PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS

Ensuring the safety and security of our citizens is the Howard County Police Department’s top priority. To help you “be on the safe side,” we have compiled a list of personal safety tips.

The Howard County Police Department encourages you to take these precautions to help keep you safe. Your personal safety is of paramount importance to our dedicated police force.

Three reasons some people may be easy targets for acts of violence are:

• Lack of Awareness: You MUST be aware of your surroundings at all times.
  
• Body Language: Try to keep your head up, stand straight up and be confident.
  
• Wrong Place, Wrong Time: You should not walk alone, particularly after dark.

When getting into your car in a parking lot or parking garage:

• Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor and in the back seat.
  
• Look at the cars parked on either side of your vehicle. If something appears suspicious, walk away and go for help.
  
• Consider taking the elevator instead of the stairs if you are alone.

When in your vehicle, be sure to keep your car doors locked at all times. Don’t give anyone an opportunity to enter your vehicle through an unlocked door. As soon as you get into your car, LOCK AND LEAVE.

Good advice in almost any situation may be:

Since people and situations vary, there is no “best method” of self-protection. No method is foolproof and there are no guarantees. The defense method you prefer and utilize, if any, must be your own decision.

• Stay as calm as possible.
  
• Try not to panic or show any signs of anger or confusion.
  
• Consider your well-being as the highest priority. Don’t escalate the incident into a violent confrontation in which someone may be injured or killed.
  
• If the attacker is only after your purse or other valuables, don’t resist. Your life and safety are worth more than your possessions. Make a conscious effort to get an accurate description of the suspect and call 911 immediately.

Many people often are sympathetic and helpful. Don’t be fooled by a potential attacker feigning the need for assistance. Choose your actions carefully based on your situation.

Tips for protecting yourself from potential violence:

• Always keep your distance when walking past strangers on the street or in dark areas.
  
• Get a cell phone.
  
• Make every effort to keep your car in good working order. If your car breaks down, LOCK YOUR DOORS. Use your cell phone to call for help. Keep a blanket, warm clothes, a pair of boots and a flashlight in your car for emergencies.

Defense techniques that may be effective against an attacker:

• The EYES are the most vulnerable part of the body. If you are being attacked, poking the attacker in the eyes may be effective. Use this as an opportunity to get away.
• Other vulnerable places are the KNEES and the GROIN. A swift kick here will take most people down.

A cautionary note: if you attempt to use these measures, be forceful. Try to make your first attempt effective.

Remember that every situation is different. The best advice may be to USE COMMON SENSE and BE AWARE.