Personal Safety Tips

• While walking or jogging  be aware of your surroundings. Look alert and confident.
• Be vocal. Shout or scream if someone tries to attack or abduct you. Bring attention to yourself and do not go anywhere with the attacker. Try to stay where you are.
• Have a plan and know what you are going to do if you are attacked. Be psychologically prepared.
• Rely on your intuition. If something doesn't feel right then go with how you feel.
• When dealing with suspicious people try to put some distance between you and the person. Walk away from the person, cross the street, get an object between you and the person.
• Each situation is different. You need to depend on your own physical capabilities and consider the capabilities of the attacker.
• If a car is following you, change direction. If a person is following you, turn and look at the person. This lets the person know that you are aware that you are being followed. Walk to a public place.
• If possible walk with a friend.
• When you take out your wallet do not reveal your money or credit cards.
• Don't leave your purse in your car or unattended. Don't hang it on the back of restroom doors. Don’t leave it in a shopping cart while looking at items. Carry your keys separate from your purse in case your purse is lost or stolen.
• While driving, lock your doors. Visually check your car before you get into it.
• If someone tries to break into your car while you are in it, honk your horn and try to drive away.
• Don't leave packages in your car that has your address on them. Put packages in the trunk.
• When shopping, if you are carrying many packages and have to take them to your car, move your car to another location and then continue to shop. Somebody may be watching and may break into your car once you leave.
• Put as little information on your check blanks as your bank will allow. By leaving out information you will be asked for identification. This will make it harder for someone to forge your checks if they are stolen.
• Do not leave your house keys with any business that is servicing your car. Remove your house key before leaving your car keys with a repair shop.
• Do not give out personal information over the Internet in chat rooms.
• Do not give out financial information over the phone unless you are speaking to someone that you have called.
  

For more information contact Mankato's Department of Public Safety at (507) 387-8790.