🛡️ Staying Safe While Getting Around

How to Stay Safe on Public Transit

Public transit in the United States is generally safe, but staying aware of your surroundings helps ensure a comfortable journey on buses, trains, and light rail.

🚌 Waiting and riding safely

• Stay in well-lit areas: Wait near other passengers or near bright lighting, especially at night.
• Keep items secure: Zip your bags, hold them on your lap or in front of you, and keep phones and wallets out of sight near open doors.
• Choose a visible seat: Sit near the driver or train operator if traveling alone or after dark.
• Use handrails: Hold onto rails while standing or moving to prevent falls during sudden stops.

🚨 Handling transit emergencies

• Trust your instincts: Move to another seat or car if you feel uncomfortable.
• Notify staff: Inform the bus driver or train operator immediately if you observe a safety issue.
• Call 911: Dial 911 if you or another passenger are in immediate danger.

🌎 Transit tips for newcomers

• Use transit apps: Track bus and train schedules in real time to avoid long waits at stops.
• Know your stop: Learn key stop names along your route, and ask the driver to confirm your destination if unsure.
• Look for language support: Check transit stations for signs or audio announcements available in multiple languages.

Safety Tips for Walking and Biking in Busy Areas

Walking and biking are healthy and affordable ways to travel. Following local traffic laws ensures you remain visible and safe around vehicular traffic.

🚶 Pedestrian and bike safety basics

• Stay alert: Put away your phone and keep headphone volume low to hear oncoming traffic.
• Cross carefully: Use marked crosswalks, wait for the "Walk" signal, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Follow traffic flow: Ride bicycles in the same direction as traffic, and stay inside designated bike lanes whenever possible.
• Signal your turns: Use hand signals when biking to let drivers know when you plan to turn or stop.
• Increase night visibility: Wear bright or reflective clothing, use front/rear bike lights, or carry a small flashlight after dark.

🌎 Walking and biking tips for newcomers

• Learn traffic signals: Familiarize yourself with local road signs, pedestrian signals, and right-of-way rules.
• Plan routes in advance: Use map applications to identify safe streets with sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes.
• Join local workshops: Look for community organizations offering free bicycle safety and city navigation classes.

How to Travel Safely in Extreme Weather

Weather conditions like snow, ice, heavy rain, and high heat can create travel hazards. Preparing ahead helps keep your trips safe and on schedule.

❄️ Cold weather, ice, and snow

• Dress in layers: Wear a warm coat, hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof boots to prevent frostbite.
• Walk cautiously: Take short, slow steps on slippery sidewalks and hold handrails on outdoor stairs.
• Allow extra time: Expect bus and train delays during winter storms.

☀️ Rain, heat, and air quality

• Stay hydrated: Carry a water bottle and rest in shaded areas during hot weather advisories.
• Monitor air quality: Check local air quality alerts; wear a mask or limit outdoor activity during heavy smoke or dust days.
• Stay visible in storms: Use umbrellas, waterproof gear, and bike lights when traveling in heavy rain.

🌎 Weather tips for newcomers

• Check weather alerts: Use weather apps to look for terms like "wind chill," "heat advisory," or "flash flood."
• Ask locals: Consult neighbors or coworkers about seasonal gear recommendations for your area.

When to Call Emergency Numbers and What to Expect

Dialing 911 connects you immediately to emergency medical, fire, or police responders. Use non-emergency numbers for routine situations.

📞 Emergency calls (911)

• When to call: Dial 911 only for life-threatening situations, crimes in progress, fires, or serious medical needs.
• What to say: Clearly state your exact location and briefly describe the emergency.
• Request an interpreter: If you need language help, immediately state your primary language (e.g., "Spanish," "Arabic," "Amharic") to be connected with a translator.
• Immigration status: First responders focus on your immediate safety and medical care; they do not ask for your immigration status.

📱 Non-emergency calls

• When to use: Call local non-emergency lines or 311 for non-urgent matters like noise complaints, minor property damage, or lost items.
• Preparation: Save your local police non-emergency phone number in your contacts for quick access.

✔ Summary Checklist

• Remain aware of surroundings on public transit and keep personal items secure.
• Use marked crosswalks, bike lanes, and reflective gear at night.
• Dress appropriately for seasonal weather and monitor local weather alerts.
• Dial 911 for life-threatening emergencies and ask for an interpreter if needed.
• Use 311 or non-emergency phone lines for minor, non-urgent issues.