If uncomfortable, leave.
Don’t look like a victim. Don’t throw around challenging glares, but don’t immediately look away like you are scared either.
Avoid secluded areas.
Carry a cell phone and a small flashlight.
Stay alert and maintain an awareness of your surroundings.
Look for escape routes.
Watch for items that could be used as improvised weapons. Keep in mind they could be used by you in self defense, or against you by a criminal attacker.
Look for possible hiding spots. The ability to lock a door behind you is a huge plus.
Watch for people following you. Use three right turns to check if unsure. Do not isolate yourself in order to make those three turns, however.
Lock you doors. All of them. Home and car. Whether you are in or out.
Look around before opening a door or exiting a building or vehicle.
Keep private information private. Online and off.
Imagine potential threats throughout your daily routine and decide in advance on an appropriate response.
Do a lap of your home or hotel room and make sure everything is locked up before bed. Check windows as well as doors, and if applicable set your alarm system.
Notify police of suspicious activity, even if it is not yet an emergency.
Don’t hide keys outside. Leave them with a trusted person instead.
Separate your house keys from car keys for valets or mechanics. Hard to make a copy of your house key while it is in your pocket. Keep in mind anyone with access to your car is likely able to discover your address from registration paperwork.
Don’t mark your keys with your home address.
Do not discuss sensitive information, regardless whether it is work or personal related, in public or online. Very sensitive information should not even be discussed on the phone.
Know multiple evacuation routes. Vary the escape route plan depending on the circumstances. Example: for severe weather use most direct route, but for an active shooter avoid long sightlines, such as hallways with nowhere to take cover.
Look through your employer’s emergency response plans, and for possible threats that aren’t addressed, make your own plan.
Keep a low profile. When travelling, blend with the locals if possible.
Carry a list of emergency contact numbers with you. Separate from your phone in case of loss or damage.
Know basic phrases to seek help if travelling somewhere you don’t speak the language. Doctor, police, and taxi are a good starting point.
Avoid disturbances or demonstrations. Even if for a good cause, selfish attention seekers often cause these to get out of control.
Travel in groups.
Plan safe travel modes and routes.
Watch people’s faces and hands.
Never get in a vehicle or go to a secondary location with a stranger. If they give a plausible story, then offer to call for help. This is how serial rapists and killers often get you to a location with enough privacy for their sick desires.
Be alert for various tricks and scams, such as the “bump and rob.” This is where someone intentionally causes a minor accident to get you to stop and exit your vehicle, and which point they can rob you. It is also used to target people for other crimes such as assault, rape, or kidnapping. Turn on your hazard lights and continue driving to a safe location, such as a police station.
If you carry a lawful weapon for self defense, do not go to a location at all if you would be unwilling to go without the weapon.
Lock your doors. Seems obvious, but too many people don’t.
Stay alert. See it coming and respond accordingly.