So, I've noticed that a lot of you are new to living in cities and modern life, and that not all of you are the "prepared for any and all trouble that comes my way" types. This worries me, because I'm the oldest of 7 kids and therefore I have a little bit of a mom complex that I can't shake.
However, I'm also a life-long city girl (Chicago) with lots of experience navigating the streets before I ever had any training or genuine skills with magic. So, I've decided to share some tips here:
General Guidelines for Life in the City
1. Don't go out after dark alone. People who are alone are more likely to be targets of robberies or assaults than people who are with others. 2. If you carry a purse, hold it close to your body. Wallets are safest in front pockets. 3. If anybody does attempt to rob you, just hand your stuff over. Do your best to make solid mental notes of the appearance of the person who stole your stuff, and report it to the police. You do not have any stuff that's worth dying over. 4. There are a million different methods of self-defense taught by volunteers here. Pick up one of those classes so you can learn to fight back effectively if anyone does try to hurt you. Learn what to do and how to do it so fighting back is second nature rather than something that's just going to get you hurt worse. 5. Be alert and pay attention to your surroundings. If anything or anyone is creeping you out or bothering you, just leave. You are not responsible for anybody else's hurt feelings. 6. If you're leaving Potts Tower, make sure somebody knows where you're going and when you should be back. 7. Don't accept any drink you didn't see made/opened. 8. When getting to know people (making friends in your new dimension, going on first dates, etc.) go to public places until you're confident that they're trustworthy. That includes getting to know people here in the Tower. 9. And finally, if you are a victim of a crime, report it both to the NYPD and to SHIELD. Dial 911 in an emergency, and the person on the other end of the line will send help. Again, that includes if someone from the Tower hurts you.