason for this effectiveness is rather simple: Involving community members in watch programs decreases opportunities for criminals to commit crime. Neighborhood Watch programs generally follow one or both of two approaches: opportunity reduction or social problems.

THE OPPORTUNITY REDUCTION APPROACH focuses on crime reduction through observation to restore informal control and a strong sense of neighborhood. Neighborhoods can post signs showing a Neighborhood Watch is in effect, and can make its presence known through public meetings and local advertising. These public statements help de-victimize neighborhoods and broadcast citizen-readiness to potential criminals.

THE SOCIAL PROBLEMS APPROACH typically addresses certain issues in the neighborhood that may be linked with higher levels of crime. Programs that target youth, such as athletic activities, drug programs, tutoring, etc., are often offered. The main goal of these programs is to provide young people with alternative and positive activities that not only occupy their time, but also prove them with opportunities to increase their skills and their self-image—and to become assets—not threats–to their neighborhoods.

Starting and Maintaining a Neighborhood Watch
What does it take to start and maintain an effective Neighborhood Watch Program? Here are five fundamental steps:

• MAP OUT STRATEGIES that address the problems in your area. From the beginning stages of a Neighborhood Watch effort, it is essential to involve the neighborhood and identify ways to deal with the specific local crime patterns.

• BUILD A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND RESIDENTS. This is not always an easy hurdle to overcome since citizens are often angry with law enforcement for not doing anything about the crime problem in their community. For a Neighborhood Watch program to be successful, it is essential that officers understand the needs of a neighborhood and work as role models for neighborhood crime prevention efforts.

• ASSESS THE NEEDS OF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. In many cases, law enforcement and community members do not have the same focus. For instance, law enforcement may be focusing their attention on addressing major crimes throughout the city while community members may be more concerned about local crimes such as bicycle thefts or graffiti, which are considered minor from a police standpoint. Effective Neighborhood Watch programs unite law enforcement and residents and encourage them to collectively determine what problems should be addressed and how.

• SELECT AND TRAIN AN ACTIVE BODY OF VOLUNTEERS led by organized, motivated and locally respected leaders. Without motivation and organization, volunteers may be uninspired to participate and will quit out of frustration.

• DEVELOP MEANINGFUL PROJECTS. Often, after a Neighborhood Watch has addressed its original issue, members lose interest. It is important for leaders to remain enthusiastic. Constantly create and embark upon new projects so that there is always a goal towards which the team is aspiring. Projects may include building a neighborhood playground or painting over graffiti, for instance.

Even with all of these steps in place, success does not happen overnight. Creating truly effective Neighborhood Watch programs takes patience, planning, and enthusiasm. Since studies show that once a Neighborhood Watch program deteriorates, criminals notice and quickly resume illegal activities, there is certainly motivation to strive towards success.

There are many ways in which the Neighborhood Watch concept can be put to use. One of the most important elements is to make sure that every person involved knows what to do when suspicious activity is noticed. For more details on how to start and maintain a successful Neighborhood Watch program in your area, see USAonWatch.org, a program of the National Sheriffs’ Association and the national site for neighborhood crime watch information.

Fire Safety 101

Did you know that nationwide, every three hours a civilian dies from a house fire? It is very important to be well educated and prepared on how you can help to prevent fires from starting in the first place, and what to do if you encounter a fire.

Most Common Types of Fires:

Heating Fires – Heating fires are the second leading cause of house fires in America. Heating fires can be caused by a number of appliances; from central heating, wood or coal heaters and portable heaters. It is very important to ensure that you properly clean and filter all of your heating devices according to the manuals instructions. With portable heaters, make sure that they stand clear of any objects and that they have enough room for ventilation. If possible, try to only purchase models that offer safety features such as automatic shut off.

Smoking Fires – Most smoking fires are a result of a cigarette being abandoned or forgotten about. If you are going to smoke, it is important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Some ways to help prevent smoking fires is to never smoke in bed, don’t smoke if you are tired, and don’t smoke around furniture. Smoking fires can easily be prevented.

