Safety Planning Questions

• Are there two exits to your home? If not, how can you escape if you need to?
• Are there neighbors near by you can run to for help? Will they call the police if they hear fighting?
• Can you develop a danger signal with friends or neighbors? Will they check on you periodically?
                                                                                                                   
• Where are your important papers (birth certificate, Social Security card, credit cards, insurance card, etc.)? Can you get to them in a crisis? Do you have an extra copy of them?
• Will you have a place to go? How will you get there?
• Do you know the crisis hotline number for the local domestic violence shelter? Do you know how to get there?
• Do you know how to call the police?
• Have you talked to any children or grandchildren who live in the home about the danger? Do they know what to do in an emergency?
• Do you have an extra set of keys made? Are they in a safe place?
• Can you identify a room in the house that could serve as a “safe” room if you can’t get away? (It should have a strong door with a secure lock and, if possible, more than one way out.)
• What will you do with your pets when you leave? Can they go with you or do you need to make arrangements for them?
                                                                                                                   
• Do you have any valuables or special belongings you want to take with you? Can you gather them quickly? Remember...what you leave they may destroy out of spite.
• Do you have an escape bag (a hidden bag of clothes, money, phone numbers, papers, prescriptions, etc.) ready to go should you need to leave quickly?

Please refer to and make copies of the Quick Reference Tip Sheet in the resources section for a portable review of how to identify and assist victims.