Each of Chicago’s season brings with it specific safety concerns. Chicago summers are full of crowded street festivals, fast moving thunderstorms and opportunistic criminals. To help keep yourself and others around you safe follow the below tips for the type of summer activity you are involved in.

Public Place Safety

• Beware of pickpockets.
• Watch out for anyone who jostles you or tries to slow you up with a distraction. These types of events often happen in crowded elevators, trains or restaurants.
• Keep your belongings in front of you so you can see them. Do not leave your purse on the back of your chair. Remember the easiest purse to open is also the easiest for the offender. Men should keep their wallets in an inner or side pocket.

Large Event Safety

• Use the buddy system. Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group.
• Remain alert and be observant of your surroundings. Follow your instincts.
• Stay calm and pleasant.
• Leave yourself room to move quickly.

Public Transportation Safety

• Board transportation from well lighted areas, remain there until the bus or train arrives.
• Whenever possible sit on aisle seat to prevent being trapped inside.

Outdoor Activity Safety

• Choose routes in advance and vary routes.
• Avoid biking and jogging at night.
• Stay alert by not wearing headphones.
• If possible bike or jog with other people.

Severe Weather Safety

• Develop a disaster plan for work and home, including pre determining the best place to take shelter at places you spend a lot of time.
• If taken off guard, shelter in an interior room away from windows and under a sturdy surface if possible.
• If you are driving and a storm is approaching get off the road if possible to avoid limited visibility conditions or road flooding.
• If a storm is approaching, postpone outdoor activities, lightning can travel 5-10 miles ahead of the storm and strike even under blue skies.
• Apply the 30/30 rule – if the time between thunder and lightning is 30 seconds or less go to a safe shelter and stay 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.
• Avoid using electrical appliances during a storm, only use the telephone or a computer in an emergency situation.