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Personal Safety Smarts
A criminal or sexual predator is looking for a vulnerable personwho is walking alone, typically at night. Beyond this, mostattackers do not plan their crime in any detail. They wish to dothe deed and quickly flea undetected. You can reduce your chance of injury or trauma by observing thefollowing:1. Be aware of your surroundings. Play “what if…?” How closeis a populated area where you can feel safe? How close is atelephone? Public telephones are becoming a vanishing breed.This is the time to carry a cell phone. You should haveyour local police number on a quick dial. Dialing 911 does notwork on many cell phones.2. Carry a defensive device, whether its pepper spray or a stungun or other device. Know the product you have and how to useit. Read the manufacturer’s instructions.3. Trust your instincts. Research shows that crime victims wereaware that “something was wrong” just before an attack.4. Over half of all assaults are committed by someone known tothe victim. Take notice if an acquaintance is paying unwantedattention to you.5. Don’t wear headphones in higher risk areas. You must be awareof your surroundings.Auto/Travel1. Keep your car in good repair. Perform the recommendedmaintenance schedule. You don’t want to be in a position ofbeing alone in a disabled vehicle.2. Again, this is the time to carry a cell phone. It canliterally save your life in an emergency.3. If you are traveling overnight, make sure you leave anitinerary with family or friends. Include your expected routeand choice of hotel/motel. 4. Plan your trip carefully. Use andcarry a map or internet map planner and familiarize yourselfwith the route.5. Carry an emergency auto kit including flashlight, flares,first aid kit, jumpers, etc. If you do not know how to change atire, why not learn? It’s not difficult and it can get you goingquickly if you have a blowout.On Campus1. Stick to well lighted areas at night. Know your campussecurity providers and where they patrol.2. Dorm security is getting better but is not fool proof. Keepyour dorm room locked, especially when alone.3. Let a friend know if you are going off campus, where you aregoing and when you plan to return.4. Do not walk or jog alone.5. It’s best to leave your headphones at the dorm. You must beaware of your surroundings.
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