Street Smarts

Do you consider yourself street smart?  Being street smart is different from being book smart.  It involves knowing your way around, being able to handle yourself, avoiding tough situations, and being able to read people of different sorts.  If you don’t think yours street smart then consider the following.  First, you should follow your intuition – trust your feelings.  If you feel that a situation is not right, move out of the situation.  Second, be aware of your surroundings.  In social situations, be alert to places and situations that make you vulnerable.  Third, walk confidently and alertly.  Whether you’re walking to school or to the bus, hanging out on the playground, or riding your bike in your neighborhood, or even as an adult at a car dealership trying to negotiate price, being street smart helps you stay safe and it helps you be a more productive and “in tune” person.  Here are some other street smart safety tips from the Seattle Police Department - 

•Be aware that walking alone at night may be dangerous.

•If you are being followed or you see a person or group further down the street whom makes you feel uncomfortable then cross the street, walk in another direction, or ask other people walking if you may walk a short distance with them.

•Walk near the curb, in the middle of the street, and away from buildings, trees and shrubbery, which can hide potential assailants.

•When walking near the car to your home, condo, or apartment, carry your house keys in your hand. Don’t stand in a doorway and fumble in your purse or pocket for your keys. Have them out and ready to use.

•Use a grocery cart when you have many packages. You make a good mark when your arms are full.

•Always dress so that movement is not restricted.

•Try to vary your routine routes of travel. Most rapists have been found to study their victim’s habitual patterns.

•While waiting for public transportation, keep your back against a wall (or pole) so that you cannot be surprised from behind.

•Know your routes. Notice lighting, alleys, abandoned buildings and street people.

•Pick out places that you consider safer, places where you can either make a stand or reassure yourself that you are not being followed or watched (i.e., lit porches, bus stops, stores, etc.).

•If you are going somewhere in a city with which you aren’t familiar, check a map, know where you are going. Looking lost increases vulnerability.

If You Are Confronted

•If may seem like a good idea to tell a robber that you have no money, but this technique may backfire. It is safer to give up a few dollars. Carry a little money separate from your other funds in an accessible place.

•If someone demands your property and displays or implies in any way that they have a weapon, don’t resist.

•If someone tries to grab you, make a scene. Scream, kick, fight…do what you can to get away and attract attention.

The peace of mind that a secure home offers is invaluable. And statistics have proven what you already know by common sense: a complete alarm system is an excellent deterrent to intrusion.