Test
Your
"Street Smarts" IQ
Do
you:
1.
Jog or walk by yourself early in the morning or late at night
when the streets are quiet and deserted?
2.
Stuff your purse with cash, keys, credit cards, checkbook - and
then leave it wide open on a counter, a desk, the floor? Put your
wallet in a jacket, which you then hang up or throw over a chair?
3.
Let your mind wander - thinking about your job, or all the things
you have to do - when walking or driving?
4.
Think it's a waste of time to lock your car when you'll be back
in a few minutes?
If
you answered "yes" to any question, 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.
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- Wherever
you are - on the street, in an office building or shopping mall,
driving, waiting for a bus or subway - stay alert and tuned in
to your surroundings.
- Send
the message that you're calm, confident, and know where you're
going.
- Trust
your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid
the person or leave.
- Know
the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check out the locations
of police and fire stations, public telephones, hospitals, restaurants
or stores that are open late.
ON
FOOT - DAY AND NIGHT
- Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts
through wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys.
- Don't
flash large amounts of cash or other tempting targets like jewelry
or expensive clothing.
- Carry
a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a
wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
- Try
to use automated teller machines in the daylight. Have your card
in hand.
- Don't
wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movements.
- Have
your car or house key in hand before you reach the door.
- If
you think someone is following you, switch direction or cross
the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant, or lighted
house. If you're scared, yell for help.
- Have
to work late? Make sure there are others in the building, and
ask someone - a colleague or security guard - to walk you to your
car or transit stop.
ON WHEELS
- Keep
your car in good running condition. Make sure there's enough gas
to get where you're going and back.
- Always
roll up the windows and lock your car, even if you're coming right
back. Check inside and out before getting in.
- Avoid
parking in isolated areas with little foot or auto traffic. Be
especially alert in lots and underground parking garages.
- If
you think someone is following you, don't head home. Drive to
the nearest police or fire station, gas station, or other business
to get help.
- Don't
pick up hitchhikers. Don't hitchhike yourself.
ON
BUSES AND SUBWAYS
- Use
well-lighted, busy stops.
- Stay
alert! Don't doze or daydream.
- If
someone harasses you, don't be embarrassed. Loudly say, "Leave
me alone!" If that doesn't work, hit the emergency device.
- Watch
who gets off with you. If you feel uneasy, walk directly to a
place where there are other people.
IF
SOMEONE TRIES TO ROB YOU....
- Don't
resist. 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 being victims.
TAKE
A STAND
- Make
your neighborhood and work place safer by reporting broken street
lights, cleaning up parks and vacant lots, and lobbying local
government for better lighting in public places.
- Join
a Neighborhood, Apartment, or Office Watch to look out for each
other and help the police.
- Help
out a friend or coworker who's been a victim of crime. Cook a
meal, baby-sit, find the number for victim services or a crisis
hotline. Listen, sympathize, and don't blame.
- Look
at the root causes. Work for better drug treatment services, crime
and drug abuse prevention education, and job and recreational
opportunities for young people in your community.
1700
K Street, NW, Second Floor
Washington DC, 20006-3817
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