Whether you’re going to a party or game, traveling after dark, or even in an everyday situation, these are some things to keep in mind that could be the difference between a fun memory and a tragedy.

1. Always lock your car doors as soon as you get inside. Carjacking is on the rise, and many perpetrators will wait until you are in the car to try and overwhelm you, get your keys, etc.  
2. On that same line, don’t linger in a parking lot for too long, even if your doors are locked. Try to leave as soon as possible and handle any texts when you get where your going.  
3. Don’t carry weapons you can’t use! Those “safety keychains” all over Tiktok may seem convenient, but you’ll likely have trouble doing anything with tools attached to a heavy keyring. Additionally, attackers will likely be bigger than you. If you carry a weapon you aren’t very familiar with, it could be easier for them to turn that threat onto you.  
4. Never go anywhere without someone you know well. New friends are awesome! But if a new friend invites you to a big party, especially in an unfamiliar location where you know there may be drinking, it’s best you have a trusted friend tag along too.  
5. Carry a portable charger. There are lots of portable and affordable options online. Never let the reason you can’t get help be that your phone died and you can’t contact anyone/get directions.  
6. Don’t carry a bigger bag than you have to. Especially when you’re in a crowd, it’s easier to get around and access necessities if they’re in a pocket or even in your hand. Bags are easy to use as leverage to grab and pull someone away from a group and could also make you a target for burglary. Of course, sometimes you need a bag, so try to keep the size appropriate for only what you need inside.  
7. Act out! If you ever feel threatened, get loud, call someone on the phone, become visible and draw as much attention to yourself as possible. This will deter potential threats from approaching you for fear they’ll be seen.  
8. When getting in any kind of ride share service, make sure they verify both your name and their own, and try not to ride alone if at all possible.  
9. When you’re walking, look up and look people in the eye as you pass. This will show them you’re paying attention to your surroundings, rather than being distracted by a phone, etc.  
10. Keep jumper cables in your car! You will most definitely need them at some point, if not for yourself, then for a friend.  
11. When you choose a parking spot, try to park as close to the store as possible while not surrounding yourself with large utility trucks, vans, or bushes that block visibility. If you’re walking out to your car and see a vehicle parked suspiciously close to yours when other, obviously more convenient spaces are available, walk back inside and have an attendant walk you to your car.  
12.  Sleep deprivation can have similar effects on your brain as drugs and alcohol. Try not to drive if you haven’t had much sleep. Pulled an all-nighter studying? See if a parent, sibling, or friend can drive you in that day. And no, the Alani will not save you.  
13. Never, NEVER let someone who is drunk drive you home. A designated driver should always be totally alcohol-free. If you have doubts, call a ride. Also, if you worry about a friend who is even joking that they’re going to drive under the influence, get them a ride or let someone know.  
14. If you have a public social media account, people you’re meeting for the first time could know a LOT more about you than you think. Always keep that in mind, especially when entering new settings like a college campus or another school’s grounds.  
15. Any deal that’s too good to be true, definitely is. Even when advertised on social media. Make sure to check url’s of any linked site claiming to be a sale form an established brand.  
16. Any website selling cheap products or offering free services still has to make money. If profit doesn’t come from sales, it’s probably coming from selling your identifying information. A VPN can help with that.  
17. If you see something, say something. Always.  
18. Never send anything on social media or even in private messages that you wouldn’t be okay being public. Things happen, and the internet is forever. Always think of the hypotheticals when you’re wondering if something might be too risky.  
19. Maintain firm boundaries. Speak with clarity and conciseness. Don’t worry about stepping on toes or making a scene; give people no reason to doubt your stance or intention behind your statements.  
20. Always take the time to plan well. So many dangerous circumstances can be avoided by making proper preparations. Leave early: no speeding and less stress which can lead to road rage and accidents. Charged phone before you leave: always able to contact someone. Mapping route beforehand: less chance of getting lost, making driving mistakes that could lead to an accident. Sticking to start and end times for plans: no getting stuck out late or driving home after curfew. Notifying someone where you’ll be beforehand: people will know to wait for you or where to look if you don’t make it home. Texting friends that you arrived home safely: ensuring no one is left behind.