If you live alone: use your initials on the mailbox, address labels and in the telephone directory instead of your full first name.

Use timers to turn on lights at night, setting them to coincide with your daily habits.

Notify neighbors if you're going away: ask them to collect the mail, newspapers, etc. Leave spare keys with a trusted neighbor: never hide keys under a mat or in the garden, etc.

Don't leave the phone off the hook, or use an answering machine if you are away from home for an extended period of time. Consider a "call forwarding" service.

Keep doors and windows locked. If you move to a new home or apartment, install new locks.

Install a dead bolt - don't rely on a door chain to protest you. Request I.D. from everyone before you open the door: maintenance, delivery and repairmen...even the police. Ask them to pass I.D. under the door.

Street Safety

Whenever possible, do not walk alone. Use a buddy system or walk in-groups.

Walk near the curb, facing traffic. Stay away from doorways, alleys and shrubbery where a person could hide in the shadows.

Be careful when strangers ask directions or the time, for offer to carry your packages home.

If you are attacked (or feel you are in danger) yell FIRE not RAPE or HELP!

Carry a whistle on a separate key-chain, not on a chain around your neck. Keep it ready (in your hand or a pocket). Do not carry pepper spray or mace - it can easily be used against you.

When you are brought home, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside.

Do not overload yourself with groceries, packages or parcels. Be willing to drop them quickly if you are being followed.

Bank by mail or use direct deposit: ask for your Social Security, public assistance or interest checks to be deposited directly into your account. 

When making a withdrawal, or cashing a check, put your cash away before leaving the window.

Call the police when an individual claims to have found money and wants to share it with you, or offers goods at a low price.

Carry your purse on the side of your body away from the street. Never wind the purse strap around your wrist (if grabbed, you can be pulled down and injured). 

Carry a minimum of cash in your purse or wallet. Keep your money in two places (put extra in your shoe, undergarments or a hidden pocket). If your purse or wallet is snatched, beware of any phone call telling you where to reclaim it: contact the police for advice.

Do not hang your bag on a door hook or place it on the floor in public restrooms - keep it on your lap.

Car Safety

Drive with doors locked and windows rolled at least three - quarters up. Put packages out of view, or in the trunk.

Keep the gas tank at least one - quarter filled at all times. If you are doing highway driving, make sure you have enough gas to get to the next filling station.

Keep your car in good running condition, and have your tires checked regularly. Refill the windshield wiper fluid periodically, before it is empty.

Always park in a well - lit area at night. Have your keys ready before you leave the building, mall, grocery store, etc. If possible, ask a friend to escort you to your car.

 If your car is disabled: raise the hood and tie a white cloth to the aerial or door handle. Stay in the car - do not get out. Ask any motorists that stop to call the police for you.

 If you notice a disabled vehicle, do not stop. Note the location and stop at the first safe phone to call the police. 

Stay alert: try not to daydream or become preoccupied. Pay attention to your surroundings. Give the message that you are confident and know where you are going: stand tall, walk purposefully and make eye contact with people around you.

In an emergency, Call 911. Stay calm: you will need to give your name, where you are and the type of assistance you will need (police, ambulance, fire, etc.)