Safety Planning: Preparation is important to improve safety for victims and their families

• Put some money aside in a safe place.
• Pack a few clothes and essentials such as medicines, documents and phone numbers.
• Get spare keys for the house and cars.
• If possible, tell the neighbors to call the police if they overhear or see signs of violence.
• Call the Safe Home to find out what help is available.

• Stay away from the kitchen (knives, forks, ice picks, etc. Can be used as weapons.)
• Stay away from rooms with no windows or doorways that can be easily blocked.
• If possible, get out of the house and try to call 911. Automatically say your name and location before reporting the type of emergency you are reporting on.
• Develope a code word with friends, neighbors, and relatives to use in case of emergency.
• Teach children to stay out of the violence, even if they want to help. Teach them to call 911 and give a name, address, and phone numbers.
• If Law Enforcement comes, tell him/her exactly what happened.
• Talk to someone you trust. Tell them what is happening.
• Build a support system of people that can help you.