Safety Notice for Aliens

1. Personal Safety

I. Avoid ostentatious displays of money or jewelry. These items provide tempting targets for criminals.

II. Park your vehicle in a place with easy access; at night, park in well-lit areas.

III. Avoid walking in deserted or dark alleyways where it would be difficult for people to hear your cries for help if you are attacked.

IV. Take note of local police stations and medical facilities near your work and your residence.

V. All valuables should be placed in a bank's safe deposit box. Bank books and signets should be placed separately.

VI. Photograph all valuables to help you to identify them in the event of a robbery.

VII. Decline the service of a taxi driver who pulls over to the sidewalk to solicit your ride.

VIII. Avoid taxis without license plates or that have illegible plates.

IX. Avoid taxis which have other passengers already inside.

X. Attempt to immediately get out of a taxi in which the driver appears to be intoxicated or is improperly dressed.

XI. Sitting directly behind the driver in a taxi will allow you to react quickly if there is a problem. (For example, you can grab the steering wheel and create a fake traffic accident thereby involving others while getting you out of possible danger.)

XII. Take down the registration number and name of the taxi driver. Both should be prominently displayed on the right hand side of the dashboard.

XIII. When taking a taxi, ask a friend to write down the name of the taxi company and the license plate number.

XIV. Avoid traveling alone. When traveling with a group, avoid leaving the group.

XV. Carry traveler's checks and take proper care of belongings (don't expose your valuables and be careful not to be cheated or robbed).

XVI. Select a hotel in a safe area. Check that the hotel room's doors and windows are secure.

XVII. Carry a self-defense device when outdoors.

2. Residential Security.

I. Lock all doors and windows if you are going out. Use the alarm system if you have one.

II. When there is no one at home, turn lights and radios on with timers to avoid the appearance that the house is unoccupied.

III. When going on extended vacation, notify the local police office so extra patrol can be provided.

IV. Do not let strangers into your home; always know who is at your door before opening it.

V. Be a good neighbor. Be on the look-out for suspicious cars or people in your neighborhood. Take note of the license plate number of suspicious looking vehicles and report it to the police. Get involved in your local neighborhood watch program.

VI. Inventory valuable items and keep expensive jewelry and large sums of cash in a bank's safe deposit box rather than at home.

3. Fire Safety.

I. Keep a lightweight fire extinguisher in the home and know how to use it.

II. Before you sleep or leave your home, check that the gas and unnecessary electricity are turned off.

III. Have a fire evacuation plan and arrange a meeting place outside the home for everyone in the family to gather after a fire. Never return to a burning building.

IV. In case of fire, get your family out and call the fire department.

V. Avoid using faulty electrical wiring or lights. Be careful in using cooking and heating appliances.

VI. When in public buildings, know where the emergency exits are and do not use elevators in the case of fire.

Source: Taipei City Gov.