Ashland Police Department Safety Tips

Basic Safety:

•  Be aware. Look up, make eye contact and be confident.
• Listen to your gut. If you feel in danger, do what you need to do to get to a safe place immediately.
• Don't display expensive jewelry, cameras or other pricey items. 
• Know that alcohol and drug use can impair your judgment and that can impact your safety. 
• Keep a positive mental attitude. You are strong and can be safe.

Safety When Out:

• Tell a friend or family member the "who, what, where and when" so that someone will know where you are and who are with.
• Try to be out with at least one other person.
• If you are meeting with someone you don't know well, meet in a neutral place with other people around.
• Carry enough cash for a phone call and a cab if you need it.
• Never leave your drink unattended and do not let strangers get a drink for you. A predator may see that as an opportunity to drug you.

Safety When Walking Down the Street:

• Always keep your dominant hand free (the one with greater strength).
• Avoid unfit, vacant or remote places.
• Change your course of direction if you think you are being followed and head in a direction of safety or where there are other people, if possible.
• Listen to what is going on around you.
• Have your keys out of your pocket or purse before reaching your vehicle or home.

Safety Tips for Walkers and Joggers:

• Know where you are running or walking and where help can be accessed.
• Know your start and end points and the precise path you are taking before you depart.
• Tell a friend or family member where you are running or hiking, the path you expect to take and how long you expect to be.
• Always keep your eyes up - don't look at the ground. If you are passing someone, make eye contact and stay confident. 
• Always walk or jog against traffic, so you can always see what is coming.
• Listen to what is going on around you - listening to music can not only be distracting, but takes away one of your most valuable defenses.
• Don't go off the beaten path. While it can be invigorating to explore off the beaten path, try to do that when you are with a "buddy" or friend. Don't explore unknown territory on your own. Also, parks or marked paths will often have rangers or other hikers/runners in the area, and that provides another line of security.
• Take a cell phone and whistle with you. These can be used to hail for help if you need it.