Memphis Apartment Parking Lot Safety Tips
Jun 27th, 2007 by Memphis Apartments
Memphis apartment parking lots are generally no more unsafe than other parking lots. The basic rule of parking lot safety is to be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you follow this basic rule and the following tips, you increase your safety in your Memphis apartment parking lot.
The best way to be aware of your surroundings is to be focused on the apartment entryway while knowing who is around you. Make eye contact with people around you. Be aware of sudden movement. You do not need to respond unless there appears to be a threat to you.
Have your keys in hand, whether entering or exiting your car. If entering, you can quickly get in without fumbling with finding the right key. If you are getting out of your car, your keys should be available as a weapon.
Cell phones can be dangerous in the parking lot for two reasons. First, your cell phone, or rather, your conversation distracts you from paying attention to your surroundings. Second, having your cell phone in your hand makes you an easy target because you cannot protect yourself as easily if both your hands were available.
Always park as close to your entryway as you can. This is particularly important if you plan to be in the parking lot at night. Try to park near lights in the lot. Walk in well-lighted areas as much as possible. Use the buddy system as much as possible. Walk outside to your vehicle with a neighbor who is also going to the parking lot. If you can walk inside with someone you know, take advantage of the opportunity.
Look around before getting in or out of your vehicle. This will help you determine if someone is approaching or watching you. Also, look inside your car before getting in to make sure no one is waiting for you. Report all suspicious individuals to your landlord. Your landlord will recommend filing a police report if necessary.
Immediately lock your doors as soon as you get in your vehicle or upon exiting. If you need to get items out of your trunk, do not lean into your trunk. Get someone to help you. They can stand by while you get the items out. You never want to be halfway in your vehicle with your back to the parking lot. Anyone can approach you in this vulnerable situation. If someone approaches you in a threatening manner before you get in your car, scream for help. If you are in your car, honk your horn to get assistance.
Never leave valuables or other items visible in your car. This includes music CDs. Make sure everything is out of sight before exiting your vehicle. Just because you think your CDs are old and worthless, does not mean someone else thinks the same. If you notice your car has been broken into, even if you cannot tell if anything was stolen, immediately notify your landlord and the police.
Backing into your parking space is safest. You can quickly drive away from a threatening situation. If you are not comfortable backing into your parking space, be aware of how to quickly get out of your parking space if required.
Never stand outside your car talking to someone. This is an invitation for others to approach you. Keep out of potentially dangerous situations by going directly to your car, getting in, and leaving. The same goes for returning to your parking lot. Simply get out and go inside.
These parking lot safety tips are general reminders about personal safety. Know your surroundings, who is near you, and what they are doing. Most importantly, know your exit strategies.