Tips For Staying Safe in Parking Lots

Parking lots can be creepy places. Although they're a lot scarier at night, even negotiating a lot in broad daylight can be unsettling. From being accosted by strangers to "losing" your vehicle in a huge lot that stretches acres, it pays to have parking lot savvy. Here are a few tips to stay safe;

Arriving at the lot

• Park in highly visible, well lit areas
• Avoid parking near shrubbery or vans with slide-open doors
• In a parking garage, park as close as possible to the elevator 
• If you're unfamiliar with the parking lot, check it out first. If you don't feel safe, go elsewhere or wait until someone else arrives
• Conceal all valuable items such as cell phones, MP3 players, laptops, portable GPS systems, etc. by locking them in the trunk
• Be cautious of strangers asking questions as you walk to or from your car
• Familiarize yourself with parking lot exits
• Always lock your doors and roll up your windows, even if you are just running in to the store for a minute
• Check to make sure that you have your keys and that your vehicle has signaled that it's locked
• To remember where you parked your car, note landmarks
• As you walk from or to your car, scan the area for suspicious persons
• If possible, wear sneakers or low-heeled shoes to and from the building so you can run if necessary 

Returning to your  vehicle 

• Walk confidently and with purpose, If you detect a threat, retreat to the building or store
• Pay attention to what's going on around you
• Stay off your cell phone while walking to your vehicle so you can pay attention to the environment 
• Have your keys ready before you get into your vehicle. Searching or fumbling for keys is distracting and makes you vulnerable
• When you enter your vehicle, lock the doors immediately, then turn the engine and headlights on
• Limit the amount of time you spend in an idling car
• If you carry a purse, keep it close to your body so it can't be grabbed
• Keep your vehicle in good working condition to prevent car trouble
• Keep your vehicle filled with gas
• Carry a portable air horn. It's far easier to engage than pepper spray and it doesn't need to point anywhere
• Don't carry large amounts of cash or unncesssary credit cards
• If you're being followed, don't go home, go to the police or fire station 

Always be aware of your surroundings-that's your best defense! 

Article provided by U.S. Security Associates