Astrology  Chat  Cityscape  Classifieds  Entertainment  Health  Matrimonial 
Music  News  Panorama  Search  Shopping  Services  Tours & Travel  Home

Food Style Society Children Science & Environment Chennai Citizen Artscene HR & Education Home Decor Festivals & Religion Columns Mail us your feedback Recommend this page

Download Tamil Fonts

If you observe someone suspicious loitering around, go to another ATM. While you are carrying out your transaction at the ATM, position yourself so that those behind you cannot see your PIN as you enter it. Never write your PIN or carry it with your ATM card.

As you shop, return to your vehicle from time to time to check it and reduce the amount of material you are carrying and keep track of it. Remember to store your packages in the trunk or, if your vehicle doesn't have one, out of plain view (on the floorboard, under a blanket or clothing, etc). When possible, have purchases delivered instead of taking them with you; many businesses offer free delivery at your home. Avoid dark areas, short cuts and suspicious characters. Stay near lights and people. In case you are feeling panicky, don't make it too obvious.

• When travelling and registering anywhere, for anything, do so using your last name and only your first initial.

• The most common places for people to be robbed are the least expected; i.e. bus and train stations, airports, crowded streets.

• It is common for a thief to use razor blades to cut purse straps, take the purse, and then get away in the crowd.

• Carry all valuables- i.e. tickets, money, passports, etc. in under the clothes body belts. Just keep what you might need for the day out of the belt!

• Walk with a purpose; don't look like you are sightseeing or lost. Be aware of who's around you.

Be prepared to flee potential problems. If apprehensive about any location for any reason, leave. Consider carrying a whistle. Weapons are not recommended, and may be unlawful. If you are being followed, adopt the following strategy.

If you are on foot and being followed, cross the street, vary your pace, change your direction as quickly as possible and walk the wrong way down a one-way street. If you are in a vehicle and are sure that you are being tailed, execute several turns to cross check. Get on to the several side roads so that you are sure that you are being followed. Also try to note and record the description of vehicle and its occupant (s). Don't forget to make a note of license /registration number of the vehicle.

Even if you have made advance reservations and are about to check into a hotel, ensure the following:

The exterior of a hotel speaks much about its safety.

Is the parking area well lighted?
The parking area is in the front or the rear?
Are their tall trees or shrubs that obstruct the view of the entrance or the road?
Is the main lobby attached to the main entrance?
Are the corridors and room entrances well lit?
Is the exterior of the hotel well kept?
In what type of area is the hotel situated?

When you check-in, closely observe the following

Is the lobby staffed round the clock?
Does the hotel have a locker facility?
Are any safety and security precautions displayed around the premises?
Do you have direct dialling facility from the rooms or all the calls go through the hotel switchboard?
Ask if you have ready access to emergency medical services?

While you are still in the lobby, you can do the following:

Familiarise yourself with the layout of the lobby and the exit so that you are not lost in an emergency.
Find out the most direct route to and from your room, to the elevators and fire escapes.
Check on the check-out procedures for an emergency. Position of your room can also help you a lot in an emergency.
Stay away from rooms on the ground floor. They can easily be entered through the windows.

Published on 25^th April 2002

Part One

Previous Articles

Recommend this page

Mail us your feedback