Inland Northwest Office

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Personal Safety Checklist

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?
		If a stranger asks to use your phone, do you refuse to let them into your home and ask 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 7:00 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 near the curb to avoid the element of surprise if someone is 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 avoid carrying 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 car 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 breakdowns in dangerous areas?
		Do you look for well-lit areas to park your car?
		Do you always lock your car while 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.

Checklist courtesy of the Washington State Crime Prevention Association