Safety
safety; street; stranger; partying; safe; personal safety; party; road rage; road;rage; tail gate; tailgating; danger; victim; crime; accident.;
Contents
Taking risks is a part of life. People take risks every day. Just crossing the road is a big risk when you think about it. There are times when we are more open to other dangers.
Stranger awareness
The vast majority of people who are hurt by others are hurt by people they know. Although only a few people are hurt by strangers, it is still important to take sensible precautions, and avoid putting yourself in high-risk situations.
There are some ideas for keeping safe in general:
- Plan ahead and let someone know your travel plans.
- When walking, choose busy streets that are well lit up, and walk with a friend or two, especially at night.
- Carry coins, a phone card, or a mobile phone so that you can phone for help if needed.
- Have your key ready before you approach your house or car so that you do not have to linger in the dark.
- Don't walk showing your purse/wallet or money.
- Try and keep other items of value out of sight.
- If you need someone to walk you home or to the bus stop, walk in a group of three or more to get there - there'll be at least two people to walk back together.
If you think someone is following you
- Cross the street.
- Don't try to lose them by walking down an alley or in a direction that is unfamiliar to you.
- Go to the nearest well lit house, shops or business.
- Stop at a phone box and call the police (you do not need any money to do this). You could stay on the phone while you are waiting for the police to arrive.
- If you feel that you need to run, get rid of any heavy packages that are weighing you down, or high-heeled shoes.
- Try and attract attention for assistance - this will deter the person following you.
- Yell out "call the police" rather than "help".
If you think you are being followed by a car
- Turn and walk in the opposite direction, and the driver will have to turn the car around.
- Get the licence number on the car and make sure you write it down.
- Seek help as soon as possible - preferably run into a shop, business or house that looks occupied.
- If you are in your car, do not drive home if you will be alone, drive to a police station, well-lit service station, or somewhere where there are people around.
If your car has broken down and you have no phone
- Get out and raise the hood (or bonnet).
- Get back in the car and lock all the doors and put the windows up.
- If someone approaches the car, talk to the person with the windows still up and ask her or him to phone the police or roadside assistance or a tow truck. Wait in your car. Remember, your safety is the most important thing, not making friends.
If you are at home
- Get a peephole in your door to check who is there before you open it.
- Keep your windows locked. You can get a keyed lock that can still allow your window to be open a little.
- Leave at least one light on in some rooms around your house to show that people are at home.
- Beware of letting people into your home, check their identification and be careful with anyone you did not call to come to your house, eg. a building inspector, telephone inspector etc. You do not have to let anyone in who makes you feel uncomfortable.
If you think someone is outside your home or intruding
- Stay inside.
- Turn on your lights.
- Do not call out to the person.
- Phone the police and be clear and calm when providing them with your information.
If you are traveling
- You may be meeting heaps of travellers and you can never tell just by looking who is "safe" or not. Do not assume that someone is OK because he/she "looks respectable". This is not the best indicator as to how safe they are.
- Try to avoid spur of the moment changes to travel plans - give yourself some time to think the change through and consider possible risks involved.
- Avoid changing your plans when someone else suggests a new one. Their suggestion may take you away from a safe place.
- Keep maps and make sure you know where you are going.
- Keep in contact with someone, letting them know of your movements.
Online safety
- When you are on the internet, using bulletin boards, forums or chat rooms, don't give out any personal details - you can never be sure who you are talking to.
- It is great to meet new people, and make new friends, but don't assume that someone is safe just because they 'seem nice' and wants to meet you.
- Check out our topic Computer security for more tips.
Resources
South Australia
- The Second Story Youth Health Service (TSS)
- Central: 57 Hyde St, Adelaide
- South: 50a Beach Rd, Christies Beach
- North: 6 Gillingham Rd, Elizabeth
- West: 51 Bower St, Woodville
Contact TSS via the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19,
or for mobile phone callers (08) 8303 1691 - normal rates apply.
- For the police or other emergency services dial 000
General
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).