Tips on Personal Safety for Teens from the U.S. Army

1. Tips on Personal Safety for Teens from the U.S. Army Adapted from the “Hoo-ah for Health” U.S. Army Site

2. Stay Safe with Personal Safety Skills • Teens are the victims of property and personal crimes more than any other group. • They are at risk because they go out more frequently, often at night, and tend to overlook personal safety rules. • Law enforcement authorities estimate that up to 90% of all crime could be prevented if people use basic safety measures.

3. Street Smarts • Avoid walking alone, but if you must, walk confidently. • Plan routes in advance; choose busy streets, brightly lit places. • Don't take short cuts through isolated areas (i.e., alleys, parks). • Never hitchhike. • Travel light and wear comfortable shoes so you can move quickly. If necessary, note the location of public places where • people and help are available. • Look and listen, be alert.

4. If you’re being followed • Let the stalker know that you are aware of him or her. • Seek help from people or find open businesses; • switch directions; cross the street. • If you are scared or attacked, yell "FIRE" instead of "help" or "rape"--you'll get better response. • Don't hesitate to make a scene--it could scare off a would-be attacker. • Call the police.

5. Safety at School • Report suspicious people in or around the school immediately. Avoid trouble-makers; • walk away from fights or problems. • Report any weapons or vandalism you see. • Work with other students and faculty to make your school crime-free.

6. Safety at home • Keep doors and windows locked while at home; deadbolt locks are best. • Never hide spare keys outside. • Don't open the door for strangers or unordered deliveries; instead, talk through a locked door or window. • Never let someone know you're alone. • Never enter your house or garage if anything looks suspicious; go to a neighbor's and call the police.

7. Transportation safety • On public transportation, have your fare ready; use well-lit, busy stops; sit near driver or by a group. • If danger arises, attempt to move closer to the driver; alert driver of the problem. • If driving lock your car when you get in and out; park in well-lit, busy areas; check in and around your car before entering. • If car breaks down use flashers; tie a white cloth to the door; stay inside locked car; through slightly open window ask anyone who stops to call for help.

8. Reduce your risks • Criminals look for people who are scared, confused or vulnerable. • Protect yourself by being alert, observant and acting confident. • Have a strategy for escaping or seeking help. • Don't be embarrassed to make a scene. • Don't be obvious with expensive jewelry or clothing or large amounts of money.

9. Reduce your risks • Watch Your Temper. • Your feelings may be strong but you can control how you act. • An out-of-control temper can lead to conflict and, in turn, violence. • Learn to control your temper. • Remember to stay calm and tackle the problem, not the person.

10. Reduce your risks • Guard Your Possessions. • If you only carry a wallet, keep it in an inside or front pocket. • Hold your backpack or purse close to your body with the flap inward; never leave open or unattended. • Don't put any ID on keys. Lock your bike; engrave it with an ID number; register it. • Remember--possessions are insignificant compared to the value of your life.

11. Reduce your risks-steer clear of gangs • Gangs claim to offer protection, but what they really offer is crime, violence and a serious threat to personal safety. • Avoid anyone associated with a gang and areas where gangs hang out. • Don't wear colors or use symbols associated with gangs--you might be considered a member. • If pressured to join a gang, tell a teacher, parent, or other responsible adult.

12. Reduce your risks-avoid weapons • State laws on gun possession vary, but weapons are dangerous. • Statistics show that a weapon carried for "self-defense" often falls into the wrong hands and can put anyone's life in danger. • Steer clear of people who say they carry a weapon. • If you see someone with a gun or knife at school, report it to school authorities immediately.

13. Reduce your risks- avoid alcohol and other drugs • Alcohol and other drugs are closely related to crime. • Using or possessing drugs is a crime. • Use of alcohol and other drugs often contributes to loss of control, which can lead to violence, accidents or taking unnecessary risks. • Say "no" to drugs and leave any situation where alcohol or other drugs are used.

14. Reduce your risks-Date with Care • Know your date. • Avoid being alone with a date; • go out on double dates, in a group, or to public events (i.e., movies, fairs). • Avoid situations where alcohol or other drugs are used; they cloud people's judgment. • Don't ride with a driver who has been drinking or taking drugs. • Carry money for phone calls or a taxi.

15. Reduce your risk-protect yourself from assault • An assault can happen almost any place, any time. • Reduce your risk by constantly practicing personal safety. • Avoid risky situations at work, home, and socially. • If you sense danger, do anything necessary to escape: run, yell, kick, make a scene. • Look and listen--always be observant and alert.

16. Reduce your risk- protect yourself from rape • Practice good home security and street safety habits to reduce the risk of rape. • At least one-third of rape victims knew the attacker as a date, friend or acquaintance. • If unwanted sexual advances are made, clearly assert your position. • If you feel uneasy, trust your sense of danger; leave the situation immediately; tell an adult you trust.

17. Reduce your risks-Get help from adults • No matter where you go, when or with whom, always let someone know your plans. • Introduce your dates to your Family. • Report anything that could put you or someone else in danger. • Team up with adults to help make your school, home, and community safe from violence and crime.

18. Bibliography • Army National Guard and the Office of the Chief, Army “My Hoo-ah for Health” http://www.hooah4health.com/4Life/hooah4teens/safetyskills.htm 2009.