A plan can help you feel more prepared when a situation becomes unsafe.
A safety plan is a personal set of steps you can take to help protect yourself, your children or others who depend on you before, during or after a crisis.
Every situation is different. Your safety plan should reflect your circumstances, your needs and the choices that feel safest for you.
What is a Safety Plan?
Safety planning is about thinking ahead.
Your plan might include ways to stay safer where you are, how you could leave quickly if necessary, who you could contact for help and what you may need if you have to leave unexpectedly.
You do not have to make every decision at once. Start with what feels manageable and adjust your plan if your situation changes.
Know Where You Can Go
Think about places where you could go if you needed to leave quickly. This could be the home of someone you trust, a shelter, a public place, a police station or another safe location.
Consider how you would get there and whether you need a backup option.
Identify People You Trust
Choose one or more people you feel comfortable contacting for help.
You may want to create a code word or phrase that lets them know you need assistance without having to explain what is happening.
Keep important phone numbers somewhere safe and accessible.
Think About Children and Dependants
Children should know how to get help without putting themselves in danger.
Depending on their age, teach them how to call 911, where they can go if a situation becomes unsafe and who they can contact for help.
A simple family code word can also help everyone know when it is time to follow the safety plan.
Consider Your Digital Safety
Phones, social media accounts, email, shared devices and location services can sometimes reveal information about where you are or what you are doing.
When it is safe, consider reviewing:
- location sharing
- account passwords
- connected devices
- shared phone plans or accounts
- social media privacy settings
- browser and search history
Visit our Private and Safe Surfing resource for more information about protecting your privacy online.
Think About Work, School and Daily Routines
If someone may try to find or contact you, consider whether changes to your regular routine could help increase your safety.
You may also choose to tell someone you trust at your workplace, school or another place you regularly visit.
Prepare Important Items
If it is safe to do so, consider keeping important items together or somewhere you can access them quickly.
This may include:
- identification and important documents
- medications
- keys
- a phone and charger
- cash, debit or credit cards
- important phone numbers
- clothing and personal items
- items needed for children, dependants or pets
Your immediate safety is more important than taking belongings with you.
Your Plan Can Change
A safety plan is not something you create once and have to follow forever.
Circumstances can change, and something that feels safe today may not feel safe later. Review your plan whenever your situation changes and choose the options that make sense for you.
You Don’t Have to Plan Alone
North Simcoe Victim Services can help you think through your options, identify community resources and develop a safety plan based on your individual circumstances.
Contact NSVS
705-325-5578
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.