The bright constellation

1. 1
   Know the area Plan a quick, direct route, the less time you spend in a bad neighborhood the less of a chance that anything can happen to you. Plan a route that can avoid small spaces, dark places or alleys.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   Gear up Think cell phone with full batteries, mace and good shoes for running.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Don't go alone if you can help it. There is always strength in numbers.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Blend in Wearing clothes that make you look rich might make you a target so think, average Joe when dressing. Remove any bandannas and caps should not be tilted. Do not wear anything that might be associated with a gang. (Try to avoid light blue and red bandannas especially)
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Walk quickly Like you have somewhere to be, DO NOT BE SLOW. Walk with confidence and stride so you blend in. If you look like you belong, no one will notice you. Just act like it is an every day thing.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   No chit chat Ignore people, act like you have to be someplace. If someone speaks to you nod and walk away like you are late for something.
   
   
   

Steps

1. 1
   Tornado. If you're at home and a meteorologist has warned you of a tornado in your area, take cover in the most safe place possible. If you have a storm cellar or safe room those are the safest places you could take shelter in. If you don't, make sure you're on the lowest level! If you have a basement go there, in a small corner, and protect yourself with something soft like a mattress or lots of blankets and pillows. If you don't have a basement go in a small bathroom or a closet (such as a coat or a linen closet) in the center of the lowest level of your home. Don't go in a room with windows! The windows could bust open and the wind would get in, that can hurt you! Again, protect yourself with a mattress or pillows and blankets. Keep a radio near-by at all times tuned on a station telling the weather. If you're home alone the least thing you want to do is panic. Do not wait around for your parents to come home, cause they're probably not going to if there is a tornado warning. Where ever you're taking cover, keep a phone with you! This way, if you keep trapped under debris you'll be able to call 911 for help. Don't leave your shelter until youknow it is safe.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   Fire. If you're at school your teacher should already have a plan. If he or she doesn't have your parents discuss the importance of a good fire escape plan. If you're at home make sure you also have a fire escape plan. That should Consist of 2 ways to get out of room in every part of the house. Every family should have at least 3 fire alarms!. But if you're in your room and all of a sudden you smell smoke, go to your door but don't open it. If possible, get a wet cloth (or a fire mask, if you have one) and put it over your nose and mouth. The chemicals in the smoke are dangerous, so if possible, GET A WET WASHCLOTH. Feel of the door to see if it is warm with the backside of your hand. If it is and you know there is a fire in your home, go to the biggest window in your room and open, or break open the screen (if your window has one). You can break it open by using a toy to bang on it with, or just punching through and pulling it apart. If you're room is on the second floor, keep a escape ladder handy. These ladders are made of rope and wood and fold up so you can keep it near by. Carefully escape and run as far away from the house as possible (staying in your yard).
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Earthquake. Earthquakes have only two ways of easy survival. One: run under a sturdy table, where there are no objects to fall on you or the table. Or run to the door way and stand straight and still. Don't move around! The more you move the better chance you have of getting hurt badly. Open fields, and (some might argue) limestone caves are the best places to be during an earthquake. Open fields rarely have fault lines, and there's nothing to fall on you. The cave theory is disputed, but the theory is: that you can shake it as much as you want, but the hole in the rock stays the same. Limestone is the strongest sedimentary rock.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
4. 4
   Burglary. Most homes now have security systems. A security system is something that automatically contacts someone for help and makes a loud noise when someone breaks in. They have saved many lives, but then again not everyone. If someone breaks in you'll either see them, hear gun shots, yelling, or movement. Or you won't see them at all. If you see them and they don't see you, be as quiet as possible! If you think you can, sneak off the other direction and hide under your bed, cover your self up with a blanket, or climb to the top shelf on your closet. Any where you think you'll be safe until help arrives. Keep a cell phone with you at all times – even at home. Immediately call 911! The longer you wait, the longer it will take. Just remember, stay quiet and calm. Don't cry or they'll hear you. Just think good thoughts and know that you're going to be okay.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Car Wreck. Car wrecks can happen so fast! That's why you need to be prepared! If a wreck happens, try to get out of the car (unless you absolutely can't), and if possible, call 911. If you're stuck and you can't, let someone know that you're still alive. Say something like, "Help," or "I'm alive," as loud as possible. When emergency arrives, it may hurt when they pick you up. Remember they're there to help you and you're going to be okay. Stay as calm as you can the whole ride to the hospital and let them do whatever they have to do in order for you to survive. The EMTs will help you get better, so don't be afraid.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Even though there are so many emergencies that can happen, you can always be prepared. Through any emergency always stay calm. It always pays to be prepared!
   
