If you have not already done so, ICE your phone - ICE: In Case of Emergency. Add an emergency contact phone number, using the name ICE, to your phone directory. If you are rendered incapable of communicating first responders can look in your phone to find out who to call. Place this listing first in your phone to ensure your loved ones are called right away.
In the interest of personal safety there are key concepts that we must adopt as sound practices.
1. Become intimately familiar with your particular phone model. Take note of which hand you typically place your calls and then practice using your off hand, as well. Your ability to do this with little effort can be extremely important in an emergency if your strong hand is unavailable to you. Also, ensure your phone battery is fully charged before heading out; this is particularly important if your travel will extend into the hours of darkness. Your phone should have a dial that illuminates—if it does not, it is time to shop around for a new model with this feature. Additionally, your carrier should offer 911 calls without charge regardless of the amount of remaining pre-paid or free calling minutes. If not, find a carrier with a plan that does.
2. Anytime you must exit a secure building (Office space, shopping mall, etc) and cross a dark parking lot alone to reach your vehicle, have your cellular phone available for immediate use. During times such as these, a good idea is to phone a family member or someone else you trust before exiting the building. Once you have them on the line, inform them of your exit location and an estimate of the amount of time it will take you to reach your vehicle. Have your party remain on the line, place the phone down to your side, and proceed directly to your car. Once you have safely arrived and locked all doors, get back on the line and report all is well. Your friend or family member will be relieved and you will be reassured that help was available in an instant had the need arisen. [Understand that DCI does not advocate walking to your car while taking on the phone, as this is a personal distraction and offers an advantage to a potential adversary. You must continue to remain alert]
3. We have all had the misfortune of losing our cell phones, albeit temporarily. On rare occasion, the Good Samaritan that comes across it will scroll through our address book—if not password protected—looking for the name and number of the owner. If contacted it is important not to meet personally with the finder. Ask the person to leave the phone at a public location for your subsequent retrieval; a shopping mall ‘Lost and Found’ desk or nearby restaurants are good examples. In this way, the finder has no certainty of the time you will pick up the phone and you do not place your personal safety in jeopardy by meeting with a stranger at the time and place of his choosing. You may also consider asking the finder to leave his or her contact information with the phone. In this way you may produce a record of who came in possession of your phone and you may wish to send an thank you note—sans return address, of course—for their civic-kindness.
Cellular phones are convenient in many ways and increase our independence and peace or mind. In situations where uncertainty is present, always take a moment or two too familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Make a mental note of normal sounds and observations. In addition, keep in mind that underground parking garages may interfere with a cellular phone signal so plan accordingly. Finally, remember the cardinal rule, “Anything that seems out of place is and must be factored in to your decision-making.â€
Be Safe.
