Personal Safety

Security & safety is priority

The safety and security of patients, staff, visitors, volunteers and anyone else at any of our sites is of paramount importance for Prairie Mountain Health (PMH).

Be Alert – Look Around – Always be aware of your surroundings

• Do I notice strangers lurking?
• Do I know who is around and who belongs?
• Are buildings/homes entrances well lit?
• Am I aware of potential hiding places (threats) such as bushes and dark entranceways?
• Is someone following me?
• What are my potential escape routes/safe places?

Always know where you are

• Whether driving or walking, if you have to call for help you can quickly provide accurate information of your location.
• Do not become distracted by telephone conversations, texting or checking messages.
• TRUST your instincts; if something doesn’t seem right, remove yourself from the situation immediately.
• Consider installing a personal safety app on your cell phone. There are many free apps available for mobile devices.

Be ready – Have a plan

Have a working alone plan

• What dangers may I encounter?
• How and who do I call for help?
• Should I let someone know my planned route? If my plan/route changes, who do I notify?
• Do I have to check-in?
• Do I need any safety devices with me?

A working alone plan developed in conjunction with your supervisor is key. Your working alone plan will be specific to your work and should answer all of the questions posed above.

Take Precautions

• Convey confidence – do not present yourself as timid.
• Dress appropriately, wear shoes that you can run in.
• Do not display your valuables such as watches, jewelry, wallets and purses.
• Walk in well-lit and high traffic areas when possible.
• In rural areas, stay on roadways or established paths.
• Avoid shortcuts through alleys and wooded areas.
• Immediately report suspicious activities.
• If you are being followed (on foot) proceed to a location where there are likely to be other people such as a business.
• If you are being followed while driving, proceed to the nearest police station, fire station or well-lit, high traffic area. Blow your horn to get the attention of others in the area.
• When driving, keep all of your doors locked.
• Do not have labels / identifiers on your keys.
• When going to your vehicle always have your keys ready in your hand.
• Check under/inside the vehicle before entering.

If confronted

• NEVER interrupt a thief
• ALWAYS cooperate with their demands
• INFORM them of possible surprises (if someone is on their way)
• LET THEM GO – if someone grabs for your things.

If attacked….

The choice to fight back can only be made by you. If you choose to ACT: attract attention to yourself (scream), attempt to run to the nearest home/business, use whatever you have available as a weapon along with your hands, feet and knees.