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Humans are cautious creatures who avoid ending up in sketchy situations at all costs. But when you find yourself walking in a dimly lit alley or riding the subway late at night, you can't help but feel your senses go on high alert, wondering about things that could potentially save your valuables or even your life.

Reddit user lofisky wanted to find out what they are, so they made a post on Ask Reddit: "People with 'street smarts', what is your most street tip?" Within just a few days, thousands of people took the opportunity to share their precious wisdom and help people ensure their safety even in the most dire situations.

Below, Bored Panda wrapped up some useful pieces of advice and put them all in one place for you to read. So take out your notebook, grab a pen, and write down a thing or two on how to protect yourself against threats. And if you still feel the need for some more street tips, take a look at our previous posts right here and here!

#1

The most practical self-defence item you can own is a very high-powered flashlight, especially one with a strobe function.

Drawing a weapon will always escalate a situation, and may cause any aggressor to fight with lethal force. You also cannot use a weapon pre-emptively except in very clear self-defense scenarios. You can't shoot someone just because they look shifty. You also cannot legally carry them in many places.

None of this applies to a flashlight. You can legally and inconspicuously carry it anywhere. You can use it without provocation without legal or moral issue.

It is also highly effective. It is incredibly difficult to hit or stab someone who is shining a 1000 lumen strobe light in your face. It can be almost impossible to properly see where that person is, and it will be painful to even look at them.

As a bonus, flashlights are just super handy tools to have in day-to-day life.

Lord_Skellig Report

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Gavin Johnson
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

4 D cell Maglites are incredibly tough bits of kit. If you have to use it as a weapon they are heavy because of the batteries and made of aluminium so they don’t bend, you don’t get up in a hurry after someone has accidentally hit you with one. For information purposes obviously 😜 Don’t hit people mmm’kay?

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#2

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips If you ever find yourself homeless in a big city but want to keep clean because of job/hygiene standards/whatever, look into gyms in the area. Many of them have very low-cost memberships or even free trials for a certain amount of time. Head on in, get your shower, brush your teeth, and get yourself all cleaned up.

Hope it helps anyone who needs it as much as it helped me.

keldondonovan , Danielle Cerullo Report

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Andy Acceber
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ditto community centers, YMCAs, public college rec centers, etc. Gyms don't have to exclusively be fancy places that require a membership. Lots of the more public options offer cheap day passes.

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Two_rolling_black_eyes
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of the suburbs around here started handing out yearly memberships for the city's rec centers/pools to their homeless population and its helped dramatically. It costs them nothing since they are open anyway but its been a boon. They can take a shower every day, find healthy things to do to make the time pass, and a warm/cool place to get out of the weather. The main rec center is across the street from social services and they've had an uptick in people coming in looking for help since they started the program. People need their basic needs met first before they try to get better. (SO's daughter worked as a lifeguard there).

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Tiffanie Sewell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Planet fitness is like $5-10/month and they have showers. I know from experience. Lol

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VikingAbroad
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Denmark almost all church yards have public bathrooms were you can shower, use the toilet facilities and get clean drinking water.

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Davo gifman
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also in season public pools. They're cheap to get into. So you can sun,swim,and relax a lil bit; then shower an hopefully feel refreshed an looking forward to better days.

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Maxie Mills
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used my gym for this purpose when I remodeled my bathroom. I only had one bathroom in my house. I had the new toilet ready to be installed but beyond that I used my kitchen sink to brush my teeth and wash up in the morning and went to the gym every day after work to shower until my new tub was installed. Where there is a will there is a way. However, I am incredibly saddened that people are without a home yet working and paying taxes. The government's only job is to take care of its citizens and providing food,clothing and shelter should be governments top priority.

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Rissie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not street smarts, that's the craziest form of poverty.

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King Kashue
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Planet Fitness has showers and is only $10/mo in fees. Literally $0.30 a day for showers, bathroom, water fountain, etc.

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j b milam
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i've known several people who have done this. It's a really helpful suggestion

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Nigel Rodgers
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it gets so bad you have to beg, I judge a day's take enough for at least a meal and a bath.

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David
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've done this. As a homeowner. The pump on our well went out during Christmas one year and I had to wait a week to replace it.

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Candia Lee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My nomadic nephew has a membership to Planet Fitness for this very reason, or at least that's where he had me pick him up when he came to visit.

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Rannveig Ess
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Libraries, hospital doctor's offices that are huge and have lots of floors of offices and lots of bathrooms in odd places. Malls.

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Thomas Sweda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you’re homeless, you are probably going to look homeless. Do you honestly think a gym manager is going to let you in his gym ?

