How to be street smart?

Question

I wanna know how to be street smart so that i can prevent things things from happening to me while on the street.......what are the important things to remember and please no stupid answers....and lastly if you think this question should be in another section please let me know.

Answer 1

* Try NOT to go out alone at night. Avoid unfamiliar areas, if possible.

* Don't take shortcuts: don't walk in or near alleys, and don't walk on deserted streets.

* Use caution in parking lots, and don't walk in poorly lighted areas, or dark doorways, or near shrubbery.

* Don't accept rides from strangers, and don't respond to comments from strangers on the street.

* Don't get into an empty elevator with a stranger. If you do ride with another person, stand near the control panel and if attacked, press an many of the control buttons as possible.

* Don't hitchhike, and if someone suspicious is following you, cross the street and walk into an open business.

* Watch your surroundings and be alert for suspicious persons, especially around banks, stores, street, and your car or home.

* If you are alone at work after business hours, keep the door locked.

* If you work late, ask the security guard or a co-worker to walk you to your car.

* When meeting a new friend, exchange phone numbers only, not addresses. On a first date, let family and friends know where you are going. Consider a daytime meeting rather than a night meeting, for a first date, and meet in a public place.

* It is never a good idea to go to a nightclub alone, and if you do, provide your own transportation.

* Keep your space - Intimate space - 0 to 1.5 feet Personal space - 1.5 to 4 feet Social space - 4 to 12 feet Public space - 12 feet or more

* Don't allow alcohol or drugs to impair your judgement. If you haven't already set a few social standards, do so and stick to them. Don't allow an overly aggressive pursuer to change your mind.

In Your Automobile

* Never pickup hitchhikers.
* Don't park in the dark.
* Never leave your keys in the car.
* Never allow another vehicle to follow you home.
* Have your keys in hand so you can open the car door without delay.
* Always keep your car in gear when stopped at a traffic signal or stop sign, so if threatened in any way, you can quickly drive away.
* Always check the back seat of your car before getting in.
* If you stop to aid others, do not get out of the car. Ask what the problem is, and go to the nearest phone and call the police.
* Always lock your doors while driving.
* Always prearrange meeting with anyone so you do not have to wait alone.

Riding The Bus or Trolley

* During off hours, ride as near the operator as possible.
* If you are going to be out late, make sure you have cab fare.
* If someone on the bus bothers you, change seats and tell the operator.
* Have your fare or pass ready in hand when boarding the bus.
* At night avoid dark and isolated intersections or stops.
* Look around when getting off the bus or trolley, and be aware of people around you.

If You Are Attacked

* Use common sense. Try to talk your way out of it.
* Try to negotiate.
* Stall for time.
* Be verbally assertive.
* Distract or divert the assailant, then flee. Run toward an open business or a group of people. Hide if you get the opportunity.
* Scream loudly, and keep it up to attract attention and help from people near by.

* If the attacker threatens you with a deadly weapon, and you come out of it alive, you took the proper course of action.

During an armed attack, you must decide the proper course of action. There is no hard and fast rule as to self defense. You must consider your physical capabilities, your location, and your perceived chances of success. If you cannot escape, bide your time and look for another opportunity, a half-hearted attempt could be worse than no attempt at all.

* Notify the police immediately, when you get the opportunity, and if there are witnesses, ask them to stay until police arrive.

* It is not advisable to carry guns, clubs, knives, or chemical sprays. It is illegal to carry some of these weapons, and they could be used against you. It is advisable not to carry weapons.


* And finally, if a crime occurs, report it. When you report a crime and all the facts about it, it helps the police to assign officers in the places where crimes are occurring or where they are most likely to occur.

If you don't report a crime, this allows the criminal to operate without interference. Tell the police what you know. No fact is too trivial.

Purse Protection

* If at all possible, don't carry a purse.
* When possible, carry your wallet, keys, and other valuables on your person, or in an inside pocket, or other suitable place, rather than your purse. Your purse should be used to carry brushes, combs, make-up, etc.
* Credit cards and checks should be carried instead of cash. Maintain a record of the account numbers at home. Practice carrying only the cards you will be using.
* Carry a shoulder bag securely between your arm and body away from traffic.
* If you are wearing a coat, carry a purse worn over the shoulder, but under the coat.
* Watch your surroundings. Be alert for suspicious persons especially around banks, stores, streets, and your home.
* At night, stay in well-lighted areas and avoid walking close to shrubbery, dark doorways, or other places of concealment.
* Practice the "buddy system", and shop with a friend when possible. When walking in twos, place your purse between you and your friend.
* Carry a clutch bag unsnapped and upside down between your arm and body with any valuables in the zippered compartment. If someone attempts to steal your purse, loosen your grip, thus allowing the contents to fall to the ground.
* Consider "fanny packs" whenever possible.
* If you are attacked, don't struggle. Your purse can easily be replaced; you can't be. If there is a witness, ask that person to stay until police arrive.
* Notify police immediately after an attack.

