Meeting Someone in Public Safely

A practical checklist for meeting friends, coworkers, or professionals in public.

Meeting Someone in Public Safely

Before You Go: Location Selection

Options to consider when choosing where to meet:

• Pick a busy public place:
  • Cafes, malls, or large stores
  • Libraries or community centers during open hours
  • Public parks in daylight with steady foot traffic
• Check visibility and layout:
  • Well-lit indoor or outdoor areas
  • Clear exits that are easy to reach
  • Nearby staff, security, or reception desks
• Think about transport options:
  • Location close to public transit, rideshare, or taxi stands
  • Parking that lets you arrive and leave without walking through isolated areas
• Decide how much you want them to know:
  • Avoid meeting directly next to your home or workplace if that feels unsafe
  • Use neutral, familiar locations instead of secluded or new places
• Have a backup location in mind:
  • Another nearby cafe or store where you could move if needed

Arrival Timing and Transport

Options for planning how and when you arrive and leave:

• Control your transport:
  • Arrange your own ride (public transport, rideshare, taxi, or your own vehicle)
  • Avoid relying on the other person for a ride if that feels risky
• Plan your timing:
  • Arrive a little early to scan the area and choose where to sit or stand
  • Avoid waiting alone in isolated spots; wait inside or near others if possible
• Think about where you position yourself:
  • Sit or stand near exits
  • Choose a spot where staff or other people can see you
• Keep your items ready:
  • Have keys, travel card, or payment method easy to reach
  • Keep your phone charged and accessible

Communication Plan

Options for setting up how you will stay in contact with others around this meeting:

• Tell a trusted contact:
  • Who you are meeting and how you know them (if safe to share)
  • Where you are meeting (location name and general area)
  • Planned start and end times
• Set check-in points:
  • Before you arrive
  • Once the meeting starts
  • When you leave and reach your next destination
• Use a simple code or phrase:
  • Agree on a phrase that means “I want to leave” or “Call me with an excuse”
  • Agree on a phrase that means “Please contact for help” if that is something you want as an option
• Decide what you will share by message:
  • Send a photo or description of the meeting place (if safe)
  • Share your live location for a set window of time, if you prefer that tool
• Plan for changes:
  • How you will update your contact if you leave early or the location changes
  • What they should do if you miss a check-in (for example, attempt to call, then text)

Exit Strategies During the Meeting

Options to consider before and during the meeting so you can leave if needed:

• Plan reasons you can use to leave:
  • Needing to get to another appointment or commitment
  • Having a set time when you “have to go” that you mention early in the meeting
• Keep your path to the exit clear:
  • Choose a seat that does not block your way out
  • Avoid putting your bag or coat where someone else can easily control it
• Use your phone as a tool:
  • Send a pre-agreed message or code to your contact if you want a phone call “excuse”
  • Text your contact if you decide to leave early
• Use staff or public areas:
  • Move toward a counter, reception desk, or other staffed area if you feel uncomfortable
  • If needed, you can address staff with a simple request like asking for directions, a receipt, or to call a cab
• Have a transport backup:
  • Keep a rideshare app or taxi number ready
  • Know the nearest bus, train, or tram stop
  • Have enough funds or a prepaid option for getting home or to another safe place

After the Meeting

Steps you may want to take after you leave:

• Check in with your trusted contact:
  • Confirm you have left and where you are now
  • Update them if future meetings are planned or if details have changed
• Review what worked and what did not:
  • Location choice and timing
  • Communication plan and exit options
  • Any changes you would make for next time
• Adjust future plans:
  • Decide if you want further contact or prefer distance
  • Update any block, mute, or privacy settings on your phone or apps if needed

Quick Checklist

• Location:
  • Busy public place
  • Clear exits and visibility
  • Not directly tied to your home or workplace (if that feels safer)
• Timing and transport:
  • Independent way to arrive and leave
  • Arrival slightly early to orient yourself
  • Phone charged and payment accessible
• Communication:
  • Trusted contact informed of time and place
  • Check-in schedule agreed
  • Simple code phrases planned
• Exit options:
  • Pre-planned reasons to leave
  • Seat near an exit and visible to others
  • Transport backup identified

Recommended Articles

• Safety Planning Checklist
• Digital Communication Boundaries
• Planning Safe Travel
• Meeting an Abusive Partner for Logistics
• Sharing Location Safely