How to Escape a Dangerous Situation
- Don’t go into your apartment. Instead, continue walking as if you don’t suspect anything. Walk to a well lit, public location where other people are present.
- Try to get inside or to a populated area and stay calm so as not to alarm the person. Get a good look at the person so that you can describe him/her to police. You can pretend to read something or ask someone a question in order to get a better look without being obvious.
- Call the police as soon as you able. Inform the police of any prior sightings or encounters with this person.
- Vary your route home as much as possible for the next few weeks and always keep a cell phone on and in your hand when walking alone.
- You may feel safer if you carry a whistle or other hand held alarm.
- Consider purchasing and arming yourself with pepper spray or mace.
Burglary
One of the most frightening things to come home to is evidence that someone was in your apartment. If you believe that your apartment may have been burglarized:
- Never enter the apartment. Get to a safe location and call the police. Avoid going to a close neighbor’s apartment as burglars often rob more than one apartment and could be in the next unit when you arrive.
- If you are already in your home and you realize there is someone there, leave right away. If the intruder is in a room that blocks you from escape, find a phone and dial 9-1-1 immediately. If you have a back door or other exit, leave immediately. Hiding from the intruder is a last resort as there is a chance you will scare the robber if you are suddenly discovered. Don’t try to confront the robber yourself as he/she may very well be armed.
Car Accident
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. If you find yourself in an accident:
- Stay calm. Check yourself and the other passengers for injuries. If you have a cell phone, immediately call 9-1-1. If no one is injured, pull off to the side of the road, put on your emergency lights and carefully step out of the car.
- If another driver is involved, politely exchange information with him/her. Do not admit blame, even if you are positive the accident was your fault. DO NOT allow the other driver to leave without calling the police, even if you think there is no damage. You could end up liable for damages the other driver may claim after the fact. If it is a minor accident, the police may ask you to come to the station to file a police report.
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