Keeping Safe when going out
Advice to prevent trouble
- Try to avoid dark or quiet streets.
- Stick with people you know as much as possible.
- Even if you are not sure where you are going, try to walk confidently and don’t appear lost.
- Many venues have clips under the tables. Use these to secure
your handbag or
briefcase. - Make sure you keep your property out of sight and safely under the table.
- Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know and completely trust.
- Don’t leave your drink unattended. Keep an eye on your friends’ drinks.
- Put in case of emergency numbers in your phone, so if you do get into trouble, anyone trying to help you can contact the right person.
- Have a number for a trusted taxi firm and never get into an unlicensed mini-cab.
- Cross the road if you think you are being followed. If you
become certain, go to
the nearest shop, café or house and ask for help. - Look after your friends, especially if they seem drunk, and
make sure they do
not leave with strangers or get into a minicab alone. - Make sure you have travel insurance.
On the bus
- Try to wait at a well-lit bus stop in a busy street.
- If you are on your own at night, try to sit where the driver can see you.
- Move away if someone is making you feel uncomfortable.
- Report any abandoned luggage or suspicious activity to a member of staff.
On the train
- Don’t buy tickets from touts, the ticket might not work and you will be fined.
- Avoid empty carriages, especially if you are on your own at night.
- Report any abandoned luggage or suspicious activity to a member of staff.
- Take care when getting on and off the train, especially if
there is a gap between
the train and platform. - If you drop anything on the tracks, don’t try to retrieve it.
Find a member of staff
and ask for their advice.
By taxi
- Try to carry around the number of a trusted taxi firm.
- Never get into an unlicensed mini-cab.
- If you hail a cab on the street, choose black cabs rather than
mini cabs. Avoid
the temptation to take a minicab on the street even if you are having difficulty
getting a cab – it is illegal for minicabs to take passengers who have not pre-
booked. - Sit in the rear of the vehicle.
British weather is always a topic of conversation but any type of weather can be considered dangerous if forward planning is not thought about.
Listed below are some handy hints to help prepare you for the winter weather, and indicate where further information can be sourced.
The Met Office’s latest long term predictions indicate that the weather this winter is going to be colder than average, especially in the southern regions.
Car Care
- Anti freeze: Check the anti freeze strength. Make sure you use good quality glycol-based anti-freeze.
- Battery: Check that terminal top of your battery is clean and the connections are tight.
- Tyres: Check all tyres for condition, pressure and tread depth. At least 3mm of tread is recommended for winter motoring. Check you have a jack and wheel brace.
- Emergency Kit: Put together an emergency kit including such things as a blanket, warm coat, torch, de-icer, tow rope, snow shovel, first aid kit, water and boots.
Home Care
- Keep warm as much as possible, eating regular hot meals and having hot drinks.
- Wear several thin layers of clothes in order to keep the warm air trapped between them
- If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as you get indoors
- Keep your living room and bedroom as warm as possible. Use draught excluders.
- Keep warm at nights, leave your heating on if you are able, otherwise use a hot water bottle or heated blanket.
Planning Your Journey
- Ask yourself if the journey is essential especially when conditions are severe
- Check all relevant weather forecasts and travel information.
- Make sure you are well equipped, have an Emergency Kit and carry some food with you.
- Ensure that someone is aware of your journey and your estimated time of arrival at destination.