No matter where you work or what type of work you do, reducing the risk of violence or becoming a victim means increasing your awareness and planning your actions.

Car Smart: Motor Vehicle Safety

• Do not identify your keys with your vehicle license number, name or address. Carry generic car keys so lost keys cannot be used to identify a specific make of vehicle.
• Make sure your vehicle is in good repair. Keep at least a quarter tank of gas at all times. Tires should be inflated to recommended levels.
• Park in well-lit areas and in sight of other businesses if you need to return to your vehicle after dark. In parking garages, park as close to the exit or attendant as possible.
• When driving, always lock your doors and keep the windows closed. This helps prevent someone from opening the car door to grab your possessions, harm you, or attempt a carjacking.
• When approaching your locked vehicle, make sure you have the appropriate key ready to unlock the door. Look inside before unlocking and entering the vehicle.
• Never roll your window down more than one inch when speaking with someone who approaches your vehicle. If you feel uncomfortable, drive away.
• If you suspect you are being followed, drive to a police, fire, or service station. Drive towards people and lights. Remain in the vehicle and blow your horn until you receive a response.

Mechanical Difficulties or Vehicle Breakdown

• Remain in your vehicle and await assistance. Place a "HELP-Call Police" sign in the window. If operable, turn on your hazard lights. If within a safe walking distance and within sight of a CHP call box, place your call and return to your car. If you have a car phone and feel you are in danger, call 911. If your vehicle is inoperable, call for road assistance.
• Just crack the hood so you can see in all directions around the car.
• Open the window no more than an inch to speak with anyone. Lock your doors.
• Have a list of three names (first names only) and phone numbers on a piece of paper in an envelope with adequate change for phone calls. Hand this to the passerby through the window and ask them to notify one of the names on the list, informing them of your location and that you need assistance.

Walking Day and Night

• Walk with purpose and confidence. Look around, be familiar with your surroundings. Wear comfortable shoes.
• Remain on well-lit streets, walking in the center of the sidewalk, against traffic, away from bushes, shrubs, doorways and parked vehicles. If you feel uncomfortable, cross the street or go back the way you came.
• If you suspect someone is following you, look directly at the individual. Let them know that you are aware of their presence. Do not walk to your residence or vehicle. Walk directly to an open business, call for assistance.
• Transfer the risk: place valuables such as credit cards, checks, cash and identification in a small wallet or something similar and carry it on your person, either in a money pouch, pocket or fanny pack.

Using the Transit System

• Use a schedule or call the transit system to determine the exact time a bus will arrive at a location so you are not waiting at a particular spot for an unreasonable length of time.
• Sit near the front of the bus.
• Hold onto your personal belongings.
• Do not fall asleep. Stay alert and be aware of what is happening around you.
• Request a stop between regular bus stops after dark.

Defending Yourself – What To Do If Attacked

We all react differently in stressful situations. It is difficult to know ahead of time how we will react as the victim of a personal attack or assault. But some general guidelines we can follow are:

• Do not freeze. Do not panic. Stay in control. Remember to breathe.
• Attempt to get somebody’s attention by yelling something like "FIRE" "NO" or "STOP." Be very loud and persistent. Assailants do not like attention so this may discourage them.
• Do not go anywhere with your attacker. Fight to stay where you are.
• Responding to an attack is different for every individual. Use whatever force you feel is necessary to escape.
• Be ready and take action to get away.
• Think about a personal alarm device.

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