Personal Safety during the Visit:
- If you carry bags, keep your car keys and mobile phone on you (you can barricade yourself in a room / toilet and use your phone in an emergency)
- Survey the premises for exits and ways out in an emergency (also think about fire and that older people tend to barricade themselves inside)
- If the person you are visiting locks the front door (particularly deadlocks) ask them to please leave the key in the lock
- Be wary of trip hazards that are both external and internal such as steps or lifted floor coverings, electrical wires
- If there are dogs or other pets which concern you, ask that they be put away in a locked kennel or room
- Do not wear expensive jewelry
- Limit the amount of cash you carry
- Do not carry of a purse
- Carry essential identification only
- Avoid carrying credit cards
- Dress conservatively
- Lock your car doors as soon as you get in (to prevent car jacking)
- Where practical do not park in the driveway (you could be blocked in) – but if you need to, think about reverse parking in, so you can simply drive out
- In a cul de sac, park in the direction of the cul de sac exit
- Approach your car with keys in hand
- Check the car interior before entering
- Keep doors locked at all times
- Hide your purse/packages/valuables so they are not open to view
- Avoid parking besides vans/trucks
- Park in well lit areas and avoid parking in isolated areas
- Never enter a house if there is yelling, screaming, breaking glass etc. coming from within – call the police
- If an aggression incident occurs, remember to try and remain as calm as possible, speak slowly and calmly
- Stay out of rooms such as kitchens because there are a variety of weapons that could be used
- Try and keep a barrier (e.g. table, between you and the aggressor where practical)
- Slowly try to move toward an exit, or consider a room you can barricade yourself in and use your cell phone to call police
- Try not to walk backwards as you risk tripping over
- At earliest opportunity call the Police, even if it is only the threat of assault, call your Church or Ministry immediately and report the incident
- You must inform the police if firearms are produced or implied
- Don’t stand face to face (it makes you vulnerable to attacks)
- Don’t enter a home with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Don’t enter a home with someone who is inappropriately dressed