Personal Safety
Always carry identification
Don't walk alone or in isolated areas
Keep valuables out of sight
Keep your purse or wallet close to your body
Park only in well lit areas
Lock your doors, both car and home
Be aware of your surroundings, especially when using the ATM
Trust your instincts
Know your neighborhood and safe places in it
Don't open your door to strangers
Know your neighbors
Don't enter your home if you see something suspicious
Living
in a city can offer residents tremendous opportunities and resources,
but also provide some challenges regarding personal safety. Just as in
any city, residents of the District of Columbia should take precautions
to ensure their safety in the District. Among other things, you should:
- Always carry a form of personal identification with you. This is
particularly important in Washington, DC because of the amount of
federal and local security that are utilized in the District.
- Be wary of isolated spots--apartment laundry rooms,
underground garages, parking lots, offices after business hours. Walk
with a friend, co-worker, or security guard, particularly at night.
- Always keep jewelry and other valuables out of sight.
- Keep a firm grip on your purse. Use a purse with a
secure clasp, and keep the purse close to your body with a hand on the
clasp.
- Carry your wallet inside your coat or side pants pocket, never in your rear pants pocket.
- Park your car in busy, lighted areas.
- Always lock your car and take the key with you. Consider using an anti-theft device for your car.
- Be aware of your surroundings when using the ATM
machine. Look around before conducting a transaction. If you see anyone
or anything suspicious, cancel your transaction and go to another ATM.
If you must use an ATM after hours, make sure it's well lit.
- Wherever you are--on the street, in an office
building or shopping mall, driving, waiting for a bus or subway--stay
alert and tuned in to your surroundings.
- Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.
- Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check
out the locations of police and fire stations, public telephones,
hospitals, and restaurants, or stores that are open late.
- Never open your door to strangers. Offer to make an
emergency call while someone waits outside. Check the identification of
sales or service people before letting them in. Don't be embarrassed to
phone for verification.
- Know your neighbors, so you have someone to call or go to if you're uncomfortable or frightened.
- If you come home and see a door or window open, or broken, don't go in. Call the police from a cell phone.
