We all have to give more attention to our surroundings, no matter where we are. Sometimes we get into a routine and let our guard down because we are so familiar with our surroundings. Here are some tips for the different places you might be in during your daily routine for personal safety.

Office/Workplace:

Always have your purse locked up in a secure drawer. Don’t leave it on the floor or desk. If you can’t lock it up in your desk, always take it with you when you leave your work area.

Never leave personal phone numbers posted on the wall around your desk. Never give a number to anyone without their permission.

If you are planning a trip, don’t tell the whole office your plans. Tell them about your trip after you get back. It makes for a better story anyway. You never know who’s listening.

Be cautious of all repair people or those who service your office. Especially if a new person who normally does not service your office comes in. Always ask for their proper identification. If suspicious, call the company they represent or inform your boss.

Elevators:

Always be aware of who’s in the elevator. Look inside before you enter. If a person looks suspicious, wait for the next car. DON’T GET IN.

This also applies while you are waiting for an elevator. If you feel uncomfortable with anyone waiting as well, don’t get in. Walk away, look like you changed your mind to do something else.

While on the elevator, try to stand close to the controls. All elevators have an emergency alarm. Also, if you feel threatened, push all the buttons so the elevator will stop at all floors. This gives you a better chance of escaping a situation.

Parking your car at work:

Try to park your car in a well-lit area next to an exit or elevator. Know where these exits are and have an escape plan.

Have your car keys out and in your hand before entering the parking garage. While searching for them in your purse can make you unaware of what’s happening around you, you can be approached easily without you noticing.

Always look into the back seat, floorboards, and around your car as you approach it.

Needless to say, ALWAYS lock your car even when you are in it. Keep the windows up so no one can reach in.

Keep your purse on the floorboards and don’t leave it on the seat. If you leave it in plain sight just to “pop” into a store, you will take the chance that someone will break your car window and steal your purse.

If you are bumped from behind, DO NOT get out of your car immediately. Assess your surroundings. This could be a ploy to carjack you. It’s best to stay in your car and wait for the police to arrive. If the other party leaves the scene, don’t try to follow. Try to get the tag number and write down a good description of the vehicle.

Always leave a good distance between your car and the car in front of you. If threatened, you can step on the gas and make a getaway. Don’t try to fight off an attacker. Give up your car and run away. Your car can be replaced, but you won’t. Throw the keys if needed in the opposite direction you are running. This will create a distraction and will give you a little more time to escape.

If your car breaks down, raise the hood, get back into the car, and tie something to the car antenna. If someone stops to assist you, DO NOT let them into your car. Ask them to call for help, and do not accept a ride from them.