Plan Personal Safety
Complete step-by-step checklist to plan personal safety covering observe public surroundings and keep wallet and phone secure, and essential action items.
Observe public surroundings
Stay alert in crowded or dark public streets; avoid phone use
Keep wallet and phone secure
Store cards and phone in zipped inner pockets
Share travel location maps
Share live transit status with family or friends
Trust physical gut instincts
Leave areas immediately if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe
Carry personal safety device
Keep safety whistle or alarm device in reach of hand
Plan safe transit paths
Walk along well-lit main streets; avoid dark alleys
Park car in lit spots
Park near streetlights or active security cameras
Keep spare house key hidden
Avoid hiding keys under mat; use a secure lockbox
Mute headphones in public
Keep volume low to hear cars and people around you
Save emergency ICE phone codes
Configure phone settings to display ICE contacts on lockscreen
Avoid carrying large cash amounts
Keep minimal physical cash notes; rely on secure card payment wallets
Vary travel commute timings weekly
Change walking route templates daily to avoid predictable habits
Carry emergency backup power block
Keep cell phone fully charged to stay contactable during trips
Practice basic self-defense moves
Enroll in introductory safety classes to build confidence
Confirm hotel door lock functionality
Always engage door safety chain guards in travel rooms