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Street Smarts
Test
Your "Street Smarts" IQ: Do you…
 | Jog or walk by yourself early in the morning or late
at night when the streets are quiet and deserted?
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| Stuff your purse with cash, keys, credit cards,
checkbook - and then leave it wide open on a counter, your desk, the
floor?
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| Put your wallet in a jacket, which you then hang up
or throw over a chair?
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| Let your mind wander - thinking about your job, or
all the things you have to do - when walking or driving?
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| Think it's a waste of time to lock your car when
you'll be back in a few minutes?
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If you answered
"yes" to any of these questions, you need to change a few
habits. Even if you answered "no" and made a perfect score, read
on. Spend a few minutes now to prevent trouble later.
Basic Street
Sense
| Wherever you are - on the street, in an office
building or shopping mall, driving, waiting for a bus or subway - stay
alert and tuned in to your surroundings.
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| Send the message that you're calm, confident, and
know where you're going.
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| Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes
you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.
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| Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check
out the locations of police and fire stations, public telephones,
hospitals, and restaurants, or stores that are open late.
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On Foot
| Stick to well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts
through wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys.
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| Don't flash large amounts of cash or other tempting
targets like expensive jewelry or clothing.
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| Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the
straps.
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| Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket,
not a back pocket.
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| Try to use automated teller machines in the daytime.
Have your card in hand and don't approach the machine if you're uneasy
about people nearby.
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| Don't wear shoes or clothing that restrict your
movements.
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| Have your car or house key in hand before you reach
the door.
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| If you think someone is following you, switch
direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant,
or lighted house. If you're scared, yell for help.
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| Have to work late? Make sure there are others in the
building, and ask someone - a colleague or security guard - to walk
you to your car or transit stop.
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Learn more about auto theft and carjacking.
| Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure
there's enough gas to get where you're going and back.
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| Always roll up the windows and lock car doors, even
if you're coming right back. Check inside and out before getting in.
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| Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert
in lots and underground parking garages.
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| If you think someone is following you, don't head
home.
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| Drive to the nearest police or fire station, gas
station, or other open business to get help.
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| Don't pick up hitchhikers. Don't hitchhike.
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On Buses and
Subways
| Use well-lighted, busy stops.
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| Stay alert! Don't doze or daydream.
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| If someone harasses you, don't be embarrassed. Loudly
say "Leave me alone!" If that doesn't work, hit the
emergency device.
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| Watch who gets off with you. If you feel uneasy, walk
directly to a place where there are other people.
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If Someone Tries
To Rob You
| Don't resist. Give up your property, don't give up
your life.
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| Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the
attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent others from
becoming victims.
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Learn more about
things you can do and things kids can do.
| Take a Stand
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| Make your neighborhood and workplace safer by
reporting broken street lights, cleaning up parks and vacant lots, and
lobbying local government for better lighting in public places.
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| Join a Neighborhood, Apartment, or Office Watch to
look out for each other and help the police. Or find out how you can
organize a neighborhood watch.
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| Help out a friend or co-worker who's been a victim of
crime.
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| Cook a meal, babysit, find the number for victim
services or a crisis hotline.
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| Listen, sympathize, and don't blame.
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| Look at the root causes.
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Work
for better drug treatment services, crime and drug abuse prevention
education, and job and recreational opportunities for young people in your
community. |