Staying Safe Away from Home Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol.

Staying Safe Away from Home

Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol

Always let someone know where you are going – even if you are with a group of friends

Always let someone know if you are meeting someone for the first time Tell your friend the new person’s name and

EXACTLY where you plan to be and at what times!

If you change plans or locations, check in with your friend!

When you are out, especially at night, walk with friends or people you know and trust, whenever possible

Never split up, especially after dark or in unfamiliar places

Be alert Be aware of your surroundings Know where you are going Make eye contact with people you pass Be watchful for suspicious persons If it feels wrong, it probably is! Get out of

there!

If you think you are being followed, DO NOT GO HOME!! - Walk into the nearest open business and call 911

Don’t wait until it is too late – if you even THINK you are being followed, TAKE ACTION!!

NEVER walk alone at night! If it is a must, be extremely alert - Don’t text or read while you are walking - Keep your head up and look confident

DON’T TAKE SHORTCUTS Stay out of alleys and off of unpopulated roads NEVER, EVER HITCH RIDES or accept rides

from people you do not know Stay away from dark doorways and shrubbery

MAKE NOISE – LOTS OF NOISE Blow a whistle or scream as loudly as you

can Do whatever you can to attract attention Get to a safe place as quickly as possible

Learn Self Defense – take classes only from licensed instructors

Know where telephones are along your route – you may forget your cell phone or the battery may die

Have some extra cash for the bus or a taxi, just in case

Have change in case you need to call a friend – MEMORIZE emergency phone numbers

Remember 911 calls are FREE from all payphones and most cell phones

Avoid verbal confrontations – if someone provokes you, ignore them and keep moving – Verbal confrontations usually lead to physical fights – Just WALK AWAY and go some place SAFE

Always carry your ID – If something happens to you, emergency personnel need to know who you are

If you have medical conditions or take medication, keep a list in your purse or wallet

Keep a list of emergency contact numbers in your purse or wallet

Never walk alone Know your route (payphones, danger areas

like dark doorways, shrubbery, etc.) Walk Confidently Stay alert – no texting while walking – be

aware of your surroundings If you are threatened – MAKE NOISE AND

GET TO SAFETY!!

Memorize Important Phone Numbers 911 calls are FREE from ALL payphones Even if you run out of minutes on your

cell phone, you can still call 911 Memorize at least one taxi cab number (I

like 619-444-4444 which is Yellow Cab) Stay away from strangers – only get into

a car with someone you know AND trust – or a taxi

Why should friends know where you will be? Why should you tell friends the name and description of someone you

meet for the first time? Why should you call a friend if you are delayed and will be returning late? Why should you travel with friends? Why should you never split up once you have formed a group? Why should you avoid going home if you are followed? Why should you make lots of noise if you are threatened? Why is it unwise to text or read while walking alone? Why should you not take shortcuts? Why should you never hitch rides or accept a ride from strangers ? Why is it important to learn things about your route (i.e. payphones, open

businesses, etc.)? How much does it cost to call 911 from a payphone? Why should you ignore someone who is provoking you? Why should you avoid a physical confrontation? What is the best way to avoid a physical confrontation? Why should you carry at least one form of ID on you while you are out? Why is it important to have a list of emergency contact numbers written

down and carried with you?

The tips contained in this presentation are based on Safety Tips from the

San Diego Police Department Prevention Tips:http://www.sandiego.gov/police/prevention/tips.shtml

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Stonewall Citizens’ Patrolhttp://www.stonewallcitizens.org