By Samana Siddiqui
Muslims and their institutions are expected to become
targets of harassment in the days following an
impending war on Iraq. Muslim women, especially those
who dress Islamically, particularly need to be much
more street smart and aware of their surroundings to
ensure their safety in the wake of possible attacks
against Muslims and Muslim-looking individuals.
While it is necessary for the whole community to
defend Muslim women, sisters must also take personal
precautions when they go outside. Here are some safety
tips that can help Insha Allah:
1. Always be aware of your surroundings
This applies whether you are traveling alone or in
groups. Don?t just focus inwardly on your thoughts if
you are alone, or your friends if you are together.
Keep one eye out for your environment, looking out for
suspicious characters, possible danger, etc.
Also, don?t assume that because your area has been
"safe" thus far, that it will continue to be so.
2. Travel in groups
"There is safety in numbers" is not just a cliche.
It?s true. Make a point of traveling together with
other sisters, whether it?s on public transportation,
on campus, in cars, etc.
3. Change the route you normally travel by
If you?ve taken the same bus, train or highway to get
to work or school, change your route. Even if it takes
you a little longer, your safety is more important. By
changing your route, you can avert possible attacks or
harassment from those who know your schedule, method
and route of travel well. Please note though that you
should avoid short cuts that take you through
unfamiliar or unsafe areas.
4. Look confident
Walk with a straight posture and your arms swinging by
your sides. Avoid slouching or walking like a victim.
This makes you an easy target for attackers.
5. When riding by public transportation choose the
right seat
If you are riding by bus or train, do not sit on the
window seat as you may be "blocked in" by a potential
assailant. Always select the seat next to the aisle so
that you can quickly leave if necessary.
If you are taking public transportation alone after
peak hours, sit as close to the driver as possible
and/or choose the section of the bus/train that is
most crowded. Try to get a seat near the exit as well.
6. If you are driving alone
Don?t think that if you are in a car, you?re safe.
Windows should be up and doors locked even when
driving to avoid unwanted passengers at intersections.
When you are walking to your car, always have your
keys ready, so that you can quickly get into your car.
But don?t just get in right away. Always check your
car before entering, especially the back, for any
intruders.
7. Never leave your car door unlocked
Even if it means for one minute to drop something off
in the mailbox that?s a few feet away, keep all doors
locked. Attackers have been known to lie in wait for
such an opportunity.
8. Be careful in parking lots
Always be alert in parking lots, especially when it's
dark. Ask someone to escort you to your car. Between
cars and inside cars, it's easy for someone to hide
and wait until an unsuspecting person comes along.
9. If you are traveling by taxi
Always check the identification of the driver (usually
located near the visor) and ensure that it matches the
driver. Once inside, don't sit behind the driver as it
may be easy for the driver to lock the rear passenger
door. Always choose the adjacent seat .
In addition, avoid flagging taxis. Always order taxis
so the driver can be traced if something happens.
10. Don?t use the walkman
If you?re used to listening to your walkman while
outside, drop this habit, especially in isolated
areas. With your walkman on, you cannot hear the
approach of a possible attacker.
11. Note "safe houses" along your route
Mentally note houses at intervals on each route you
take that can be used as "safe houses" if you are
attacked, such as shops or houses that you know to be
occupied by a friend or acquaintance.
12. When you make a call from a phone booth
After dialing the number you wish to call always turn
around so that you have your back to the phone and may
see who or what is coming your way. You will then be
able to tell the person to whom you are speaking that
you may be in trouble and you may be able to use the
weight of the phone as a weapon. The door of a
telephone box could be used to wedge in the limbs of
the attacker.
13. Do not open the door of your home without checking
DO NOT open the door to your home without first
checking from a window, peephole or by asking and
verifying who it is. Instruct children to do the same.
14. Report any suspicious activity around your home
If you see people loitering on the streets near your
house, call the police on a non-emergency number and
report it.
15. Invest in a cell phone
This is an invaluable safety device. Keep it charged,
with you at all times, and keep emergency numbers on
it. Also, keep it next to your bed before you go to
bed at night. Cell phones were first popularized by
women as a security device, business people came
later.
16. Parking tips
Avoid parking in areas that are not well lit. Where
possible, park close to a school, a work entrance or
in a parking garage that has an attendant.
If you see a suspicious person approaching or hanging
around near your parked car, turn around and go back
to an area where there are other people. Try to get an
escort to your car through the campus or job security
or local police.
17. Tell others about your whereabouts
Parents, spouses, and friends should know where you
are going and when you will be back, so that your
absence will be noticed. Arrange a call-in system with
a friend if you live alone, whereby you call when you
arrive home.
18. Trust your instincts
If you are walking or driving somewhere and feel
strange or scared, don?t ignore this feeling. Take
extra precautions by walking a little faster to get to
a more populated or well-lit area or change the route
you?ve been driving on.
19. If you think you are being followed, change your
route and activity.
You can cross the street, change directions, or enter
a populated building or store. Do whatever is
necessary to avoid being alone with the person who is
following you. Inform a police officer or security
official about the follower.
20. Attract attention if you are in a dangerous
situation.
Get others to pay attention to what's happening to you
if you are under attack or being harassed. You can
alert others by honking a car horn or loudly
describing what is happening.
21. NEVER admit that you are alone
If someone calls your home and asks if you are alone,
NEVER admit it. Ask who the caller is. If they refuse
to identify themselves, calmly hangup. Instruct
children to do the same when they pick up the
phone.Keep the radio on in the house so that callers
will get the impression that others are in the home
too.
22. Obscene phone calls
If you receive an obscene or crank call, do not talk
to the caller. Hang up if the caller doesn?t say
anything, or as soon as s/he shouts obscenities. Hang
up the phone up calmly and do not slam it down. Note
down the date and time of the calls. If they are
persistent, inform local police.
23. If you are a student
Avoid studying in isolated classrooms in parts of the
college campus that are not regularly patrolled by the
school?s security officers.
24. In large buildings take the elevator, not the
stairwell
Stairwells are usually quiet and dark. Most people
take the elevator. But if someone creepy gets on,
don?t hesitate to get off at the same time. Or, if
someone is already on the elevator who you feel
strange about, do not get on and wait for the next
elevator.