PERSONAL SAFETY PLANNING

Going Out
Alone.

Independence doesn't mean being unprepared. A few simple habits can help you stay aware, communicate your plans, and respond when something doesn't feel right.

PREPARE • NOTICE • RESPOND

REAL-LIFE SITUATIONS

Think Through the Moment

Select a situation to review practical things you can consider before and during it.

THINK AHEAD

Take a moment to notice your surroundings before transitioning between your vehicle and your destination.

Notice where you parked and how you plan to return to your vehicle.

Have the items you need organized before leaving the building or vehicle.

Pay attention to lighting, people, traffic, and activity around you.

If something concerns you, consider returning to a staffed or populated location and asking for assistance.

VERIFY FIRST

Use the safety and identification information provided by your rideshare service rather than assuming a vehicle is yours.

Compare the vehicle and driver information displayed in your app with the arriving ride.

Use available trip-sharing or safety features when they make sense for your situation.

Keep your phone sufficiently charged for the trip whenever possible.

If something appears inconsistent or concerning, don't feel obligated to begin the ride.

KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN

Whether it's a date, marketplace exchange, business meeting, or new acquaintance, think about your transportation and communication beforehand.

Consider meeting in a public or staffed location when appropriate.

Let a trusted person know where you're going when that makes sense.

Think about how you'll get home rather than depending entirely on someone you've just met.

Give yourself permission to end the meeting if you become uncomfortable.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Take a few minutes to become familiar with an unfamiliar environment before settling in.

Locate the emergency exits and review posted emergency information.

Make sure your room door and available locking hardware appear to function properly.

Keep your phone, identification, medication, and essential items reasonably accessible.

Contact hotel staff if something about the room, lock, or surrounding area concerns you.

BE PRESENT

Familiar routes can still change because of weather, construction, traffic, lighting, or other circumstances.

Pay attention to changing surroundings, traffic, and environmental hazards.

Choose routes appropriate for the conditions and your comfort level.

Consider whether headphones or other distractions reduce your awareness of what's happening nearby.

Have a communication plan if you'll be away for an extended period.

BEFORE YOU GO

Your plan shouldn't end when you arrive. Think about transportation, communication, and how you'll get home.

Think through transportation before leaving home.

Keep important belongings and identification accounted for.

Stay connected with trusted friends or family when appropriate.

If plans change, reconsider transportation and other safety arrangements rather than relying on the original plan automatically.

VEHICLE PREPAREDNESS

Breakdowns are easier to manage when basic emergency supplies and contact information are already available.

Keep roadside-assistance and emergency contact information available.

Maintain a basic vehicle emergency kit appropriate for your climate and travel.

Keep a charging option available for your phone.

Consider traffic and environmental hazards before deciding where to wait for assistance.

YOU HAVE OPTIONS

You don't need to prove that a situation is dangerous before taking reasonable steps to protect your wellbeing.

Leave an uncomfortable situation when you reasonably can.

Move toward a staffed, populated, or otherwise safer location when appropriate.

Contact someone you trust or appropriate emergency services when help is needed.

Asking for assistance is a valid safety decision.

WHEN SOMETHING CHANGES

Notice. Decide. Act.

A simple way to organize your thinking when a situation no longer feels routine.

Notice

What changed? Pay attention to the environment, people around you, your transportation, and other relevant circumstances.

Decide

Consider the reasonable options available to you, including leaving, changing plans, contacting someone, or asking for assistance.

Act

Choose the appropriate option rather than feeling obligated to continue simply because it was your original plan.

QUICK CHECK

Before I Go

Not every item applies to every outing. Use this as a quick reminder before heading out.

0/0 CHECKED

Phone Charged I have enough power for the outing. Transportation Plan I know how I'm getting there and back. Emergency Contacts My important contacts are current. Identification I have what I reasonably need for the outing. Essential Medication I have necessary medication if applicable. Destination I know where I'm going and relevant details. Weather & Conditions I've considered conditions that affect the trip. Personal Safety Items Any items I choose to carry are ready and lawful.