   
   

1. 1
   Keep away from fire and heat. When your parents are cooking or lighting a fire, keep way from the area. You can still talk to them across the room or from several steps away but there is no need to be standing next to the heat. Keep a good distance from any fire that is burning and never place objects in a fire.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
2. 2
   Do not play with matches or lighters. These are not toys. They are for creating a flame to light a fire and you can easily hurt yourself. Take them to your parents if you find them.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Keep safe in the kitchen.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • Never reach up for a handle on a stove or table. The pot may be filled with boiling water or very hot food and if it falls on your skin or face, you can be very badly burnt. Always ask if you are curious and want to look inside a cooking pot.
      
   • Ask your parents to turn the handles of cooking pots towards the centre of the stove.
      
   • Always get adult help to cook anything.
      
    
4. 4
   Never put anything on a lamp or near burning candles. The lamp can overheat and anything put near a candle might catch on fire from the flame.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
5. 5
   Don't pick up things that have been sitting in or fallen into a fire. The coals are very, very hot and the flames can burn you. If something falls into a fire, ask an adult for help straight away.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
6. 6
   Look out for your little brothers and sisters and any other young children. Make sure that they don't go near the stove or a fire source. Teach them about how fire or heat can hurt them.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
7. 7
   Ask your parents to buy you close-fitting nightwear. Loose nightwear can easily trail into a fire or heater and catch on fire. Close-fitting pajamas are safer.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
8. 8
   Be electricity wise.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • Never stick your fingers, sticks or any other objects into an electrical socket. This can burn you very badly if the electricity carries out to your body.
      
   • Leave electrical cords alone. They can be a cause of fire.
      
    
9. 9
   Practice a safety drill. If it ever happened that your clothes caught on fire, it is important to practice this so that you will do it automatically:
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • Stop – stop screaming, crying and panicking
      
   • Drop – drop to the floor straight away
      
   • Roll – roll over and over to try and put out the flames
      
    
10. 10
    Know what to do if you are caught in a fire. If you are asleep or inside your house when a fire starts, there may already be thick, dark smoke when you try to get out. Get down low and crawl to get out. There is usually less smoke at the floor level.
    
    
    

1. 1
   Tell someone where you are going and how long you plan to stay. This doesn't mean that you're cramping your own style. You're being smart by letting a family member or friend know where – and when – to start looking for you and worrying, if it comes to that. You don't need to provide a GPS tracker, but it's smart to leave a MapQuest or Google map of your planned route for your friend or parent so they know where to look for you if you don't show up. Knowing you have taken these simple precautions can boost your confidence significantly.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • Before you leave to meet your friends, call or text them to let them know you're on your way so they'll know something is up if you're not there.
      
   • When you get there, tell your friend or parent that you've made it safely.
      
    
2. 2
   Make sure your car is in good shape if you're driving. If you're driving somewhere by yourself, you need to make sure that you have a spare tire in case you get a flat tire and that nothing on your dashboard is lit up before you go. You should also have a AAA or other roadside emergency service card with you as well as a charged cell phone. Fill your car up with gas before you leave.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • Just checking to make sure everything is cool before you get going is a great step to give you peace of mind before you head out.
      
    
3. 3
   Park your car in a safe location. Before you get out of your car, think about where you have parked. Is it well-lit, easy to see from the street? This is the best place to park if alone. Avoid parking in dark alleys or very far away from the door of your destination. Remember where you parked – this is very important. Mentally map your path to the door of the place you're going, take note of anyone on the street, and gather your things quickly.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • Upon leaving your car, check carefully that it is locked and you have left nothing enticing (like a laptop bag or an iPad) in plain view. Walk purposefully – do not meander – directly to the door and enter immediately.
     
     
     

      

      

      

      
      
   • Lingering on the street is not a good idea, it allows potential attackers to see that you are alone. Keep anyone you noticed out on the street in your mind, and in the corner of your eye, if possible.
     
