COMMON QUESTIONS
Uniquely American Questions
This section discusses security and safety in
the United States as it applies to international visitors.
SECURITY AND SAFETY
The opportunity to visit a foreign country like the United States is
definitely an exciting prospect. This feeling of anticipation, however,
is sometimes mixed with a sense of apprehension about personal safety.
Viewed from abroad, American
life is often perceived as unsafe, and this view is further magnified
by media coverage which tends to focus on sensational events.
It is understandable that an international visitor may have legitimate
concerns about coming to the United States. Although crime is an unfortunate
fact of life in most cities worldwide, there are effective strategies
which can make your trip to the U.S. both safe and enjoyable. The reality
is that few international visitors actually encounter serious problems
during their stay. The way to ensure your safety is to become wise to
the ways of American streets by using good sense and caution.
The foundation of this "wisdom of the streets" is planning. Even before
coming to the United States, try to find out as much as you possibly can
about the area in which you will be staying. Buy an informative guide
and take the time to read about the cities
you may want to visit. Try to learn as much as you can before your arrival
in the United States.
Once you arrive in the city where you are visiting, remember, security
begins at home. Make sure you keep your doors and windows locked. Know
who's at your door before you open it. Familiarize yourself as soon as
possible with your new surroundings. Most urban areas in the states have
certain "high crime" areas, so seek out local knowledge of which neighborhoods
to avoid. Walk around during daylight hours to get a feeling for the area
and a sense of direction. Remember to take your address and phone number
with you.
At night it's never a good idea to walk alone; travel with friends or
in a group. Always know where you're going and how to get there. Try to
stay in areas where there are other people and in areas that are well
lighted. When you're out at night, learn to become "street wise". Be aware
of your surroundings and what's going on around you, trust your instincts,
and be ready to act. If you feel threatened, don't hesitate to ask a security
officer or the city police for help.
When you're out and about, don't carry large sums of money, and make
sure your wallet or purse is secure. The most common crimes in the states
involve theft of unattended property. Use cash machines
during the day, not at night when there may be fewer people around. Try
not to draw attention to yourself by showing large sums of money or wearing
expensive jewelry.
In the unlikely event you do become a robbery victim, do not resist...your
personal safety and well being are more important than any material possessions.
Remember that in most American cities, a phone call to 911 will bring
emergency help (if not, there is a often a local police number on any
pay phone). For this reason, it's a good idea to carry a few quarters
in a place other than your wallet or purse should you need to make an
emergency call.
After you start feeling comfortable in your new surroundings and are
ready to venture out on public transportation or driving on your own,
don't leave your street wisdom at home. If you take the bus, try to sit
as close to the driver as possible. If you are in a city served by a subway,
choose a car where there are other people...there is always safety in
numbers.
Again, avoid taking public transportation alone at night. When traveling
by car, keep your doors locked and avoid "high crime" neighborhoods. When
you park your car, make sure that it's in a well-lighted place and that
it is locked with all valuables stored out of sight.
Also, never pick up strangers and never accept rides from strangers.
There are a lot of friendly, helpful people, but be cautious. When you
meet new people, go slow...make sure that they deserve your trust and
confidence.
Remember that part of adapting to any new culture is going through the
process of becoming "street wise". There are risks in coming to the U.S.,
but the rewards derived from travel in this wonderfully complex country
far outweigh the risks in what is for most visitors a truly exciting and
enriching experience.
Editorial written by Dr. Paul Milan, Coordinator, International Studies,
Seattle University
|
