Written by Michele Wheat
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- Carry your wallet in an inside jacket pocket or side trouser pocket, never in the rear pocket.
- Carry pocketbooks in the bend of your elbow, held close to your body. If there is a long strap, wrap it around the bag. Carry credit cards and cash in your pockets.
- Keep pocketbooks on your lap when dining out, not dangling over the back of a chair. Avoid placing pocketbooks on hooks on the back of a fitting room or bathroom door, where someone can easily reach over and removed them.
- Leave valuables and important papers, such as jewelry and passports, secured in your hotel's safe deposit box. Never leave these items unattended in your room or carry large sums of cash on your person.
- Be wary of unexpected persons coming to your hotel room. Never open the door to unsolicited room service or maintenance people. Contact the front desk if you have any doubts.
- If you schedule a meeting with a potential client, research the company and the individual with whom you are meeting. Meet in a public place, such as a restaurant.
- Make sure that luggage is only given to a member of the hotel's bell staff and a receipt is issued for stored luggage. Never leave luggage or other expensive items, unattended at airports or taxi stands.
- If you choose to use a car service, contact a specific company directly. Never enter an unsolicited "car service" vehicle offering to take you to your destination. Yellow medallion taxis are the only vehicles permitted to pick up fares on the street.
- When driving, plan your trip in advance and carry a map. Travel on well-lighted, populated roadways whenever possible and keep the doors of the vehicle locked. Be wary of other motorists warning you of a mechanical problem or flat tire. This may be a ruse to get you to stop the vehicle. Most of all be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times to ensure that you aren't being followed. If you have a cellular phone carry it with you.
- Remember that no one will offer you something for nothing, so be aware of "con artists" and pick pockets. Some of the "scams" to be aware of:
- Someone helping to "clean off" mustard or ketchup that has been squirted on your jacket as a distraction to remove your wallet or other valuable items.
- Theater, music and sporting event tickets sold on street corners that may be counterfeit.
- Three Card Monte sidewalk games that are "rigged" to make you lose and are illegal to play.
- Persons pointing to money, that you have supposedly dropped, who take your briefcase and luggage when you bend down to pick up the money.
- Finally, if you are in need of immediate police assistance, Dial "911".
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Purse Snatch:
DO NOT....
carry a bag that makes you a target. A bag that dangles from the shoulder can be easily yanked off your shoulder by someone coming up from behind.
DO NOT....
carry your bag in such a manner that you can't let it go if you have to. Many women have been injured because their own bags acted as handcuffs as a purse snatcher yanked it away.
DO....
be aware of your surroundings and carry your bag close to your body, tucked in the bend of your elbow.
DO....
minimize the amount of money and credit cards that you carry with you on a daily basis. Divide your money between pockets and bags.
IF...
you are the victim of a purse snatch do not fight to hold onto your bag, especially if there is a weapon involved.
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Coming Home Late at Night:
- Avoid shortcuts that are not well travelled or well lit.
- Know what reputable stores are open in your neighborhood late at night. If you suspect that you are being followed stay away from lonely quiet blocks and head for the store you know to be open.
- When walking to your car or on your way home, keep your keys in your hand until you are safely inside for added protection.
- If someone drops you off at home by auto, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside.
- If a motorist bothers you while you are walking turn around and walk in the opposite direction of the car. Do this as often as necessary and he should get discouraged.
If You are Driving
- Keep windows rolled up, except for a small. ventilation space and keep your doors locked.
- If someone attempts to force you off the road, don't panic..... blow your horn constantly to attract attention. If you are forced over, as soon as you stop put your car in reverse and back away..... keep blowing the horn and moving the car as much as possible.
- If you suspect that someone is following you make a few turns down active streets if possible. If the auto you suspect is following you makes the same turns as you then head for the nearest police station, fire house or open store. Don't try to make it to your own quiet residential area.
- Try to park your car in a well lighted area, this is not only good from the standpoint of discouraging a personal attack on you but also for reducing the chance of auto theft. Look around before you get out of your car.
- Before getting into your car, look inside first to make sure no one is hiding in the back seat. When leaving your car, make sure it is locked.
At Home You Should:
- Have your key ready before you get to the front door.
- Make sure your entrance area is well lighted.
- If you live in an apartment don't be polite and hold the lobby door open for a stranger who has been waiting.
- List only your last name and first initial in your mailbox.
- Don't buzz someone inside unless you know them.
- If a stranger wants to use your phone for any kind of call from business to emergency ........ keep him out and you make the call for them! Any problems or in doubt? Call the police!
- If you arrive home and find your door open DO NOT GO INSIDE call the police from a pay phone or neighbors house and ask them to meet you.
- Don't get on the elevator with a stranger if your own good judgment warns you against it -- need an excuse to avoid embarrassment say something like; "Oh I forgot my mail."
If You are the Victim of a Rape:
- Report crime immediately to Police. Call 911.
- Do not wash or douche.
- Have a medical exam and internal gynecological exam as soon as possible accompanied by a police officer preferably.
- Inform doctor of exact acts committed upon you and have him note any medical evidence of them.
- Semen smears must be taken by the doctor.
- Doctor should note any bruises or injuries (bleeding, lacerations, etc.) external or internal.
- Have the doctor test for venereal diseases (and pregnancy later if relevant).
- Inform the police of all details of attack, however intimate, and of anything unusual you may have noted about the attacker. remember, what he said and how he said it may lead to his arrest.
- Show police any external bruises or injuries however minor, resulting from the attack. Also show them to a friend or relative who might be available as a corroborative witness at the trial.
- Give the undergarments to the police (for semen analysis).
- Give any torn or stained clothing to the police.
- When calm, make note of events of attack, unusual details, etc.
Cell Phone Safety Tips
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- Always be aware of your surroundings. Thieves may be watching you.
- Use your cell phone security lock.
- Avoid becoming distracted by your cell phone conversation when walking on the street.
- Keep your cell phone out of site. Don't hang it from your purse of jacket.
- Switch the ringer off to avoid attracting the attention of thieves.
- Never loan your cell phone to a stranger. In case of an emergency, offer to make the call for them.
- Consider using hands-free technology.
- If your phone is lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to your cell phone service provider and the police.
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Night Life Safety Tips
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- Do not accept drinks from anyone if you did not see them prepared.
- Do not leave your drink unattended for any period of time.
- Always inform a family member of friend of your whereabouts.
- When entering a bar of club, always know where emergency exits are located in case of a fire or other emergencies.
- Be familiar with your surroundings (street names, landmarks, etc.) this specific information will be needed to locate you.
- Do not drink and drive or accept a ride from anyone who has been drinking.
Designate a driver who will not drink.
- Do not leave your bag unattended.
- Arrange a buddy system with a friend and always watch after each other.
- Never leave a bar or club with a stranger.
- Carry a cell phone. When possible, call 911 if you are being harassed.
- Always carry enough money for a taxi.
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