     
     

      

      

      

      
      
    
4. 4
   Walk down a well-lit path when you're on foot. Even if you're in a relatively safe neighborhood — and especially if you're not — you should find the most popular, well-lit street. If you're walking down a dark alley, or find yourself in the middle of a dim residential street, you're more likely to get robbed if there's no one around. A well-lit path will make it easier for you to see where you're going and it will keep criminals from coming your way. Here are some other things to do if you're on foot:
   • Don't listen to your head phones or keep checking your text messages. Stay alert.
     
     
     

      

      

      

      
      
   • Walk in the opposite direction of the flow of traffic so an abductor is less likely to put you in his car.
     
     
     

      

      

      

      
      
   • Know exactly where you're going to leave the house. If you check your phone's map app every few minutes, you'll be making yourself an easy target.
     
     
     

      

      

      

      
      
   • If you're out alone in the dark, it's not a good time to stop at an ATM.
     
     
     

      

      

      

      
      
    
5. 5
   Learn how to defend yourself. It's important to remember that you do not have to suddenly earn a black belt in karate or carry a knife around with you – but if you're generally confident when you go out alone, knowing that you can take care of yourself can reassure you greatly. Train your senses so you will feel like you can look after yourself – be more observant, so that you will know if something is about to happen.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • If you travel or live in [risky or dangerous areas, learn how to block punches, or think of how to avoid harmful incidents.
      
   • Developing a more street smart attitude may seem silly, or pointless, but the simple knowledge that you can protect yourself will increase your confidence.
      
    

Hanging Out at Your Destination

1. 1
   Don't share too much personal information with a new acquaintance. Though making new friends is part of the fun of going out, you should avoid giving too much personal information to someone you just met, unless that person has been vouched for — like if she's the best friend of one of your best friends. But even then, be on the look out. Do not mention that you came alone. Say you are waiting for friends to arrive or someone is picking you up soon.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • If you meet someone you like, make plans to meet in a coffee shop, at a restaurant, or at an amusement park, rather than giving out your home address or place of work.
      
   • Don't mention exactly where you live, even in passing.
      
   • Giving out your cell phone number is okay if you want to. The main idea is that you take time to really know this person and get a feel for the real guy or girl, not just that first impression.
      
    
2. 2
   Be careful — but not paranoid. Remember that good people are like sunny days – there are lots of them. Just because you're being careful doesn't mean you need to be afraid that everyone is out there thinking about how to get one over on you. Be prepared – notparanoid. Remembering that there are more sunny days than days when lightning strikes is useful. Lightning is dangerous, maybe deadly – but rare.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    
3. 3
   Let people see you having a good time. If you want to stay safe and not make yourself a target, have a blast, whether you're with girlfriends or by yourself. People will be less likely to take advantage of you if you look like the life of the party instead of hanging out by yourself in the corner. And remember to relax once you're in a safe environment — you won't have a good time if you don't. Once you've reached your destination, settle in and resolve to have a good time, no matter what.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
    

Getting Home

1. 1
   Take a taxi home if you're drunk. Remember that there is no designated driver – you're it. Be aware of what you are drinking. Do not leave your drink unattended for any reason. If someone buys you a drink, make sure you watch the bartender pour it. If you suspect your drink has been compromised, do NOT drink it. Don't get drunk! If you do get drunk, don't plan on going home without calling a taxi or relative to collect you.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • Just a reminder: if you're out completely alone, it's not not a good idea to get too drunk or someone will take advantage of you. But if you're walking out to meet friends, that's okay.
      
    
2. 2
   Quickly walk back to your car if you can drive home safely. Take a close read of the street and then go straight to your car, then home. Alone. If the guard or bouncer, or a group of other women you have met, offer to walk you to your car, take them up on it. At the very least, let someone know that you're going home now, and ask them to watch you till you get in your car.
   
   
   

    

    

    

    
   • Take a look around – know who is on the street with you, and if you see an alley between you and your car, walk in the middle of the street if necessary to give yourself plenty of room to move if you need to.
      
   • Walk purposefully and confidently to your car, and when you get there, have your keys ready and unlock the car as you are taking your last steps toward it. As you approach the car do a quick visual check that nobody is inside of it. Get in, lock the doors immediately, buckle up, start your car and drive away. Don't sit in your car fixing your make-up or fiddling with your iPad or texting someone – get going