Don't . . .

* Don't carry large amounts of money. The first rule is to limit your losses.
* Don't carry more than you can easily afford to lose. Many purse snatches are committed solely to finance narcotic addictions.
* Don't carry unnecessary valuables in your purse.
* Don't let your purse hang loosely in your hand.
* Don't carry a lethal weapon; it could be used against you.
* Don't fight. Surrender your purse.

Answer 2

Hey darlin, why? Do you want to be on the streets, or are you being forced out, cause my first reaction is Just dont go there. But if you're talking about neccessary survival then here it is from someone who's been there as a teen... (and then try to get off the streets as fast as you can, it can be a matter of life or death)
Rule#1 The only person you can trust is YOU! even the nicest seeming person can turn on you in a hot minute, they're either doing what they've got to do to survive or they're like many who will just flat take advantage of anyone they can to get what they need, and so many want/ need drugs which is a desperate position to be in. Never get in a car w/ these people out there, it's quite often a disasster, I was robbed in front of the cab driver who just kept on driving down the road as a witness and accesory. I just keep wanting to tell you to find other alternatives to the streets. Dont you know anybody who could help you? Churches, shelters, hotlines etc. My best advise is get help and if you dont take my best advice then dont trust any other street person out there, you can't. Get help!

Answer 3

1. There are local self-defense programs you can take, many sponsored by the police, to help you recognize potentially dangerous situations and how to handle one.

2. Read some true crime books, with a number of predicaments. You can see how people, many times, unknowingly set themselves up for victimization. Learn from them.

Answer 4

Hello there,best teacher is experiance,also to not being funny,most of what most say regarding street smarts,i say!common sence,gets you very far,being out there in society or just bout any where,quick thinking in bad times or head smarts,to make a wise choice or decision?when being in public.,avoidance is good too unless one seeks trouble,but we some times can,t prevent lifes expectances at time,that sayin **** happens?but what ever is meant to be or happen we have no control of such at times being out there in them streets but just be careful,i tell my friends,You have to watch!scan all iles,back front sides,letting what you may feel a bad deal no closer in your space then should be to prvent close or futher harm.but there if do we have to defend ourself.but just don,t put yourself out there being a easy target?but,just be careful.Do you go out much?too if not watch TV.or related movie topic,also a good teacher,got alot of pro-con,type stuff,wish you luck okay.too i would learn more how to defend myself,if you are lacking in the department.

Answer 5

The biggest thing is to always be aware and confident. You don't want to be jumpy or look over your shoulder but always know where everyone else is and how you will handle it if someone steps closer. You don't need to be a fighter, you just need to know exactly what you will do. I have talked myself out of some very bad situations because I know my own limitations.

Answer 6

watch, listen and be careful
avoid strangers ok to be polite but don't talk alot to them, [most are ok but one never knows....if it sounds to good to be true, it is not real or true....
no not lend money, or if asked for a cigarette, say no, [sometimes con artists ask for a cigarette and when you reach in your purse they will grab your wallet or purse and run away.
keep your purse close to you, and if a stranger approaches you, look them square in the eye and don't engae in a conservation....
when walking do not have ear phones on [playing music] you can not hear who or what is coming up behind you. if you have to be out after dark and do not have a friend with you be careful and watch , look and listen for anything strange. if shopping inside the store, you can always ask customer service for a escort to your car, wither security or another employee will escort you safely to your car....

Answer 7

Being street smart is more...attitude...something that's "in you" not "on you" but I will try...street smart..always walk with your head up do not put your head down...people will think you are vulnerable. Never give money to people on the street..sounds harsh but just listen...if you want to give money fine..give it to charitable organizations...ie...red cross...ymca....homeless shelters..but by directly giving money to a street urchin...you are setting yourself up "some" of these people are predators and will of course take the money you give them and may also try to rob you!! Also when you are walking head up also look (not nervously) to your left...pause...walk then look to your right..pause..left people know you are fully aware of your surroundings...hope this helps a little.

Answer 8

Bascially, it just means having common sense. Park in well lit areas, don't go out by yourself. Have your keys out and ready when you're walking to your car, Don't sit in your car after you get in...get in it and go. Don't make yourself vulnerable. Keep your eyes open and head up and aware of what's around you. Follow your gut...if something tells you somethings not right...go with that. Get a security guard to walk you to your car if there is one and you're alone.

Answer 9

what street is this??? just dont go anywhere shady at night -- i grew up in a bad neighborhood an its really about if your not from there - like i can walk around my own neighborhood around the crack dealers and hookers and not be scared because i live there and they know me but no way in hell i would walk around in a neighborhood like mine if i didnt live there ---- people are just going to f--ck with you if youre an "outsider" - not from there

Answer 10

Just chill, be cool... dont act to cool tho, then they might think your a cop and you might get shot.