Electric Fires – Electric fires are mainly caused due to overloaded circuits or faulty wiring. In order to help prevent electrical fires from starting in the first place, be sure to check your electrical appliances and wiring often. Keep electrical appliances as far away from wet areas as possible; especially the bathroom.

Cooking Fires – Cooking fires can be caused by a number of situations such as forgetting something on the stove, or faulty kitchen equipment. It is important to stay focused when you are cooking so that you don’t forget about something you put in the oven. An easy way to help you in doing this is to set a kitchen timer. If a grease fire emerges, do not throw water on it because the water will splatter the flames. Instead, try to cover the fire so put out the flames.

Helpful Tips:

Invest in a smoke detector – Make sure that your smoke detector is on at all times. Be sure to routinely check your smoke detector to make sure that it is working properly.

Create a Fire Escape Plan – Plan out and practice a fire escape plan with your family and loved ones. Be sure to have an alternative plan.

Make exiting a priority – The second you realize there is a fire, try to escape right away. Don’t waste your time trying to gather your belongings. Make escaping your focus, to help protect your safety.

Feel the Door – When exiting the room you are in, feel the door with the back of your hand as high up as you can reach as a sign if there is a fire on the other side. If it is hot, seek an alternative route. If it is cold, open it a crack to check if the fire is on the other side.

Call 911 – Try to call 911 as soon as you are safe. Ask a neighbor if you can use their phone to call local authorities.

While we all hope to never encounter a dangerous fire situation, it is important to be well aware of what can cause fires, how to help prevent them from starting, and what to do in the event of a fire.

Hazzards in Your Household

We all want to help keep our families safe, but sometimes that may be a challenge when some of the most dangerous chemicals can be found right in our everyday household supplies. It is important to know the basic information about hazardous materials to help keep your loved ones safe around the house.

Mercury – One drop alone of mercury can contaminate over one million gallons of water. Mercury evaporates into the air, turning into a colorless and odorless vapor, which means that you can also get mercury poisoning through inhalation. So what everyday products in your household contain this deadly toxic metal you ask? Mercury is in a number of household supplies such as Mercury Thermometers, Thermostats with Mercury, Standard Fluorescent Lamps, and much more. One way to avoid Mercury exposure is to only purchase products with mercury when it is absolutely necessary. Try swapping out your mercury products with substitute products such as a digital or spirit-filled thermometer instead of a mercury thermometer. Be sure to properly dispose of any mercury containing devices. Most states offer a household hazardous waste collection program so call your local city hall to find out more.

CFL Blubs – Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs were initially intended to help fight global warming and to help save energy costs, but with further research, scientists are finding that CFL’s can be just as harmful to the environment as they are helpful. While these bulbs were intended to help the environment, researchers are finding that when these bulbs break, they contaminate the air with small amounts of mercury. The main issue with these bulbs is that when consumers throw them out, they break before reaching the landfill, therefore polluting the air and soil with mercury. The most important thing to know about owning a CFL bulb is how to properly dispose of it. The only retailer at the moment that will properly recycle these bulbs for consumers is IKEA. If you own a CFL blub and it breaks, read the article below for help on how to clean up the area:  http://www.epa.gov/hg/spills/#cleaningup

Batteries – We use batteries in virtually everything in our home; from our remote controls, to our children’s toys, the list is endless. Batteries are dangerous for a number of reasons. Batteries are composed of a variety of dangerous heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium and nickel. When batteries leak or are broken, this dangerous concoction of chemicals can cause severe burns or injury to the skin or eyes. Rechargeable batteries are found in several everyday household gadgets such as laptops, cell phones, cameras and ride on toy vehicles and may pose a fire hazard if they overheat. Batteries also pose choking hazards for small children, which could result in internal injuries. Not only are batteries dangerous for humans, but they are also dangerous to the environment. The poisonous chemicals found in batteries can pollute lakes and streams, planting soil, and can even endanger wildlife. The best way to help cut down on battery dangers is to properly dispose of them. Many local consumer electronic chains provide a recycling kiosk of some kind to properly dispose of batteries.

