How
Streetwise Are You?
Do you |
 |
stuff
your backpack or purse with cash, keys, pager, cell phones,
credit cards, checkbooks - and then leave it wide open
at school or work, near your desk, or on the floor? |
|
pay
attention to your surroundings or do you think about school
or your friends when walking, driving, or riding the subway
or bus? |
|
think
it’s a waste of time to use your locker for valuables
or to lock your car when you’ll be back in a few minutes? |
|
walk
or jog by yourself early in the morning or late at night
when the streets are quiet and deserted? |
| If
you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you need
to change a few habits. Even if you answered “no” and
made a perfect score, read on. Spend a few minutes now
to prevent trouble later. |
Keeping Street Sense in Mind |
|
Stay
alert and tuned into your surroundings wherever you are
- at school or the mall, on the street, waiting for a
bus or subway, or driving. |
|
Send
the message that you’re calm, confident, and know where
you’re going. |
|
Don’t
accept rides or gifts from someone you don’t know well
and trust - that includes people you’ve met on the Internet. |
|
Trust
your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy,
avoid the person or situation and leave as soon as possible. |
|
Know
the neighborhoods where you live, go to school, and work.
Keep in mind locations of fire and police stations and
public telephones. Remember which stores and restaurants
stay open late. |
Strolling - Day and Night |
|
Try
to walk places with your friends rather than alone. |
|
Stick
to well-lighted, well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts
through wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys. |
|
Take
the safest route to and from schools, stores, or your
friends’ houses. Know where to go for help if you need
it. |
|
Don’t
display your cash or any other inviting targets like pagers,
cell phones, hand-held electronic games, or expensive
jewelry and clothing. |
|
Carry
your backpack or purse close to your body and keep it
closed. Just carrying a wallet? Put it inside your coat
or front pants pocket, not in your back pocket or in your
backpack. |
|
Have
your car or house key in your hand before you reach the
door. |
|
If
you think someone is following you, switch directions
or cross the street. If they’re still there, move quickly
toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house.
Don’t be afraid to yell for help. |
|
Have
to work late? Make sure there are others in the building
and that someone - a supervisor or security guard - will
wait with you for your ride or walk you to your car or
bus or train stop. |
|
Be
alert in the neighborhood. Call police or tell an adult
about anything you see that seems suspicious. |
Cruising |
|
Keep
your car in good running condition. Make sure there’s
enough gas to get where you’re going and back. |
|
Turn
the ignition off and take your car keys with you, even
if you just have to run inside for one minute. |
|
Roll
up the windows and lock car doors, even if you’re coming
right back. Check inside and out before getting in. |
|
Avoid
parking in isolated areas. If you are uncomfortable, ask
a security guard or store staff to watch you or escort
you to your car. |
|
Drive
to the nearest gas station, open business, or other well-lighted,
crowded area to get help if you think you are being followed.
Don’t head home. |
|
Use
your cellular phone, if you have one, to call the police
if you are being followed or you’ve seen an accident.
Otherwise, stay off your cellular phone while you are
driving. |
|
Don’t
pick up hitchhikers. Don’t hitchhike. |
Taking
Buses and Subways |
|
Use
well-lighted, busy stops. If you must get off at a little-used
stop, try to arrange for a friend or an adult to meet
you. |
|
Stay
alert! Don’t doze or daydream. |
|
Say,
“leave me alone” loudly if someone hassles you. Don’t
be embarrassed. |
|
Report
incidents of discrimination or hate crimes to parents
and teachers. |
|
Watch
who gets off your stop with you. If you feel uneasy, walk
directly to a place where there are other people. |
If Someone Tries To Rob You |
|
Give
up your property - don’t give up your life. |
|
Report
the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker
accurately. Your actions can help prevent others from
becoming victims. |
