Neighborhood Safety Plan

1. Immediate Safety Steps

• Know Your Exits: Identify the quickest, safest route to leave your home and get to a safe space if needed. Plan your escape from multiple locations (your home, work, school, etc.).
• Stay Aware: Regularly scan your surroundings when walking or traveling through your neighborhood.
• Keep Your Phone Ready: Ensure your phone is always charged, and save emergency numbers on speed dial (police, trusted friends, crisis helplines).
  • Police/Local Authorities: ______________________
  • Crisis Helplines: ______________________
  • Nearby Allies: ______________________

2. Supportive Local Businesses/Neighbors

Consider local businesses, community centers, or neighbors who might provide safe shelter or be able to make a phone call for you:

• I know that [Business A] has supportive staff who would let me make a phone call in an emergency.
  • Location: ______________________
  • Contact: ______________________
• [Neighbor 1] has been an ally in the past and has agreed to provide immediate shelter if necessary.
  • Name: ______________________
  • Address: ______________________
  • Contact: ______________________
• I can trust [Business B] to help by calling for help or letting me wait inside until it’s safe.
  • Location: ______________________
  • Contact: ______________________

3. Emergency Contacts (My People)

List the people you trust and have informed about your safety concerns. They should know their role and what to do in case of an emergency.

• First-Contact Person (who I can call or text immediately):
  • Name: ______________________
  • Response Time: _______________ (e.g., “Can reach me within 10 minutes”)
  • Role: ______________________ (e.g., “Pick me up” or “Provide emotional support”)
• Backup Person (if my first contact is unavailable):
  • Name: ______________________
  • Response Time: _______________
  • Role: ______________________
• Out-of-Area Contact (if I need to leave town temporarily):
  • Name: ______________________
  • Role: ______________________

4. Plan of Action in Case of a Threat

• If approached or followed by someone hostile:
  • Avoid isolated areas. Head toward the nearest well-lit and populated space.
  • Do not engage or retaliate. Focus on getting to safety and contacting help.
  • Immediately head to a supportive local business or neighbor listed above if you are near one.
• If physically threatened or attacked:
  • Use your phone’s emergency features (such as SOS or quick-dial functions) to alert someone.
  • Make noise to attract attention or deter the attacker.
  • When safe, contact authorities and your emergency contacts.

5. Social Media and Privacy

• Consider limiting location tags on social media to avoid revealing your location in real-time.
• Keep your movements discreet, especially when attending events or traveling alone.

6. Personal Strengths and Self-Care

• Things I can do that help me feel safer and stronger are:

• Things I have tried before that make me feel worse in these situations: