Post on 02-Feb-2022
Personal safety is an important
consideration far everyone
regardless of age, gender or ability.
Be Aware!
Whether at home, in your car or walking in
your neighbourhood, awareness is the best
protection against crime.
D Know your surroundings.
D Be prepared for anything that may
put you at risk.
Project Strength
Criminals often target groups or individuals
who appear vulnerable.
D Walk with confidence and purpose.
D Keep your head up and observe your
surroundings including people in the area,
businesses and sources of assistance.
D Don't appear to be confused or lost.
Safety an the Street
D Plan your route to avoid isolated areas.
D Be alert and sure of yourself.
D If you believe you are being followed, cross
the street, go to the nearest group of people
or business and call the police.
D Don't overburden yourself with heavy
parcels or a bulky purse.
D Use a money belt or pouch to conceal money
and important documents.
D Don't display cash in public.
D Walk near the curb and away from alleys
and doorways.
D If you wear a lanyard around your neck,
ensure it has a quick release mechanism.
D Carry a whistle or personal alarm and know
how to activate it.
Cycling or Jagging
D Go with a friend and avoid isolated areas.
D Always carry personal identification.
D Stay alert and don't use headphones.
D Vary your route; don't be predictable.
D Identify places of refuge along your route in
case of emergency.
D Wear reflective gear if you're out at night.
D Carry a bicycle repair kit and know how to
complete minor repairs.
D Carry your cell phone in your hand so you
can quickly call for help if you need it.
On Public Transit
D Avoid isolated or poorly lit transit stops.
D Sit near the driver or emergency contact
panel and stay alert - don't fall asleep.
D If someone bothers you, state firmly and
loudly "Leave me alone." Advise the driver
immediately.
D If someone follows you off the bus or train,
walk to where other people are. If you are in a
residential area, go to the nearest house and
ask them to call police.
D When travelling late at night, the driver may
be able to let you off closer to your destina-
tion.Ask if this service is available.
D Don't leave your purse or parcels on the floor
- hold them on your lap.
On Holiday
D Don't put your home address on luggage tags.
D Review travel advisories before you depart at
the Department of Foreign Affairs and Inter-
national Trade website www.voyage.gc.ca.
D Use traveller's cheques and carry minimal cash.
D Carry money, passports, visas and other
important documents concealed in a money
belt or money pouch.
D Wear minimal jewellery and use the safety
deposit box provided by your hotel.
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Safety in Your Car
D Ifyoumusf store valuables in your car, keep
them out of sight (e.g. in the trunk).
D Keep your vehicle fuelled and maintained.
Check tire pressure and oil regularly.
D Park in well-lit areas near other vehicles.
a Have keys ready before you get to your car.
D Examine the interior of your vehicle before
you get in.
D Always lock your vehicle after entering and
when leaving it.
D Don't put your purse on the passenger seat;
keep it on the floor or in the back.
D Do not pick up hitchhikers.
D Carry a cellular phone for emergencies.
D Plan your route and carry a map in case you
get lost.
D Carry a first aid and emergency roadside kit
in your car.
D If your car breaks downturn on hazard lights,
remain in your vehicle with the doors locked
and wait for assistance. Carry a "Help - Call
Police"sign and place it on the window.
If someone offers to help, don't get out of the
car. Roll down the window only enough to
talk and ask them to call a towing company
or the police.
D If you believe you're being followed, drive
to the nearest business, police station or
busy location and blow the horn to attract
attention. Call 911. Do not drive home.
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Information and Resources
Elevator Safety
D Check the elevator before you enter.
If a person inside the elevator makes you
uncomfortable, don't get in.
D Stand near the control panel.
D Get off the elevator if another passenger
makes you feel uncomfortable.
D If you are attacked, hit the alarm button. Do
not press the stop button because you may
get trapped between floors.
Safety for Persons withDisabilities
D Carry medical and emergency contact
information with you in case of emergencies.
D Do not hang bags on your wheelchair or scooter.
D Affix reflectors to your wheelchair or scooter
and install a bell or horn.
D Fasten a small pole with a flag to your wheelchair
or scooter at the 5' level to make you more visible.
D If calling 911 , tell the operator you have a
disability.
D If you have trouble speaking, keep a tape player
near the phone to convey your name and address
to emergency services. If your phone is a land
line (not cell phone) your address will appear to
emergency services when you call and they will
send help automatically.
D Install a peephole in the door at your eye level.
Safety for WomenD Carry cash, credit cards, driver's licence, house
keys, etc. in an inside jacket pocket or other
concealed place.
D If you wear a backpack, do not sling it over
both shoulders.
D Never leave your purse unattended (e.g. in
shopping carts, at restaurants, at work).
D Don't let your purse be used against you:
If someone grabs your purse, do not resist.
If it has a long strap, do not wear it across
your chest.
• Carry a small purse tucked under your arm.
• If you use a "fanny pack'^wear it to the
front and hide it under your clothing.
D Don't list your first name or salutation in the
phone book, on lobby buzzer panels or on
your answering machine.
BC Crime Prevention Association
Tel: 604-501-9222/Toll free: 1-888-405-2288
Fax:604-501-2261
E-mail: info@bccpa.org
www.bccpa.org
Block Watch
Block Watch Society of British Columbia
Toll free: 1-877-602-3358
www.blockwatch.com
Police Victim Services of BC
Tel: 604-501-2502 /Toll free: 1-877-869-0720
Fax:604-501-2509
www.policevictimservices.bc.ca
BC Coalition to Eliminate the Abuse of Seniors
Tel: 604-437-1940
www.bcceas.ca
The People's Law School
Tel: 604-331-5400
www.publiclegaled.bc.ca/home/
Your local community resource
€> BC Crime Prevention Association -
not to be reprinted without permission
06/2012