Personal Safety

Everyone can do a great deal to reduce the risk to themselves when at home, perusing leisure activities etc, holiday or at work.

We have listed below some guidelines that might help you to avoid and manage confrontational situations.

Never assume that it won't happen to you and think also about the personal safety of others, colleagues. friends, work contacts and members of your family.

For further information around:

• Personal Safety at Work
• Helping Yourself to be Safer
• Reducing Risks
• Key to Personal Safety
• Risk Assessments
• Policies, Procedures and Safer Working Guidelines
• Training and Information
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Support Network and Ongoing Review Procedures
• De-briefing
• Incident Analysis

Please contact Chris Turland on 01473 265943, 07915 070267 or call the UniSAFE office on 01473 265684.

Personal Safety When Out and About

Taking a few moments to plan your journey can make all the difference to your personal safety. Always tell someone the route you are taking and when you can be expected home

Travelling On Foot

Walk with a friend or colleague if possible or stay near a group of people

Stick to well-lit busy streets

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes

To carry things use a bag slung across your body under a jacket or coat, or a shoulder bag with a short strap and secure fastening. Try to keep both hands free

Carry in your pocket your mobile phone if you have one, some change and your keys

Walk facing oncoming traffic if possible. If you have to walk in the same direction and a driver stops, simply turn and walk the other way, the driver cannot follow.

If you think you are being followed, cross the road and keep walking. If you are still being followed make for the nearest busy area, an open shop or well-lit house and if necessary ask for help

Don't switch off the world by wearing an MP3 player

Your voice is the best defence. If you need help shout a positive instruction like "Phone the police". Shouting "Fire" has also been known to draw attention

Be prepared to give up your bag or briefcase if snatched

Keep a personal safety alarm in your hand and make sure you know how to use it

Familiarise yourself with your route and surroundings

Avoid passing stationary cars with people in them

By Public Transport

Try to queue at a bus stop where there are people around

At night use a bus stop in a busy well-lit area

If possible arrange to be met at your destination

If possible sit near the driver

Check the departure times and let someone know your travel arrangements

On A Bike

Keep your cycle and lights in good working order

Plan a route

Wear bright clothing and strips

Have mirrors and a means of attracting attention

Do not wear an MP3 player

By Car

Keep your car in good working order and have it regularly serviced

Consider joining one of the breakdown services

Carry in your car a blanket or rug, torch, first aid kit, and important phone numbers

Always lock your car when entering and leaving it

Do not have valuables visible in the car when driving. Keep handbags, mobile phones and personal belongings out of reach of open windows

When parking in daylight consider what the area will be like in the dark

If you think you are being followed keep driving until you reach a busy area, a police, fire or petrol station

When you leave the car, lock personal belongings in the boot

If someone approaches you when stationary, stay in the car with the doors closed and a window slightly open. Start the engine if it is not running. If in doubt drive away

If your car breaks down, turn on your hazard warning lights

Before you get in the car check the back seat

Tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive

Plan your route, when you have the choice, choose main roads

Have directions and map in the car

If you see an incident or accident, consider if it is safe to stop or more useful to go for help

UniSAFE/SchoolSAFE

Please contact Chris Turland or Claire McCullough at the UniSAFE Office on 01473 265976