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Marlene Wojcik
Community Member
1 year ago

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24/7 gyms give you a key fob. You can come in any time. They only have mangers on duty for 8 hours a day. The GYM, I described above ended up closing. The owner lost a fortune. Sorry but this post may help you get a shower BUT think of the other lives you are destroying. NOT a good idea.

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Taylor Carroll
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

AND DO NOT USE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE SHOP TO "SHOWER" IN FFS

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Marlene Wojcik
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a problem. My GYM ended up with homeless people hanging out and living there. They would lock themselves into a bathroom and hog it for the night and into the morning. People using the GYM before work couldn't get in to take a shower. Took a HUGE toll on GYM membership. Members left!. Plus no offense but they left the place a mess. Cooked meals in the bathrooms, used the floor mats as bed cushions. NOT THE PURPOSE OF A GYM MEMBERSHIP! Think of others and not just your needs!

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Jyndaru
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the extreme though. Not all homeless people would do that. Not even the majority. Most would shower, brush teeth/hair, maybe shave. But cooking and sleeping in the gym bathroom? Please don't judge all homeless people based on the actions of those few.

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#3

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips If you're uncomfortable with your surroundings, leave.

Your unconscious is often more aware of your surroundings than you'd think. If something you can't figure out is telling you to go, listen to it.

Martin_Aurelius , Thiago Miranda Report

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Chich
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Used to tell my fire crews this. If something does not feel right, back the hell out.

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We managed to get in touch with the creator of this thread, lofisky, who was kind enough to have a little chat with us. The user told Bored Panda they often post random questions on Ask Reddit to simply discover new things. This time, they were curious to learn about different tips that could potentially help in a tough situation.

Well, it’s better to be safe than sorry, isn’t it? That’s why so many people seem eager to discover as many helpful tidbits of information as they possibly can. Like being confident and pretending to always be aware of where you're going. Or making sure you know where the exit is at all times. And let’s not forget about confirming the license plate before getting on your ride.

#4

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips Always look like you know where you're going, even when you don't.

D*ckySchmidt33 , Anubhav Saxena Report

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Andy Acceber
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's amazing what projecting the right amount of confidence can get you. I used to work at a bar. I wouldn't have admitted it then, but I carded way more based on someone's confidence than on how old they looked. I suck at estimating ages. If you hemmed and hawwed when deciding on a drink, asked a dumb question, acted jittery, or had too much bravado, I would have carded you. If you were confident but not overly so and had a normal conversation, I probably wouldn't have asked for ID.

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#5

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips If you are feeling unsafe, find the biggest friendliest person and act like you know them, chances are they will understand, help you out and you'll end up making a friend.

Had a group of young men once nod in a targeting manner towards me in a dangerous subway station in SF, the big dude I sat next to, and acted like I knew, was understanding when I explained why I was sitting next to him, we ended up chatting during the subway ride too. Very cool guy.

UnmitigatedPizzaster , Mental Health America (MHA) Report

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De Gueb
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That happened to me at a pub in Mallorca, 3 young girls asked to hang around me to keep the guys away. It was one of the girls birthday and some of the dudes wouldn´t leave them alone. I went only to see a live band but ended up staying till they shut.

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#6

A red traffic light is just a "traffic suggestion" to some people.

Always keep an eye out at intersections for idiots running a red light.

KoalaDeluxe Report

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Swan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

always beware of other people always have a margin of their 'mistakes' ...because it will save your life

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As of today, the thread has amassed more than 59.6K upvotes and 28.6K comments. Plenty of Redditors with "street smarts" shared their precious insights on how to survive in the urban jungle. "I didn’t expect that much attention at all! I’m very glad that so many people took the time to answer my question," the user said.

"I learned that it’s important to be knowledgeable and always be ready for any unexpected situations that may occur at any given time. It was interesting to see what advice different people have to give."

#7

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips If someone asks you for help. Like 'my car won't start' or, really anything. Don't help them but offer to call someone for them.

I learned this ~10 years ago. I had to do a thing in the bad side of town once a week early in the morning. I would get there ~5:00 a.m., they opened at 6:00 but I wanted to get in and out and leave.

There were a few other regulars at that time for the same reason. One I befriended was a lady named Kim.

We were both there one morning. A couple of guys pulled up in their car ~100' from us. They got out, lifted the hood made some noise, called us over to help them. They were having car troubles.

Kim told me to stay where I was, I shrugged and said 'OK'. She walks over, they talk a few minutes, they drive off and she comes back.

Kim says "They didn't have car trouble, they were going to rob us".

