Be Safe, Y’all

GROWING UP IN “The Big Easy” is super fun because there are tons of places to explore, but staying safe is not always easy. Watching who’s around you and making smart decisions might not always seem like a priority, but these strategies are very important for remaining safe in a busy city like New Orleans. As a New Orleans native, I have learned many things about how to stay safe in the city, and I’m excited to share my top three with you!

USE TECHNOLOGY SAFELY!

• DO NOT stare at your phone while walking because you don’t see who’s around you.
• DO NOT blare music too loud with headphones in because you can’t hear what’s around you (also glance back and to the sides every now and then).

AVOID THE “CREEPY GUYS”!

Walk in groups (buddy system!)

• Go into the nearest shop if you think someone is following or watching you and ask the workers for help. If you don’t have a phone, ask to borrow one to call someone to come pick you up.
• If you are alone, walk up to a group and pretend that you know them
  (you are safer in a group than walking alone).

True story: My fellow Geaux Girl! Teen Advisory Council member Y’vonne was walking alone once and noticed that she was being followed by a man. She spotted a group of strangers nearby and said, “Hey! Wait up!” so it appeared to her creepy follower that she wasn’t alone. She explained everything to the group and was praised for her quick, smart thinking. Way to go, Y’vonne!

BE SMART USING UBER!

Before stepping into your Uber…

• Ask the driver who they are picking up.
• Make sure the license plate number matches the license plate number on the app.
• Use the “Send Status” function on the app to let your friends and family track your ride.

Emily Smither is a rising senior at Benjamin Franklin High School. Some of her hobbies include tennis, science, and helping others. If you can’t find Emily on the tennis court, she’s most likely working in a cancer research lab, teaching science to kids, or walking around Audubon Park. A few fun facts about her are that she’s a dog lover, her favorite food is pizza, her favorite movie is The Last Song (bring your tissues), and her favorite song is “Mine” by Taylor Swift (an oldie but goodie).