Ashton Village Homeowners Association

In the event of an Emergency dial 911 Non-Emergency Police 713-884-3131

PERSONAL SAFETY FOR ADULTS

Knowing how to protect yourself can reduce the opportunity of becoming a victim of crime. Street safety can reduce the opportunity for muggers and purse-snatchers. Home safety can reduce the opportunity for unwanted intruders.

3 BASIC RULES
DO stay alert. Keep your mind on your surroundings, who's in front of you and who's behind you. Don't get distracted.

DO communicate the message that you're calm, confident, and know where you're going. Stand tall, walk purposefully, and make eye contact with people around you.

DO trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave.

WHEN WALKING

	Plan the safest route to your destination. Choose well-lighted streets and avoid passing vacant lots, alleys, or construction sights. Take the long way if it's the safest way.
	Know your neighborhood. Find out what stores and restaurants are open late and where the fire stations are.
	Don't walk alone at night and always avoid areas where there are few people.
	Carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it. Carry a wallet in an inside coat or side trouser pocket, not in a rear trouser pocket.
	Don't flaunt expensive jewelry or clothing.
	Walk in the middle of the sidewalk. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys.
	Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
	Walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.
	Don't overburden yourself with packages and groceries that make it hard to react.
	Have your house or car key in hand as you approach your home or vehicle.
	If you suspect someone is following you on foot, cross the street and head for the nearest well lighted populated area. Walk quickly or run to a house or store to call police. If you're really scared, scream for help.
	If someone is following you in a car, change directions immediately and make a visible point of writing down the license number.
	Be careful when people stop you for directions. Always reply from a distance and never get too close to the car.
	Consider carrying a shriek alarm.

WHILE DRIVING

	Keep your car in good running condition to avoid breakdowns.
	Plan your route in advance, particularly on long or unfamiliar trips. Have enough gas and money to get there and back.
	Drive with all the car doors locked. Keep windows rolled as high as possible.
	If your car breaks down, raise the hood, use flares, or tie a white cloth to the door handle. Stay in the locked car. When someone stops, ask him or her to phone for help.
	Consider carrying a cellular phone.
	Park in well-lighted areas that will still be well lighted when you return. Lock your car.
	Be particularly alert and careful when using underground and enclosed parking garages.
	If you are being followed while driving, drive to the nearest fire station, open gas station or other business where you can safely call the police. Try to get the car's license number and description. If no safe areas are near, honk the horn repeatedly and turn on your emergency flashers.

WHEN AT HOME

	Make sure all the windows and the doors in your home can be locked securely, particularly sliding glass doors. Use the locks! Keep entrances well lighted.
	Use a peephole or an intercom to find out who is outside before opening the door.
	Check the identification of any sales or service person before letting him/her in.
	Don't let any strangers into your home - no matter what the reason or how dire the emergency is supposed to be. Offer to make an emergency phone call while they wait outside.
	Never give the impression that you are home alone if strangers telephone or come to the door.
	Don't give any information to "wrong number" callers. Ask what number they are dialing.
	Check references of any person calling about a survey or credit card before volunteering information.
	Your answering machine should never indicate you are not at home. The recorded message should tell the caller that that you are unable to come to the phone at the moment and if they leave a message you will get back to them.
	Hang up immediately on any threatening or harassing phone call. If the call persists, call the phone company and the police.
	Use only your last name and initials on your door, mailbox, and in the phone book.
	Do not leave house keys in the mailbox, planter, or under the doormat. Give a duplicate key to a trusted friend or neighbor in case you are locked out.
	Replace old locks when you move to a new house or apartment.
	Pull your shades after dark.
	If you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, don't go in. Go to the nearest phone and call the police.

JOGGING, BIKING, AND OTHER OUTDOORS ACTIVITIES

	Choose routes in advance that are safe and well populated.
	Vary your route and schedule.
	Avoid jogging and biking at night.
	Know businesses that are open and locations of fire stations and emergency call boxes.
	Consider carrying a shriek alarm.
	Consider not wearing stereo headphones. It's safer to be alert.

BUSES AND ELEVATORS

	Try to use well-lighted and frequently used stops.
	Try to sit near the bus driver. Don't fall asleep. Stay alert!
	While waiting, stand near other people.
	If you are verbally or physically harassed, attract attention by talking loudly or screaming.
	Be alert to who gets off the bus with you. If you feel uncomfortable, walk directly to a place where there are other people.
	Look into the elevator before getting in to be sure no one is hiding.
	Stand near the controls.
	Get off is someone suspicious enters. If you're worried about someone who is waiting for the elevator with you, pretend you forgot something and don't get on.
	If you're attacked, hit the alarm and as many floor buttons as possible.

WHAT IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU?

	Remain calm, try not to panic or show signs of anger or confusion.
	If the attacker is only after your purse or other valuables, don't resist. You don't want it to become a violent confrontation.
	Make a conscious effort to get an accurate description of your attacker: age, race, complexion, body build, height, weight, type and color of clothing.
	Call the police immediately, identify yourself and your location, and request assistance.