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

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

• Adapted from the Hoo-ah for Health U.S. Army
  Site

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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.

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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.

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If youre 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Bibliography

• Army National Guard and the Office of the Chief,
  Army My Hoo-ah for Health http//www.hooah4healt
  h.com/4Life/hooah4teens/safetyskills.htm 2009.