Safety in Public Places

A quick guide for staying safe in malls, stores, restaurants, or public areas.

Safety in Public Places

Entry and Exit Awareness

Options to review when you arrive at a public place:

• Pause before entering and scan:
  • Where the main entrance is
  • Where the side or back exits are
  • Whether exits look open, blocked, or staff-only
• Note at least two ways out:
  • Main doors
  • Side corridors or stairwells
  • Clearly marked emergency exits
• Check your route:
  • How you got in (street, parking lot, transit stop)
  • Where you would go if you needed to leave quickly
  • Areas that feel more open and visible vs. enclosed
• Identify staffed points:
  • Reception, service counters, or information desks
  • Security or staff stations
  • Nearby open businesses if you are in a shared building or mall
• Consider phone access:
  • Check your battery level
  • See if there is cell service inside the building
  • Notice if there are other people nearby with phones out

Choosing Where to Sit or Stand

Options for positioning yourself in public spaces:

• Stay exit-aware:
  • Choose a spot with a clear line of sight to at least one exit
  • Avoid seats where someone could easily block your way out
• Balance visibility and privacy:
  • Consider sitting where others can see you, not in isolated corners
  • Avoid locations that are too close to restrooms, back rooms, or alcoves
• Think about who is near you:
  • Position closer to staff, security, or groups of people
  • Note anyone who seems to be watching you closely
• Plan your movement:
  • Keep bags and coats arranged so you can pick them up quickly
  • Avoid placing important items where someone else could easily grab them or step between you and your belongings
• Transportation-facing choices:
  • On public transit, consider sitting near the driver or in more populated cars
  • In rideshares or taxis, confirm the driver and route, and keep doors unlocked enough to exit quickly if needed when stopped in a safe area

Crowd Strategies

Options for moving through or using crowds for safety:

• Use crowds as a buffer:
  • Walk in well-populated areas instead of empty side streets when possible
  • Position yourself near families, groups, or staff if you feel watched or followed
• Plan your walking routes:
  • Favor well-lit paths and main corridors
  • Notice open stores, coffee shops, or public buildings you could step into
• Reduce isolation:
  • If you feel uneasy, consider making a brief stop inside a staffed location
  • Stand where you can see both the person you are concerned about and an exit or street
• Use simple pretexts if you need space:
  • “I need to use the restroom.”
  • “I have to make a call.”
  • “I need to talk to the staff about something.”
• Coordinate with someone you trust:
  • Let a trusted person know where you are going and when you expect to leave
  • Set a simple check-in plan if you prefer (for example, texting when you arrive and when you leave)

When You May Want to Leave Quickly

Options to consider if you decide it is safer or more comfortable to leave:

• Notice early signs that you may want to go:
  • Someone is tracking your movements or showing up unexpectedly
  • Conversations are becoming tense or controlling
  • Someone is trying to separate you from others
• Prepare a simple exit plan:
  • Know what you will say if you choose to leave (for example, a short, neutral reason)
  • Keep keys, payment methods, and phone easy to reach
  • Have a general idea of where you will go next (another public place, home, or somewhere else you consider safer)
• Timing your exit:
  • Choose a moment when doors and pathways are clear
  • If needed, move closer to an exit ahead of time and then leave
• Leaving with support:
  • Call or message someone you trust while you are still inside, if safe to do so
  • Consider asking staff if you want another person nearby as you exit
• After you leave:
  • Change your route or destination if you think you are being followed
  • Go somewhere with other people present
  • Review what worked and what you might change for future outings

Recommended Articles

• Safety Planning Checklist
• Gathering Evidence
• Digital Safety Basics
• Staying Safe When Separating
• Planning Safer In-Person Meetups