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