sensible strolling

Although you may feel safe while walking through the neighborhood, it's important to remember that armed robberies can occur anytime, anywhere. If you're walking alone, here are a few ways to protect yourself from armed robbers:
• Don't carry anything more valuable than you can afford to lose.
• Always leave all unnecessary credit cards at home.
• Walk on the side of the street nearest to oncoming traffic. If accosted by someone in a car, run in the direction opposite the way the car is headed.
• Beware of people who approach asking directions; keep a polite but safe distance.
• Consider carrying a second wallet containing a few $1 bills and expired credit cards, which are normally destroyed or discarded. If confronted at knife or gunpoint, give the suspect the second wallet and concentrate on a good physical description to help the police in making the arrest.
• Upon returning home, particularly after dark, do not linger at the entrance of your residence. Make a quick check for mail or newspapers, and enter immediately. If you feel something is strange, don't enter but go elsewhere and call 911.
• If you feel someone is following you, go to the nearest occupied residence and ask for assistance.
• If you are confronted with a dangerous situation, yelling "FIRE! FIRE!" instead of "Help!" will generally bring faster attention.