Here at Alcove Health, you are part of the family. Whether you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, wondering if you have been exposed to an STI, or needing diapers for your little one, we are concerned about your well-being. This means we are here, ready and waiting to help you find out if you are pregnant, think through your options, get screened for STIs, and get assistance with needed baby items. All for FREE!

And – even if a pregnancy test isn’t in your future – we are also concerned about you and want to remind you of some simple steps to help with your safety this summer.

1. Know Your surroundings! Whenever you go out, even if you are going with friends, be aware of the area around you. Look around, take note of what you see and what’s going on. If you are inside a building, always know where the emergency exit is located.

2. Trust your Gut (instincts)! Don’t dismiss things or people that cause you to feel uncomfortable. You may get a feeling in your gut that something is off or just seems a bit sketchy. You know the old saying… “I just can’t put my finger on it.” Just because you are in a familiar place or around people you know does not mean you should let your guard down. Pay attention to what you are sensing, even if you can’t explain it.

3. Know when to go! Give yourself permission to leave any place at any time. Exercise your freedom and right to protect YOU, no matter how it makes someone else feel. People may say you’re being paranoid or being judgmental. Let them say whatever they want! If you feel uncomfortable…if you see or hear something that feels off, it’s okay to leave. Your presence is a gift, not a guarantee. Your safety comes before other people’s feelings.

4. Have a back-up plan! If you don’t have your own vehicle or if you are planning to ride with a friend, think about who you can call to pick you up if you want to leave before your friend does.

5. Pay attention! It’s so easy to get totally zoned in on your phone. But please take a break, look up, and pay attention. You can’t be aware of your surroundings if you are constantly looking down at your phone. A former police chief and FBI Academy graduate said it best, “A distracted person is an easy target.
6. Get your own drinks! Don’t accept an opened bottle, can, or cup from anyone. Don’t assume they are offering to get you a drink because they are a nice person. You may be wrong! And don’t worry about hurting someone’s feelings because you insisted on getting your own drink. You need to care more about your safety than someone else’s feelings! And if you happen to take your eyes off or step away from your drink for even the slightest moment, DO NOT drink from it again. Dump it! It may cost you more money, but this safety tip may also save your life.

7. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before going out. It’s also a good idea to carry a fully charged battery pack, just in case you’re not near an outlet and need to re-charge.

8. Fill in your ICE (In-Case-of-Emergency) contacts with names of responsible adults, not your besties! If you trust your bestie more than the adults in your life, make sure he/she can really handle an emergency. Make sure he/she knows what to do and who to call! This should not be someone who is easily panicked. If you’re safety or health is in question, panicking takes up time and, in an emergency, EVERY SECOND COUNTS. 

9. Don’t overshare on social media. Don’t overshare on social media! Don’t overshare on social media! It may give you bragging rights, but it can also make you an easy target. Don’t check-in on social media when you go out. This makes it easy for someone to stalk you, digitally and in person! 

10. Keep gas in the tank and take care of routine maintenance on your car. Breakdowns are not just annoying. Breaking down in the wrong place (at the wrong time) can also make you an easy target.

I’m sure you may have heard these all before. But we think you are worth the effort of saying it again. These Summer Safety tips will hopefully help you get to the end of the season safe and sound. For additional safety tips, check out HERE, HERE, and HERE.

And while you’re staying safe this summer, remember we are here if you need a FREE pregnancy confirmation, options consultation, STI screening, or just a little extra help with diapers. That’s what we do! Call or click here to request any of our free and confidential services.