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Personal SAFETY

 

The most important thing in any situation is to be aware of your surroundings at all times and to trust your instincts. If a certain person, place, or situation makes you feel uncomfortable, get out immediately.

 

When you are out alone, be prepared for anything that may put you at risk.

  • Bring a cell phone along if you have one.
  • Stay alert, stand tall and be confident.  Attackers are more likely to choose a person who appears uncertain or afraid.
  • Be alert and be aware of your surroundings. Take note of the people, businesses and sources of assistance in the area.
  • Avoid a person or a situation which does not feel safe.
  • Carry cash and valuables in a front or inside pocket and consider if you need to carry a purse or bag.
  • Don’t display cash in public.
  • If you wish to give someone spare change, never pull out your wallet or open your purse. Take change out of your pocket instead.
  • Use well-lit streets, stay to the middle of the sidewalk and avoid alleyways.
  • Approach shadowy doorways, shrubbery, or anything that someone could hide behind with extra caution.
  • If you feel uneasy walking alone, find someone you know who will go out with you, or plan your route along busy streets so that there are always people around you.
  • If you think someone is following you, call 9-1-1, and then find the nearest place of safety.
  • If you think a car is following you, immediately turn around, continue walking, and call 9-1-1. Take note of the driver and license plate number and continue to walk in the opposite direction.
  • Carry a whistle or personal safety alarm so you can alert others if you need help.
  • Do not carry a weapon for self-defense.  Introducing a weapon can increase the severity of an attack, as well as the chance of severe injury to yourself.
  • If you are verbally harassed, do not respond, keep walking and call 9-1-1 if you fear for your safety.

 


When playing games on your mobile device

  • Walking and playing is great; walking and playing in the middle of the street is not.
  • Don't ride and play! That also applies to skateboards, roller blades, or anything else with wheels.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. As you are concentrating on your game, someone may be watching. This makes you an easy target for a crime.
  • Keep an eye on your device battery. You don't want to find yourself in a situation where you have no way to call for help.

 

 

When travelling at night

  • Wear reflective gear.
  • If riding on transit, ask the driver whether you can be let off closer to your destination.

 


At a Club or At a Party

  • Never let your drink out of your sight and don't sample drinks from anyone, even friends or acquaintances.
  • Alcohol and "date rape" drugs are used in many sexual assaults. If you are going to drink, do so responsibly and be with trusted friends so you can look out for each other.

 


Driving

  • Keep all the doors locked and keep windows up, even when you are inside the car and park in well-lit areas.  Most car-jackings take place when vehicles are stopped at intersections.
  • Visually inspect the interior of the vehicle before you get in.
  • Have your keys ready before you get to your car door, holding them between your thumb and forefinger in a ready position. If you are attacked, they can be used as a defensive tool and fumbling for your keys makes you more vulnerable for an attack.
  • If someone tries to get in your car while you’re driving, simply drive off. If you’re unable to do this, hold down on your horn to alert other people to your situation.

 


Running, Jogging or Rollerblading

  • Make sure you know your route. Vary your route, don’t be predictable.
  • Avoid wooded areas at night and stay in well-lit areas. Stay near a curb and away from alleys and doorways.
  • Try to run facing oncoming traffic and wear reflective clothing.
  • Headphones make it hard to be fully aware of your surroundings so try not to use them, especially at night.  If you do use them, only put the ear bud in one ear.
  • When cycling, wear a helmet and reflective clothing, especially when you use the roadways.

 

 

Using an ATM Machine

  • If anything or anyone strikes you as suspicious, use a different machine.
  • If you need to use the ATM after dark, look for well-lit machines in places where there are people.
  • Cover the keypad with one hand while typing in your code with the other, even if you are by yourself.
  • If no money comes out, make sure to check the money slot for blockages and notify the bank immediately.
  • If using a drive-through bank machine, make sure all of your car doors are locked.

 

 

Using Transit

  • Plan your route beforehand, and know the transit schedule.
  • Choose busy and visible stops.
  • At night, use well-lit stops and sit near the driver.

 

 

If You Are Stalked or Attacked

  • Report it to police.
  • Keep a written record of everything.  Tell friends, relatives, employers, co-workers, or anyone else who witnessed an incident, to also keep a record.
  • If you are attacked, try to comply with the attacker’s wishes. If they want you to turn over cash and valuables, these can be replaced.
  • Try to remain calm throughout the situation, as becoming hysterical can make the situation worse.
  • Try to remember details about the person’s appearance, such as their height, age, hair or eye colour, or any tattoos or scars.
  • Report the incident immediately. The details are fresher in your mind and the police have a better chance of catching the offender in the area.