Amongst keeping an eye out for the dangerous chemicals in this article, it is also important to assess other products in your home that may contain dangerous chemicals such as pool chemicals, cleaning products, lighter fluid, etc. With knowledge of these dangerous chemicals, along with properly disposing of them, you are one step closer to keeping your family safer and helping to cut back on polluting.

Staying Safe Away From Home & How to Feel Secure Wherever You Go

When you take time to pay attention to your surroundings, you’re making an important step toward ensuring your personal safety away from home.  It’s easy to get into a routine and let your guard down, but even places you ordinarily go can be dangerous if you’re not paying attention.  Here are some helpful safety tips:

AT THE OFFICE/WORK PLACE:  Always have your purse locked up in a secure drawer.  Don’t leave it on the floor, desk or chair.  If you cannot lock it in your desk, always take it with you when you leave your work area.

• Never leave your personal phone numbers posted on the wall around your desk.  Never give out someone else’s number without their permission.
• If you’re planning a trip, don’t tell the whole office your plans.  Tell them about your trip after you get back–you’ll have a better story to tell and you won’t have advertised your absence
• Be cautious of all repair and service people who come to your work place—especially if there’s someone you don’t recognize.  Always ask for proper identification and alert your boss or the company the visitor represents if you feel suspicious.

IN AND AROUND ELEVATORS: Always be aware of who is in the elevator and if a person looks suspicious DO NOT GET IN.  The same applies while waiting for an elevator—if you feel uncomfortable about anyone else waiting, walk away and DO NOT GET IN.

• While on the elevator, try to stand close to the controls.  All elevators have an emergency alarm—and if you feel threatened, press ALL the buttons forcing the car to stop at all floors and give you a better chance for escape.

PARKING: Try to park in a well-lighted area next to an exit or elevator.  Know where these exits are and have an escape plan.  If your company provides escort service after dark, use this service whenever you need it.

• Have your car keys out and in your hand before entering a parking garage—searching for your keys can make you unaware of what’s happening around you and you can become a target.
• Always check your back seat, floors and around your car as you approach it.
• Always lock your car, even when you are in it.  Keep the windows up so no one can reach in.
• Never leave valuables visible on the seat or in a hatchback.  It only takes a moment for someone to steal from you, so don’t be careless when you leave the car for a short time.

DRIVING: If you are bumped from behind, DO NOT get out of your car immediately.  Assess your surroundings—this could be a car-jacking ploy.  Stay in your car and wait for police to arrive.  If the other party leaves the scene do not try to follow.  Get the plate number and a good description of the vehicle.

• Always leave a good distance between your car and the one in front of you.  If threatened, you have room to get away.  Never try to fight off an attacker—give up your car and run away.

• If your car breaks down, raise the hood, tie something to the antenna and get back into the car.  If someone stops to help you, do not let them into your car—ask them to call for help and do not accept a ride.

WHILE TRAVELING: Do not carry large sums of money, jewelry or valuables while you’re out.  Use credit cards instead of cash.

• Leave your important papers at home.  Documents such as birth certificates and medical records are difficult for you to replace if you are the victim of a street crime.
• Walk confidently.  Behave in an alert and self-assured fashion.  People who appear to know exactly where they are going and are aware of their surroundings are less vulnerable than those who appear timid and confused.
• Be cautious when approached by strangers.
• Keep one arm free when you are waiting for a public bus.  A number of sex assault victims have been abducted from bus stops.  Wear comfortable clothing and shoes when using public transportation and pay close attention to what is going on around you.
• Put a whistle on your key chain and have it handy for emergency use.
• Keep your distance from drivers who stop you to ask for directions.  Stay out of the person’s reach by remaining a few feet from the vehicle.

YOUR TIME AWAY FROM HOME, WHETHER FOR WORK OR FOR PLEASURE, WILL BE SAFER AND HAPPIER IF YOU REMEMBER TO TAKE SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS AND STAY ALERT.