Happening Tonight: Two-Lane Blacktop, Book Drive, Crime Prevention

Top Eight Tips for a Safe 2008
Courtesy of Amanda O’Loughlin, Museum of Science

1) Trust your instincts! If you feel a situation is dangerous, it probably is. Do not enter any situation in which you feel unsafe. Leave the area immediately and notify the proper authorities.

2) Keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings. Being assertive and making eye contact with those around you can deter an attacker before a confrontation occurs.

3) Use your voice to ward off a potential attacker. Yell Stop, Get Away, or Leave me alone, as loudly as possible. Draw attention to the situation. Don’t be embarrassed, remember its better to be safe than sorry.

4) Avoid dark or poorly lighted areas such as alleys, parks, parking lots, and garages. Whenever possible, try to park near a light poll or ask security for an escort to your vehicle. If you must walk down a poorly lit street, carry a small flashlight, perhaps clipped to a bag or key chain. Small/mini mag-lights are very reliable. It's never worth taking a short cut through a dark park or alley, but if there is no other way around, a flashlight is a helpful option.

5) When approaching your vehicle, have your car key out and ready. This can be used as a defensive tool and allows for quick access. If used for defense, poke the eyes and soft tissue. Lacing keys between fingers is not effective as it may hurt your hands and prevent you from getting into your car quickly.

6) Re-Lock the doors once inside and keep the windows rolled up as far as the weather permits. Keep valuables out of site.

7) Know where you are in proximity to the nearest police or fire station. When planning your commute, make sure to map where the nearest police or fire station – this can easily be done on sites like maps.google.com. If you think you are being followed avoid isolated areas and drive to the nearest station or public area.

8) Scan around your vehicle, looking in the back seat and underneath before getting in. If it has been tampered with call the police immediately. After scanning, unlock the driver’s door only. Be wary of keyless entry systems that unlock all four doors. If using a keyless entry wait until you are close to the vehicle before unlocking the doors.