More than 50,000 commuters use CATS' transit facilities each weekday.  While at transit facilities, take the following safety measures:          

Beware of suspicious packages

Packages are often left unattended and most are harmless, but if you notice anything suspicious such as visible wires, a mist or odor around the package or anything seeping from it, take the following safety measures:

• Inform a CATS employee, security or call 911 immediately.
• Notify others around you and calmly evacuate the area.
• When evacuating an area do not stand near windows or other potentially hazardous areas.
• Don't block sidewalks or streets that can be used by emergency personnel.

Characteristics of suspicious packages

If you think a package is suspicious, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the package in an out-of-the-way place?
• Was it abandoned by someone who left quickly?
• Is it surrounded by mists, gases, vapors or odors?
• Is anything seeping from the package?
• Are wires or batteries visible?
• Is a message attached?
• Do people in the area have symptoms of illness?
  

Keep your eyes open for strange behavior

People showing strange or suspicious behavior are usually:

• In the wrong place or appear lost.
• Staring, loitering or watching employees and customers.
• Nervous or jumpy.
• Exiting an area quickly after leaving a package.
• In unauthorized or restricted areas.
• Taking photos or expressing a high level of interest in operations, equipment or employees.
• If you notice strange behavior, notify a CATS employee or call 911.

 Watch out for pickpocket

Pickpockets are usually at work in crowded areas. Take these precautions to protect your belongings:

• Use a purse with a secure clasp and hold it close to your body.
• Carry valuables such as wallets and cell phones inside your clothes or in the front pockets of your pants.
• Don't keep cash, credit cards and other valuables in the same place. Instead split them up. For example, keep cash in your front pocket and credit cards inside your jacket, this way if you are a victim of a pickpocket you won't lose everything.
• Avoid loud arguments or commotions that distract you from watching your belongings.
• Be aware of people around you.
• Keep in mind that skilled pickpockets look like the average, non-threatening person.
• If your pocket is picked or you spot a pickpocket, yell out to alert others and notify a CATS employee, but never put yourself in harm's way by fighting or chasing your attacker.

Other helpful tips to remember at the transit station

• Avoid isolated areas.
• Wait in well-lit areas around others.
• Don't approach your ride until it has stopped completely.
• Listen for instructions over the loudspeaker in the event of an emergency.
• Keep your jewelry and other valuables out of sight. Hide necklaces inside your shirt and wear rings with precious stones on the palm side of your hand.