Saftey First ! - by Sheikh Mu'min
As Muslims and their institutions become targets of harassment in
the wake of the September 11 terrorist attack, Muslim women, especially
those who dress Islamically, have become targets.
Here are some safety tips for sisters:
1. Always be aware of your surroundings
This applies whether you are travelling alone or in groups. Don't
just focus inwardly on your thoughts if you are alone, or your friends
if you are together. Keep one eye out for your environment, looking
out for suspicious characters, possible danger, etc.
Also, don't assume that because your area has been "safe"
thus far, that it will continue to be so.
2. Travel in groups
"There is safety in numbers" is not just a cliché.
It's true. Make a point of travelling together with other sisters,
whether it's on public transportation, on campus, in cars, etc.
3. Change the route you normally travel by
If you've taken the same bus, train or highway to get to work or
school, change your route. Even if it takes you a little longer,
your safety is more important. By changing your route, you can avert
possible attacks or
harassment from those who know your schedule, method and route of
travel well. Please note though that you should avoid short cuts
that take you through unfamiliar or unsafe areas.
4. Look confident
Walk with a straight posture and your arms swinging by your sides.
Avoid slouching or walking like a victim. This makes you an easy
target for attackers.
5. When riding by public transportation choose the right seat
If you are riding by bus or train, do not sit on the window seat
as you may be "blocked in" by a potential assailant. Always
select the seat next to the aisle so that you can quickly leave
if necessary.
If you are taking public transportation alone after peak hours,
sit as close to the driver as possible and/or choose the section
of the bus/train that is most crowded. Try to get a seat near the
exit as well.
6. If you are driving alone
Don't think that if you are in a car, you're safe. Windows should
be up and doors locked even when driving to avoid unwanted passengers
at intersections. When you are walking to your car, always have
your keys
ready, so that you can quickly get into your car.
But don't just get in right away. Always check your car before entering,
especially the back, for any intruders.
7. Never leave your car door unlocked
Even if it means for one minute to drop something off in the mailbox
that's a few feet away. Attackers have been known to lie in wait
for such an opportunity.
8. Be careful in parking lots
Always be alert in parking lots, especially when it's dark. Ask
someone to escort you to your car. Between cars and inside cars,
it's easy for someone to hide and wait until an unalert person comes
along.
9. If you are travelling by taxi
Always check the identification of the driver (usually located
near the visor) and ensure that it matches the driver. Once inside,
don't sit behind the driver as it may be easy for the driver to
lock the rear passenger door. Always choose the adjacent seat .
In addition, avoid flagging taxis. Always order taxis so the driver
can be traced if something happens.
10. Don't use the walkman
If you're used to listening to your walkman while outside, drop
this habit, especially in isolated areas. With your walkman on,
you cannot hear the approach of a possible attacker.
11. Note "safe houses" along your route
Mentally note houses at intervals on each route you take that can
be used as "safe houses" if you are attacked, such as
shops or houses that you know to be occupied by a friend or acquaintance.
12. When you make a call from a phone booth
After dialling the number you wish to call always turn around so
that you have your back to the phone and may see who or what is
coming your way. You will then be able to tell the person to whom
you are speaking that you may be in trouble and you may be able
to use the weight of the phone as a weapon. The door of a telephone
box could be used to wedge in the limbs of the attacker.
13. Do not open the door of your home without checking
DO NOT open the door to your home without first checking from a
window peephole or by asking and verifying who it is. Instruct children
to do the same.
14. Report any suspicious activity around your home
If you see people loitering on the streets near your house, call
the police on a non emergency number and report it.
15. Invest in a cell phone
This is an invaluable safety device. Keep it with you at all times
and keep emergency numbers on it. Also, keep it next to your bed
before you go to bed at night. Cell phones were first popularized
by women as a security device, business people came later.
16. Parking tips
Avoid parking in areas that are not well lit. Where possible, park
close to a school or work entrance or in a parking garage that has
an attendant.
If you see a suspicious person approaching or hanging around near
your parked car, turn around and go back to an area where there
are other people. Try to get an escort to your car through the campus
or job security or local police.
17. Tell others about your whereabouts
Parents, spouses and friends should know where you are going and
when you will be back, so that your absence will be noticed. Arrange
a call in system with a friend if you live alone, whereby you call
when you arrive home.
18. Trust your instincts
If you are walking somewhere and feel strange or scared, don't
ignore this feeling. Take extra precautions by walking a little
faster to get to a more populated or well-lit area or change the
route you've been driving on.
19. If you think you are being followed, change your route and
activity.
You can cross the street, change directions, or enter a populated
building or store. Do whatever is necessary to avoid being alone
with the person who is following you. Inform a police officer or
security official about the follower.
20. Attract attention if you are in a dangerous situation.
Get others' to pay attention to what's happening to you if you
are under attack or being harassed. You can alert others by honking
a car horn or loudly describing what is happening.
21. NEVER admit that you are alone
If someone calls your home and asks if you are alone, NEVER admit
it. Ask who the caller is. If they refuse to identify themselves,
calmly hangup. Keep the radio on in the house so that callers will
get the impression that others are in the home too. Instruct children
to do the same when they pick up the phone.
22. Obscene phone calls
If you receive an obscene call or a crank call, do not talk to
the caller. Hang up if the caller doesn't say anything, or as soon
as s/he shouts obscenities. Hang up the phone calmly and do not
slam it down. Note down the date and time of the calls. If they
are persistent, inform local police.
23. If you are a student
Avoid studying in isolated classrooms in parts of the college campus
that are not regularly patrolled by the school's security officers.
24. In large buildings take the elevator, not the stairwell
Stairwells are usually quiet and dark. Most people take the elevator.
But if someone creepy gets on, don't hesitate to get off at the
same time. Or, if someone is already on the elevator who you feel
strange about, do not get on and wait for the next elevator.
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