Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Personal Security and Health
San Francisco is one of the safest large cities in the US. Police
officers patrol tourist areas regularly, and very few visitors are
victims of any form of street crime. Community groups in
areas such as the Civic Center, Tenderloin, Western Addition,
and Mission District have also taken steps to improve their
locale and image. During the late afternoon and after dark,
however, it is advisable to take a taxi to and from these
districts, since tourist sights often border sleazy theaters
and vacant buildings. If you follow the guidelines below,
set by the Police Department, and use common sense,
your stay should be safe and pleasant.
(see p272) . Never display cash;
money belts concealed under
clothing are better than purses
and wallets. If you must carry a
purse, hold it securely under
your arm, and keep your wallet
in the inside front pocket of
your pants or jacket. Carry
some cash and credit cards in
a concealed secondary wallet.
Be alert in crowds, especially
in stores, at bus stops, and on
public transportation. Make
copies of all your travel
documents and carry
them separately.
In your hotel, keep an eye
on your luggage while you
check in and out, and do not
broadcast your name and
room number. Do not leave
cash or valuables in your room
and keep your luggage locked.
Most hotels offer an in-room
safe for valuables, and many
also have safety deposit boxes
at the front desk. Keep an
inventory of items that you
deposit in the room safe or
hotel safe. Learn how to
double-lock your hotel room
door, and use the door viewer
before letting anyone in.
Always verify the identity
of room service and repair
personnel with reception
before you let them into your
room, especially if you did
not call for them. Report
any suspicious activity, and
keep the key with you until
you check out.
If you have a car, lock it and
keep the keys with you; always
check the interior before you
get in. Park in busy, well-lit
areas, and remove all luggage
and valuables, especially
GPS systems.
Police
The San Francisco Police
Department provides foot,
horse, motorcycle, and car
patrols day and night. All
major events are overseen
by the police, especially at
night in the Tenderloin area.
Police kiosks are located in
Chinatown, Japantown, Union
Square, the Mission District,
and at Hallidie Plaza. Traffic
and parking enforcement
officers make their rounds
on foot, in police cars, or in
small three-wheeled vehicles.
Airports, stores, hotels, and the
transit system have their own
uniformed and plain-clothes
security staff.
What to be Aware Of
Mild weather, a progressive
population, and extensive
social welfare programs draw
many homeless
people to San
Francisco. Street
people are mostly
not dangerous, but
some are mentally
unstable or addicted
to drugs, so treat
them with caution.
Do not advertise the
fact that you are a
visitor; plan your
route in your hotel
room and look at
maps discreetly.
Walk confidently
even if you do not
know where you are;
if you look lost, you
may be an easy
target for crime.
Be aware of your
surroundings, and
if an area appears
unsafe, leave. If you
need directions, ask
only hotel, shop, or
office staff, or police
officers, and avoid
talking to strangers
on the street.
Do not carry large
amounts of cash
or, better still, use
traveler's checks
Police car
In an Emergency
For emergencies that require
medical, police, or fire services,
dial 911. The Blue Pages of the
telephone book list hospital
emergency rooms and city
hospitals. These can be crowded
but are less expensive than
private hospitals, which are
listed in the Yellow Pages.
Hotels may be able to arrange
for a doctor or dentist to visit
you in your room.
Fire engine
Ambulance
 
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