Safety:

• Do not display large amounts of cash when out in public
• Use direct deposit for your pension and/or social security checks
• Travel in groups. If you must travel alone, do not advertise the fact that you are by yourself
• Work out a "buddy system" with a friend so you can check up on them and they can check up on you at least once a day

Practice Street Smarts:

• Avoid dark, deserted or isolated routes
• Do not walk near walls, high bushes, or near cars
• Project an image of self-confidence while you are walking
• Cross the street to avoid people who make you feel uncomfortable
• Know how to get where you are going ahead of time
• If someone demands for your money, give it up
• Keep your money in several pockets instead of one pocket
• Never accept a ride from someone you do not know well

At Home:

• Never let a stranger into your home. Always examine their identification badge before you allow a service technician into your home
• Lock your home when you are there and when you are away. Keep your 1st floor windows locked
• Do not let people on the phone know you are alone
• Keep your phone by your bed at night
• Post all emergency numbers close to the telephone
• Leave a light on while you are out. Use a different light each time you are not home
• Leave the porch light on
• Know your neighbors and make sure they know you

Apartment Dwellers:

• Know where you can get help in a hurry
• Make sure all halls have good lighting
• Use the laundry room in the apartment building when other tenants are present
• Look in the elevator before getting in to be sure no one is hiding inside. Get off the elevator if someone suspicious enters
• If you are worried about another person waiting for the same elevator as you, pretend you forgot something in your apartment and do not go onto the elevator

Using Transportation:

• Use well-lit bus stops
• Sit near the bus driver
• Sit on the aisle so you do not get blocked in at the window
• Do not get off the bus with someone that makes you feel uncomfortable

In your car:

• Never pick up hitch hikers
• Keep your car doors locked at all times. Lock all doors upon entering and leaving your car
• Check the back seat before entering your car
• As you are approaching your car, take a look under the car to make sure no one is hiding under there

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