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Step 1
Pack everything in a rolling suitcase or shoulder-strap bag, including your briefcase and laptop. Keep your hands free. It’s better to make two trips than to be bogged down with bags which makes you a perfect target. If you have cash or expensive jewelry, hide these on your person or in your biggest piece of luggage—not in your purse, which is easiest to steal.
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Step 2
Clip a hands-free cell phone where you can get to it quickly. Program 911 on speed dial and a contact number under the letters ICE (In Case of Emergency). Law enforcement officials are trained to look for this. Program your work number also in a way others can understand. Don’t identify your home number—anyone who sees it can go online and get your address with a reverse phone-directory search.
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Step 3
Carry an air horn in your hand or hooked on a belt loop—not in a pocket or purse, or you may not be able to use it in time. These horns make an ear-splitting noise, and they aren't bulky or expensive. A whistle, lauded by many, is not such a great idea as you may not be able to get it into your mouth.
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Step 4
Carry a non-folding umbrella with a steel tip on it, if you have no luggage. Use it like a walking stick and walk lively, clacking the tip against the ground. These make pretty good weapons and even if you aren't a fighter, you are still adding complications for the bad guys to overcome.
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Step 5
Call ahead to the hotel if you're traveling alone. If valet parking is available, budget it in. If this isn’t an option, ask for an escort from the parking garage to the check-in desk. If they balk, tell them that you or a friend was mugged or raped in a place just like this. Remember, they are being paid to protect you. If they say that no security personnel are available, request a man—anyone—to escort you. Most places will comply with that if you give them a reason for your request.
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Step 6
Be aware of your surroundings. Park in the best-lit space closest to your point of entry. Don’t park in a crammed space next to a wall that leaves no exit. Park near other people—there’s safety in numbers.
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Step 7
Note your exact location and avoid wandering around when it's time to leave. Look around the area while driving, parking and before leaving your car. If you have luggage, open the trunk from inside, go to it quickly, grab your things, close the trunk and leave. Don’t hang around.
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Step 8
Make sure you can see and hear and run and scream. No big hats, spiked heels, eating as you walk or music plugged into your ears. Don't wear anything that someone could hold you with. Tuck scarves, long beads, necklaces, long hair, braids and even purses if possible inside your clothing until you’re inside.
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Step 9
Don’t look like a victim. Walk with your head up and shoulders squared, like you belong there are and are well aware of your surroundings. Look around occasionally as you walk, but don't overdo it and look scared. Scared folks are easy targets. With a little planning and a lot of awareness, you can do a lot toward keeping yourself safe from assault.
Comments
susu7 said
on 8/22/2009 Great suggestions David - thanks for writing!!
davida8575 said
on 8/22/2009 Good suggestions. I could add a few to this. I am a Security Guard in a Parking Garage in Orlando, FL. If you have an umbrella with a pointed tip, that makes a better weapon. Cary a Taser if you are in a state that allows them, like FL. Try to find a garage that has video surveillance. Don't ask someone in the ticket booth or garage managers for an escort, that is not their job and they can not and will not give you an escort, have Security escort you. Don't wear a camera around your neck in Orlando, FL! Everyone will know your a tourist if you do! Remember, security can't be everywhere at once. We do patrol the garages, but you park there at your own risk! Those garages are not the safest places to be, but they are not as dangerous as a lot of people think.