I say "Seriously? No s**t. Why did they drive off then"?

Kim says "I showed them the gun in my hand". Then she showed me the gun in her hand.

I said "Oh. OK"

Sighwtfman , Marc St Report

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LagoonaBlueColleen
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would say trust your gut and know the area. I live in a region where it's common for people to break down and all they need is jumper cables. Someone is usually willing to help because that's what we do. We don't want to hear of someone freezing to death waiting for help for what could be way too long in our climate.

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#8

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips Always check the toilet paper roll before taking a dump.

Additional_Energy_25 , Alex Simpson Report

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#9

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips Ladies, never leave your drink unattended and don't accept drinks from strangers when you didn't see the drink being made.

watch_over_me , Michael Discenza Report

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LagoonaBlueColleen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some establishments don't let you take your drink to the washroom. You can leave it with the servers and they'll keep it safe behind the counter.

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This thread serves as proof that some people have minds full of knowledge on how to survive and stay safe while living an urban life. So if you’re living in a quiet and calm neighborhood or come from a distant suburb, there are certain things you need to learn to avoid getting scammed (or worse!) out there in the real world.

According to lofisky, everyone should have a fraction of such knowledge. "I believe having at least a decent amount of 'street smarts' is essential, so you are prepared for any unexpected events that happen in life, and know how to handle potentially dangerous situations."

#10

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips If someone approaching you says “hey man, I ain’t gonna rob you” - they’re probably gonna try to rob you.

ChefChopNSlice , Airam Dato-on Report

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Hawkmoon
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And be extra careful if he looks like a tax agent. But you have little chance of escaping him anyway.

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#11

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips There is no shame in running away from a fight.

SuvenPan , Mike Cox Report

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Scagsy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't run so fast that you end up faceplanting like I did when I was mugged by a pack of feral youths. Here's the timeline if you're interested: 1: got attacked 2: ran away 3: faceplanted 4: got attacked again 5: A & E minus my wallet and watch 6: hotel minibar

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#12

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips If someone starts to loudly state that they’ve lost their wallet or phone, don’t obviously or immediately go to check on yours in your bag or pocket. It’s a common pickpocket technique to get people to show the pickpockets where their stuff is.

PresenceElectric69 , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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Chris Jones
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or better, sadly, they say they have FOUND a wallet or phone and so you check.

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#13

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips Trust your gut. If anyone seems a little too friendly, get away ASAP.

Spartan0618 , Kevin Lee Report

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lenka
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always trust you instincts. This should be number one. Your subconscious picks up hundreds of cues and notices things that you don't consciously take in but which result in a feeling of unease - even if you have no idea why. You may never figure out the 'why' but trusting your instincts and perhaps feeling a little silly for it is way better than potential alternatives.

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When asked why so many people are always ready to give safety advice, the user believes that most have answered the question through their own backgrounds. They seem to know when to avoid potentially negative situations that even with a favorable outcome might have alarming consequences.

A streetwise person can read between the lines, they know who you can trust, are skilled in the art of self-defense, and have a perfectly working inner BS radar. "Perhaps they have been through tough times in life and have enough life experience to share their advice with everyone else," lofisky added.

#14

Lock your doors as soon as you’re in a car.

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Warren Fletcher
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's great when cars automatically unlock when you put them in park. Like, could you not? You don't know what kind of area I'm in!

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#15

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips Confirm the license plate and make sure you are getting in your proper Uber/Lyft.

RooniesStepMom , Viktor Avdeev Report

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LagoonaBlueColleen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a good idea for taxis, too. The license plate and cab number. Get their name, too.

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#16

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips If someone is asking you for help, but you need to follow them around the corner to help them... don't. Politely say you're late to a meeting and keep walking.

Dad_of_the_year , Vlad Smolyakov Report

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Ally MacMann
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't even think you need to (or should) make excuses. A polite but confident "No. I won't do that" would probably work just as well.

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The creator of this thread would like to advise you to stay curious. "It’s important to listen to everyone, whoever they are, good or bad. You can always learn from them. Even if it’s just social media like Reddit, never stop learning something new," they concluded.

#17

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips Know where the exits are at all times.

CptSmarty , Ashwini Chaudhary Report

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Paul C.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is especially important when you go to your hotel room for the first night. Check where the fire escapes are. At 3 in the morning with an alarm going off it could save your life.

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#18

Men don't ask women for help with moving or fixing things, they ask other men. If a man asks a woman for help moving something, he's probably a creep & you should get out of there as quickly as possible.

