Summer officially began on June 21, but for most of us the summer started long before. Summer is a good time to explore this great city, prepare for new adventures and take new risks in life. All while embarking on the NEW YORK CITY Chapter in your book of life, ALWAYS remember to PLAY IT SAFE.
Here are a few tips on how to stay safe during YOUR NEW YORK SUMMER!
- Avoid drawing attention to yourself as a tourist: don't stand on street corners looking at maps and do your best to walk confidently, as this will deter many criminals.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- In crowded subways, keep your wallet in your front pocket, rather than the rear, and keep your purse closed and held in front of you or on the side.
- Don't flaunt jewelery, cameras or cash in public. If you need to organize your wallet, duck into a store.
- Use caution when using ATMs and don't carry too much cash around with you -- most places accept credit cards and there are ATMs everywhere.
- After dark, stick to main streets if you don't know where you are going.If you feel uncomfortable or lost, approach a police officer or a friendly store owner to get your bearings or directions.
- When in doubt of your destination or the safety of a neighborhood, take a cab, especially late at night.
- Many business districts are desolate at night -- keep this in mind when deciding whether to walk or take a cab.
- If taking the subway late at night, stand near the "During off hours trains stop here" sign or in view of the Metro-Card booth. Ride in cars with more people and preferably in the conductor's car (you will see him look out the window of the train when it stops).
Tips Courtesy of GoNYC: http://gonyc.about.com/od/planyourtriptonyc/a/is_nyc_safe.htm
Images Courtesy of Tree Hugger: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/07/2009-summer-streets-new-york-city-nyc-august-car-free-roads.php
--Submitted by Mia Wright-Ross, William Street RA
