DRAFT

> "A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals and you know it."  -- Agent K, Men in Black


====== Safety ======

> "//Feeling// safe isn't the same thing as //being// safe.  Feeling scared doesn't necessarily mean you are in danger.  It means **pay attention**." - secessus

> Emotions are information, not instructions.  Gauges, not guides. -- anon

There are at least three broad categories of threats to consider:

  - **unsafe choices**, likely, but people ignore it. 
  - **property crimes** (vandalism, burglary), unlikely, but people worry about it.
  - **violent crimes** (robbery, assault), exceedingly unlikely, but people freak out about it.


===== general safety =====

No one but you can address whether or not you //feel// safe.   That occurs solely between your ears, and can gut your life.  As far as //being// safe:

  * A **charged cellphone with coverage in the area** may be the most important piece of safety equipment.  
  * maintain situational awareness
  * areas of lower population density are safer from violent crime than cities.  Lowest violent crime rate would be boondocking out on your own somewhere.  Caveat:  //property// crime rates increase in rural/underpopulated areas.  It is unclear if this pattern extends to remote camping areas. 
  * park in such a way that you can pull out without backing
  * be aware of multiple exit routes
  * if in a restaurant, etc, sit where you can see the van from your table
  * get a carry license if you are so inclined, and have the discipline to know and follow relevant laws.  If you have never owned or shot a gun before this probably isn't the time to get one.((unless you commit to formal training))
  * get a dog.  Even a small one works as an alarm
  * leave the drivers' seat clear of stuff so that you can get in it without delay((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Fear-of-not-finding-a-place-to-camp?pid=304931#pid304931))
  * put your keys where you can find them easily and always in the same place.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Fear-of-not-finding-a-place-to-camp?pid=304931#pid304931))




===== campsite safety =====

In the wild:

  * avoid camping in or beyond [[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=%22desert%20wash%22&tbs=imgo:1|desert washes]].  The water can rise suddenly in your camp, or block egress from the camp.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Living-in-Arizona-questions?pid=305777#pid305777))
  * Similarly, avoid camping in low areas where runoff might collect from higher ground.  
  * carry extra food and water in case water or mud makes it impossible to get back to town.  It will dry out in a day or two.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Living-in-Arizona-questions?pid=305757#pid305757))
  * be ready to break camp **at a moment's notice** if needed.  This means deploying nothing that requires work before leaving:  awning, lawn chairs, bbq, tilted or portable panels.((or at least being willing to abandon items that do not prevent your departure))
  * scout out another way out of the campsite in case the primary exit is blocked((https://youtu.be/MEZvLu69mMg?t=10m18s))
  * Be aware of where you put your hands and feet:  know what poisonous insects and snakes live in the area
  * store, cook, and eat food in a safe manner in bear country


In populated areas:

  * park facing outwards so that you can put it in to drive instead of having to back out of a parking spot((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Fear-of-not-finding-a-place-to-camp?pid=304931#pid304931)).  "Pulling through" to the further spot can make this very easy.
  * be aware of driveways and other access needed by other drivers
  * side-to-side((aka east-west)) sleepers may want to sleep with their head on the curb side to limit injury from vehicles hitting your parked vehicle
  * park under street lights
  * avoid neighborhoods where there are bars on the windows




===== dangerous weather =====

You don't have to be a meterologist or stormchaser, but a basic awareness of upcoming weather and flood/fire conditions is important.  

Techniques:

  * looking at multi-day forecast in your area
  * if you stay in one area, you may want to leverage the community's text/email/phone alert system, or configure a weather radio to receive alerts
  * watch for smoke plumes that could indicate wildfire



===== solo females =====

Additional tips that may be helpful for solo female travelers:

  * choose parking areas that are NOT in large metropolitan areas but rather in smaller urban communities...lower crime rates and more upscale neighborhoods.
  * sleep in something you can drive in suddenly if needed, without the need for additional coverup