 | RAPE PREVENTION
( SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN THE HOUSE )
 Keep your house or apartment secure with good, strong locks. Make sure that all windows are locked and covered at night or when your away from home.
Be careful to who you give your keys to. Don't hide extra keys outside your house, would be intruders are very skillful at finding them.If you live alone, put only your last name and first initial on your mailbox and in the telephone book. Strangers will not know your living alone.Your telephone can be useful in many emergency situations. Be sure you have a list of important # 's. Such as the police or fire department, by each phone.You can dial 911, tell the dispatcher, your name, where you live, and be specific, S.W.or N.W., give the number your calling from, tell them what's happening and don't hang up first in case the dispatcher needs more information.If a stranger calls, do not volunteer any information about yourself. Most importantly, do not give the caller the impression that you are home alone and unprotected.Never carry on a conversation with a crank caller. If they continue to bother you, let the police and telephone company know about it.Do not allow yourself to be lured out of your house by a phone call. It's one of the oldest tricks house breakers use, calling to say a friend or family member has been injured and needs your help immediately at the hospital. If you get such a message, call the people and verify the story before leaving your house. Never let a stranger in your house unless your absolutely sure it is safe to do so ---- installing a peep hole is a good way to screen unwanted visitors. If a repairman comes to your house, ask for identification before you open your door. It's a good idea to phone the persons company in order to make sure the visit is legitimate.If you come home and suspect someone has broken in, do not enter your house or apartment, because the intruder may still be inside. Instead go to a neighbors house, call the police and wait until they arrive. ( SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AWAY FROM HOME )Avoid walking alone at night. If you must walk alone at night, stay on will lighted streets, avoid alleys and deserted parking lots.If you walk a certain route regularly, pay attention to the people, lighting, and buildings along your route. Being familiar with your surroundings will help you know what to avoid and where to get help quickly in an emergency.At night, always walk on the part of the sidewalk that is nearest to the street. Avoid walking near buildings and doorways where an attacker could be hiding.Always carry the correct change for bus fare and public telephones when you walk.Do not talk to stangers who approach you while your walking. Beware of the person who warns you of the dangers of walking alone and insists on accompaning you. Attackers sometimes use this approach to win a womans confidence. If such a peson persists, and no nearby store or restaurant is open, just ring the doorbell of a house or apartment as though they were expecting you.If you think you are being followed, seek help at a nearby store or restaurant, if possible, or turn and walk in another direction.At night, it's a good idea to carry a sturdy built flashlight, to light up dangerous areas around you, and can be used as a weapon in an emergency situation.Whether your walking at night or during the day you should be wary of purse-snatchers. Hold it firmly with one hand. The opening of the purse shoud face your body. When in a store or other public places, do not put your purse down anywhere --- keep it with you at all times.It is always possible your purse can be stolen. Keep a list at home of your credit card numbers and the numbers of any other documents you carry, such as your drivers license or checking account. If your purse is stolen, notify the agencies and businesses immediately.When your driving alone at night, try to stay on well traveled, brightly lighted streets. Keep all the car doors locked and all the windows closed. If you need some ventilation, open the window on the drivers side part.Do not give rides to strangers in the day or night. In addition, never hitchhike yourself. Many woman hitchikers have been seriously injured by drivers who offered them rides.When you park your car at night, try to choose a well lighted spot where there are other people and cars. If you are in a large parking lot, know where you parked so you can get back to your car quickly in an emergency.Lock your car when you park it, and have your keys ready when you return to your car, especially at night. Before getting into your car, check the front and back seats to make sure no one is hiding inside.When you have car trouble at night, try to pull off in a well lighted spot. If you are in a fairly deserted area, do not leave your car in order to get help. Instead, raise the hood and tie a white cloth to it as a signal for assistance. Keep a look-out for police cars and honk your horn if you see one.If someone other than a police officer stops and offers you help, don't get out of your car unless your absolutely sure it is safe. If your not sure, stay in the car and simply ask the person to notify the police for you.It's a good idea to carry a flashlight and roadflares with you at all times. You should never get out of your car, even to open your hood, without using your flashlight to make sure that the area around the car is safe. Roadflares are a good emergency signal and when handled carefully, flares are also good weapons for self defense. Few people would be foolish enough to attack a woman who is handling a lighted flare. If you must wait for a bus, train, or subway after dark, try to wait in a well lighted area. When you get on, stay with a large group of passengers, or sit near the driver if possible.When you go to a theater alone, try to sit near the asile or next to a family, so that you can easily get help if someone is bothering you.Don't linger in stores, restaurants or other establishments that seem deserted. Stay in places where other customers are present.If someone is bothering you in a public place, do not be shy about calling out loudly for help. You don't have to be embarrased, because the person who is bothering you is the one who should feel embarrased.
If on vacation, it is best to travel with a friend other than yourself. But if you perfer to travel alone or if you have no choice, be especially careful in strange new surroundings.Planning a trip before you leave will help you avoid trouble. If you know what routes you will be taking, you won't be stranded in areas your not familiar with. It's also helpful to find out what kinds of hotel or motel accomodations are available at your destination.When your in a strange city or town, always get directions from a tourist agency or from the police. Stay away from rough or dangerous areas of town. If ou do want to visit such an area, go on a guided tour that offers some supervision and protection.
MIDI - "Red, Red Wine"
Last updated: 8 / 2 / 09
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