PERSONAL SAFETY CHECK LIST
Fill out the form and then print it for your own records
In The Home
Yes No
| Do you keep doors and windows locked at all times? | ||
| Do you have a peephole so that you can see who is outside without having to open the door? | ||
| Do you always verify a person's identification before opening your door? | ||
| If a stranger ask to use your phone, do you refuse to let them into your home and offer to make the call yourself? | ||
| Do you as a woman living alone use your first initials only in telephone directories, on mailboxes, etc? | ||
| Do you refuse to reveal personal information to anyone on the phone or at your door? | ||
| Do you always have your keys ready when approaching your home? | ||
| If you return home to find windows and doors tampered with, would you avoid entering and go to a neighbor's house to call the police? |
Telephone Answering
Yes No
| Do you teach family members not to give personal or family information to strangers over the phone? | ||
| Do you record only non-specific messages on your answering machine and avoid messages like "we'll be back at 7 o'clock on Sunday? | ||
| If you receive an obscene or crank call, would you hang up immediately, saying nothing? |
On The Go
Yes No
| Do you plan in advance to use the safest route to your destination? | ||
| Do you choose busy, well-lit streets? | ||
| Do you avoid routes that pass by high-risk areas, i.e. vacant lots, alleys? | ||
| Do you avoid isolated bus stops? | ||
| Do you walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars? | ||
| Do you walk near the curb to avoid the element of surprise or someone hiding between shrubs or in a doorway? | ||
| Do you stay out of reach if someone in a vehicle stops to ask directions? | ||
| Are you wary of approaching strangers? | ||
| If you continue to be followed, do you flee to the nearest safe place? | ||
| Do you try to get a description of the person and/or vehicle following you? | ||
| Do you avoid hitchhiking? | ||
| Do you carry large sums of money in your purse or wallet? | ||
| Do you carry your purse close to your body, without wrapping the straps around your arm or hand? | ||
| Do you avoid leaving a purse unattended, even for a moment? | ||
| Do you avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public? |
In Your Car
Yes No
| Do you always lock your doors while driving? | ||
| Do you keep windows rolled up whenever possible? | ||
| Do you avoid picking up hitchhikers? | ||
| Do you keep your car in good running order to avoid break downs in dangerous areas? | ||
| Do you look for well-lit areas to park your car? | ||
| Do you always lock your car when it is parked? | ||
| Do you look around the car before you get out, especially at night or in deserted areas such as underground parking lots? | ||
| When returning to your car, do you have your keys in hand? | ||
| Do you look in the back seat before getting into the car? | ||
| If you are being followed, do you avoid going home and go to the nearest place of safety instead? |
If you answered "NO" to any of these questions, consider a change in behavior to increase your security.