Parking your vehicle
- If possible, park in well-lit areas close to the home/building entrances or exits
- Back into the parking space so you can leave the parking lot area quickly and safely
- Avoid parking between tall trucks, SUVs and vans where it might be hard to back out safely and where muggers might hide.
- Secure your vehicle: keep your vehicle safe with these precautions:
- Keep the car doors locked and windows closed when parked
- Never leave the area while your vehicle is running.
- Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle. If you do need to lock any items in the trunk, lock it in the trunk before your arrive to the destination.
- Walk confidently with head up and be aware of your surroundings
- Know where the emergency calls buttons are located in the parking lot or keep your phone close to you.
Returning to your Vehicle
- Prepare yourself to leave the client’s home with everything you need.
- Walk with your head erect, appear alert, scan your route, and proceed directly and quickly to your vehicle :
- Use the main entrance as much as possible – avoid rear or secluded exits
- Have your keys out and ready. Hold one key between your thumb and first finger so that the key can be used as a weapon to protect yourself
- When approaching your vehicle, check underneath from a distance to ensure no one is hiding there or behind the vehicle.
- Look inside your vehicle to see if there is anyone hiding in the back seats before getting in. If you notice someone is at or in your vehicle, go to a safe area and contact security or the police.
Once inside your vehicle, do not linger. Lock all doors, keep all windows up and drive away.