SAFETY PLANNING

Your participation and engagement in this process adds greatly to your long-term safety. The benefits of designing your own security strategy are enormous and empowering.  And we will be here every step of the way to see you through it.

Options for safety equipment include:

• Intrusion alarms for doors/windows

• Door security bars

• Interior locks

• Motion-activated lights

• Doorbell cameras

• Doorstop alarms

• SMART GPS activated pepper spray

We’ll help you choose what’s right for your home and situation and show you how to best take advantage of these excellent tools.

Step 1: Exterior of Home

Do a rough sketch of your home and outside yard on a piece of paper. Take it with you to make notes as you walk around looking for security vulnerabilities. For example, you may notice someone could easily hide behind bushes on or near your property. Or perhaps, the walkway to your door could use more lighting. Consider where you normally park and how far/lit the path is to your door. Note your observations.

Next, walk around your house and note possible access points where an intruder could enter. Ensure nothing left outdoors could make entry easier-- ladders, keys, bricks/rocks, tools, etc. Make note of any possible access to second-floor windows (if applicable).  Is there a garage door opener remote still in an abuser’s possession? Are any windows around your home broken?

Write down potential escape routes, as well as neighbors you can trust to help should you need it. Remember to consider children’s abilities in the escape plan.

For each vulnerability you notice, make notes on security measure suggestions. For example, if there is a dark area you can put down “motion light.”  Spec out areas where security cameras might work—don’t forget to consider the proximity to WiFi

Step 2: Interior of Home

Walk around the inside of your house and write down the number of doors and windows that could be used to gain entry. If you have a basement, see if there is a way to get inside and think/note potential security measures to prevent that. Check each window to ensure it locks properly—mark your diagram with any that need repair. Try and identify possible rooms you could barricade inside. Think of a tentative plan of action in an emergency. If you have children, consider how you can get them to quickly follow your lead in the event of any emergency.

Step 3: Other Security Considerations

Keep a list of other security concerns to consider or discuss with a Safe Way Out volunteer. Some considerations include:

•   Situations at work—whether for someone might approach you there and possibilities for a chaperone to your car

• Vulnerabilities in your daycare pick/up drop off routine and ways to sure up that process

   

• School emergency contacts—do they need to be updated?

• Friends or family members who may aid your potential abuser and ways you can reduce their influence.

With so much to consider, this can be an overwhelming process. If at any time you feel upset, anxious, or stressed out, take a break! Be kind to yourself and allow space to get back to a place where you feel empowered once again.

Safety plans are works-in-progress that may change over time—that’s OK!   Even the most basic plan is a good start and a big step towards being safer and more secure.

In addition to your physical health, your mental health is important. Try following “Cooper’s Color Codes” to assess your state of mind and do what’s necessary to stay in the “yellow” as much as possible.