Personal Safety

The Basic Rules

• Stay Alert! Be aware of others and threatening situations.
• Maintain a confident posture/attitude.
• Have a game plan.
• Trust your instincts.

When Walking

• Use well lighted and busy streets. Try to avoid deserted streets, vacant lots, alleys, construction sites and wooded areas.
• Always take the safest route, even if it is a little longer.
• Don't flaunt expensive jewelry, clothing or electronics.
• Don't wear headphones or only wear one earbud. They keep you from hearing what is going on around you.
• Don't overburden yourself with packages or groceries. They make it harder to react to a situation.
• Don't let a passerby distract you. Criminals sometimes work in pairs. One may ask for directions or fake an injury, while the other is stealing from you.

Carrying Money? 

• Wallets should be kept in an inside pocket.
• If a purse must be carried, make sure to keep it close to your body and keep a firm grip on it.

Personal Safety for Children - A Guide for Parents
Children are our Nation’s most precious resource, but as children, they often lack the skills to protect themselves. It is our responsibility, as parents and teachers, to safeguard children and to teach them the skills to be safe.

Link to Guide