A typical workday in the life of a woman is filled with cell phone calls, text messages, meetings, deadlines, clients, and countless other things. But oftentimes missing from that list of “must do’s” is personal safety. It’s something that should be prioritized throughout the day, especially if you’re employment requires traveling to multiple worksites or client locations or business travel. But in truth, it generally takes a back seat for many of us.
When you drive to work in the morning, is your focus more on what you want to achieve than how you got there? Sometimes we become so zoned out that we arrive at work without even giving it a second thought. When we take the same route every day, it becomes a rote memory; in other words, it’s an automatic response that doesn’t require much brainpower. But we can sharpen that awareness by alternating routes or adding in a new street to our existing one.
When traveling to a client location or stopping off to run some errands, do you choose a parking space in a lot or garage that’s in a well-lit area near manned attendance booths or close to the store or client location? Do you pay attention to the cars you park next to? It’s important to be alert to anyone standing behind an open trunk acting like they’re looking for something. Remain alert to anyone who appears to be loitering, possibly looking for a soft target who isn’t paying attention. Parking lots can be easy pickings for potential abductors. When leaving your vehicle, lock your car and keep your cell phone with 911 programmed into it in your hand. Using a backpack or crossbody bag will keep your hands free to protect yourself if the need arises. When returning to your vehicle, again look for anyone who is sitting in a van parked next to your car or hidden underneath. If your safety is ever in doubt, return inside the store and ask for an escort to your vehicle. Don’t approach someone in uniform outside the store since perpetrators have been known to dress as law enforcement officials. Once inside, lock your doors and leave immediately; don’t linger to check your email or write a note.
When using elevators, there are safety considerations you should employ. Look before entering an elevator to see if anyone appears to be attempting to conceal their presence. If so, wait for another elevator. Likewise, if a man steps into the elevator right as the doors are closing and you’re alone, stand next to the floor selection panel and emergency alarm. If you feel uncomfortable, select all the floor choices, and get off at the next stop. Always report any suspicious activity to the facility security office.
If traveling and staying in hotels, never place your credit card on the counter where others can see it. Likewise, don’t verbalize your room number in public areas. If the clerk at check-in does, ask for another room and have them write the number on a piece of paper. If you feel uncomfortable, ask for assistance with your luggage and have the bellman check your room, to include behind the shower curtain and in closets. Immediately place the Do Not Disturb sign on the outside of your door and turn on the TV. Keep both on when leaving your room for any reason to leave doubt about room occupancy in the mind of anyone with ill intent. Oftentimes hotels will provide a breakfast menu card that you can complete and leave on the outside of your door. Women who are alone should refrain from using those as they disclose there is only one person in the room. If ordering food from a delivery location, have it delivered to the front desk and notify the front desk to contact you when it arrives.
Lastly, when traveling, don’t check-in on Facebook until you leave. Doing so will help prevent digital stalking and not announce that your home may be unoccupied. Likewise, if you think someone is following you, cross the street or step into a store. If you’re driving and being followed, drive to a police station or a public area.
Awareness is key to thwarting criminal activity. Attackers prey on soft targets…those who aren’t paying attention and appear vulnerable. They count on the element of surprise, so if you’re paying more attention to your phone, you’re increasing your attractiveness to a potential attacker. Remember, your personal safety is extremely important and should always take a front seat in your life.
If training your personnel on Personal Safety isn’t a part of your organization’s overall violence prevention program, it should be. CPPS offers this training as a part of a Comprehensive Violence Prevention Program. For more information email [email protected] and ask to speak with our team of experts.