UgliestDisability Report

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Paul C.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

....and don't help them lift a settee into the back of a van, even if they have a broken arm! No wait, did I dream that?

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#19

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips If you're in the hood and you see kids playing outside, you're probably safe. If there are a lot of people outside but no kids, be super cautious and walk with a purpose. If it's empty or only teenagers/young adults, get out asap.

DryBicycle , Filip Mroz Report

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Robert Hernandez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you're in the hood wouldn't you know this? I know my city and have never said "Damn where am I, oh s**t...I'm in the hood"

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#20

If you ever get pulled over at night, immediately turn on all your lights inside your car. In my experience, it tends to relieve whatever tension the officer may have since they can see you a little bit more clearly. Plus it's better than having a flashlight shined in your face.

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Scott Kelly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And roll all of your windows down! It shows you have nothing to hide. This goes for any time of the day.

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#21

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips Always put something between yourself and the ground, even if it's just a piece of cardboard. Especially on asphalt, it absorbs heat and it will feel like it's sucking the life out of you

Landminan , Airam Dato-on Report

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Sarah
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

@Hannah Davenport . Privilege is not the same thing as not understanding something. If you don't know something, you should ask. Which is what they did. Get off your high horse and don't judge people who ask genuine questions.

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#22

If you see the car for too long and it’s bothering you? Do something. Spin that block. Drive illogically. If you spin that block, it will have to follow you in an illogical path. It takes a minute to do this and determine a tail. Don’t ever stop, just drive a longer and more illogical route to determine if you’re being followed. If you’re being followed? Don’t go home. Drive to a hospital ER entrance. There’s always security there. They’re used to crazy. And immediate medical attention if something is bad. And cameras. Lots of them. And all cops can get there without looking it up.

Intelligent-Parsley7 Report

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LagoonaBlueColleen
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Police stations is a better idea than going to the emergency department where they have real medical emergency to focus on. You can even go to a convenience store, like 7/11. Since they're prone to crimes I'm pretty sure they have police services on speed dial. They also have a lot of cameras, lights and police typically know where they are, too.

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#23

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips You can get into a lot of places by holding a pizza.

SK8PIE , RODNAE Productions Report

#24

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips Never count your cash in public even if in singles.

Key_Set_7249 , Sharon McCutcheon Report

#25

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips Your elbow is the strongest joint on your body… take advantage of it when you can.

1515jpeg , Ron Lach Report

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Austin Hicks
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It only takes about 5lbs of pressure on someone's neck to make them go unconscious, which only takes about 8 seconds, and your elbow can easily apply over 70lbs of pressure with the right hold.

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#26

Well, If you're traveling, never randomly stop on the sidewalk to consult a map, or appear visibly lost. Duck into a coffee shop or something to orient yourself.

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Iggy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is where phones can really help. While looking at the map on the phone, chuckle a little as if reading a funny text.

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#27

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips If you see something potentially illegal going on don't look directly at them. Especially if you know that you're not going to be reporting it to the police.

Chandlery , Jack O'Hara Report

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LagoonaBlueColleen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you see someone who's watching you and you notice them, and then they say "Can I help you?" with a grin, don't stop or say anything. Just keep going and when you're out of sight report it to police non-emergency. It's much easier to talk to non-emergency police, especially if the information is vague or unsure.

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#28

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips If an attractive woman asks for directions, look for her partner behind you or going into your car to take what they can grab.

Typical vacation area scam.

obxtalldude , petr sidorov Report

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Pumpkin Spice
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My bisexual self and my pansexual girlfriend knowing that we aren't immune to scams: oh no. My aro friends: oh yes.

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#29

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips Always get the money upfront.

People who want to pay later probably won't and then things can get messy.

Scallywagstv2 , Alexander Mils Report

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LagoonaBlueColleen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Get them to pay half now and half later. At least they'll have something invested and if they're not satisfied with the outcome you can leave it as a half off discount and try again, if they want you to.

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#30

People Are Sharing Their Knowledge On Being "Street Smart", Here Are 30 Of Their Most Useful Tips Exercise your legs. Although in a bad situation they'll probably feel like wet noodles, if needed you'll be able to run. It will also show in everyday life that you are capable of moving effortlessly. Most people are sluggish and it's not hard to notice.

dranaei , Pixabay Report

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LagoonaBlueColleen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people can't help it. My knees seem to be giving me trouble lately. In that case you have to think smart and avoid areas with high crime rates. Some people can't help that, either. Have someone with you. Make sure your making friends and acquaintances with the good people in the neighbourhood, and the staff at the places you frequent. People are more likely to watch out for those they know the names of.

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