Personal Safety

 Don’t think it could never happen to you.

 Pay attention to what your body is telling you. It’s called the gift of fear. You might not be able to determine a specific threat but on some level your mind/body feels threatened. Pay attention and act accordingly.

 Remain alert, situational awareness is key. When you are out at night, try to stay in areas that are brightly lit. Darker streets and alleys offer the perfect cover for an assailant to hide and catch you by surprise.

 Walk with friends anytime you can, because criminals are far less likely to approach a group than an individual. If you are alone, keep a brisk pace, get to where you are going and make your way inside. As you return to your vehicle, be prepared to get in right away. Lock the door and drive off quickly. You never know when a predator may be nearby watching to see if you linger and give them an opportunity to assault you.

 Guard your money. Never flash cash on a city street, as that will encourage a thief to target you. It's a good idea to keep your money well hidden and located in an area that is difficult to get to. A pick pocket may be able to pull your wallet out of a back or jacket pocket, but will be far less likely to attempt to reach into a front pocket, which makes that an ideal location to store your money and credit cards.

 In Case Of Assault: When an attack is unavoidable, you must be prepared to fight back. Practice any self defense maneuvers you know and aim for pressure points on the assailant's body. If you have a self defense weapon like pepper spray or a stun gun, don't be afraid to use it. The device will protect you and leave no permanent damage on the aggressor.

• Don’t walk or jog early in the morning or late at night when the streets are deserted. 

• Carry only the money you’ll need on a particular day.

• Don’t display your cash or any other inviting targets such as pagers, cell phones, hand-held electronic games, or expensive jewelry and clothing.

• If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.

• Try to park in well-lighted areas with good visibility and close to walkways, stores, and people.

• Make sure you have your key out as you approach your door.

• Always lock your car, even if it’s in your own driveway; never leave your motor running.

• Do everything you can to keep a stranger from getting into your car or to keep a stranger from forcing you into his or her car.

• If a dating partner has abused you, do not meet him or her alone. Do not let him or her in your home or car when you are alone.

If you are a battered spouse, call the police or sheriff immediately. Assault is a crime, whether committed by a stranger or your spouse or any other family member. If you believe that you and your children are in danger, call a crisis hotline or a health center (the police can also make a referral) and leave immediately.

If someone tries to rob you, give up your property—don’t give up your life.

If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

Identity Theft

To guard against identity theft, never give out your Social Security number. Treat it as confidential information.

Commit all passwords to memory. Never write them down or carry them with you.

When using an ATM machine, make sure no one is hovering over you and can see you enter your password.

When participating in an online auction, try to pay the seller directly with a credit card so you can dispute the charges if the merchandise does not arrive or was misrepresented. If possible, avoid paying by check or money order.

Adopt an attitude of healthy skepticism toward websites that offer prizes or giveaways. Chances are, all that’s been “won” is the opportunity to buy something you didn’t want in the first place.

Choose a commercial online service that offers parental control features.

Tell your children never to give out their address telephone number password school name or any other personal information.

Make sure your children know to never agree to meet face-to-face with someone they’ve met online without discussing it with you. Only if you decide that it’s okay to meet their “cyber-friend” should they arrange to meet this person, and then the meeting should be in a familiar public place in the presence of a trusted adult.

• Tell your children never to respond to messages that have bad words, are scary, or just seem weird.

• Tell your children never to enter an area that charges for services without asking you first.

• Tell children never send a picture of themselves to anyone without your permission.

• Make sure that access to the Internet at your children’s school is monitored by adults.

Children and Neighborhoods

Know where your children are. Have your children tell you or ask permission before leaving the house and give them a time to check in or be home. When possible, have them leave a phone number of where they will be.

Help children learn important phone numbers. Have your children practice reciting their home phone number and address, and your work and cell phone numbers. If they have trouble memorizing these, write them down on a card and have them carry it at all times. Tell your children where you will be and the best way to reach you.

Set limits on where your children can go in your neighborhood. Do you want them crossing busy roads? Playing in alleys or abandoned buildings? Are there certain homes in your neighborhood that you don't want your children to go to?

Get to know your children's friends. Meet their parents before letting your children to go to their home and keep a list of their phone numbers. If you can't meet their parents, call and talk to them. Ask what your children might do at their house and if they will be supervised.

Choose a safe house in your neighborhood. Pick a neighbor's house where your children can go if they need help. Point out other places they can go for help, like stores, libraries, and police stations.

Teach children to settle arguments with words, not fists. Role-play talking out problems, walking away from fist fights, and what to do when confronted with bullies. Remind them that taunting and teasing can hurt friends and make enemies.

Work together with your neighbors. Watch out for suspicious and unusual behavior in your neighborhood. Get to know your neighbors and their children so you can look out for one another.