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100

You are making lunch and realize you don't know how to use the stove. What should you do?

Stop and ask someone who knows how to use it safely; don't guess.

100

You don't understand the instructions your doctor gave you.

What should you do?

Good responses:

  • Ask the doctor to explain again.
  • Ask staff/caregiver/trusted support person for help.
  • Ask for the instructions to be written down.
  • Repeat the instructions back to make sure you understand.

What could you say?


“I'm not sure I understand. Can you explain that again?”


100

Your usual bus doesn't arrive.

Good responses:

  • Check the bus schedule.
  • Check for delays or changes.
  • Ask the transit driver/staff for help.
  • Contact a trusted person if needed.
  • Wait somewhere safe.

What could you say?


“My bus didn't come. Can you help me figure out when the next one comes?”


100

Someone you don't know asks you to go somewhere with them.

Good responses:

  • Say no.
  • Stay in a public place.
  • Move toward trusted people.
  • Contact someone you trust.
  • Don't go somewhere private with a stranger.

What could you say?


“No, thank you. I'm going to stay here.”


100

You receive a bill you don't understand.

Good responses:

  • Don't ignore it.
  • Ask a trusted person to help explain it.
  • Contact the company if needed.
  • Look at the due date and amount owed.

What could you say?


“I don't understand this bill. Can you help me figure it out?”


200

You spill water on the kitchen floor.

What should you do?

Clean it up or ask for help so nobody slips.

200

You have an appointment tomorrow but don't remember what time it is.

Good responses:

  • Check your calendar.
  • Check a reminder, appointment card, or message.
  • Call the doctor's office.
  • Ask a trusted person to help.

What could you say?


“I have an appointment tomorrow, but I don't remember what time it is. Can you help me find out?”


200

You get on the bus and realize you're not sure where you are going.

Good responses:

  • Tell the bus driver.
  • Ask the driver where the bus is going.
  • Contact a trusted person.
  • Stay on the bus rather than getting off somewhere unfamiliar without a plan.

What could you say?


“I'm not sure where I am. Can you help me figure out where I need to go?”


200

Someone you don't know asks for your address and phone number.

Good responses:

  • Don't give out personal information.
  • Say you don't share that information.
  • Walk away if needed.
  • Tell a trusted person.

What could you say?


“I don't give out my personal information.”


200

You're shopping and realize you don't have enough money for everything.

Good responses:

  • Put some items back.
  • Choose less expensive items.
  • Decide which items are most important.
  • Check your budget.
  • Ask for help if needed.

What could you say?


“I don't have enough money for everything. Can you help me decide what I should put back?”


300

You are trying to do laundry, but you don't know which setting to use.

What could you do?

Ask someone, look at instructions, check a guide, or have someone show you.

300

You aren't feeling well and aren't sure what to do.

Good responses:

  • Tell a trusted person.
  • Contact your doctor or healthcare provider when appropriate.
  • Follow an established health plan.
  • Ask someone to help determine what level of care is needed.

What could you say?


“I'm not feeling well. Can you help me figure out what I should do?”


300

You are at a store and can't find something you need.

Good responses:

  • Look for a store employee.
  • Ask politely for help.
  • Tell them what item you're looking for.

What could you say?


“Excuse me, can you help me find the cereal?”


300

You're walking somewhere and notice someone you don't know following you.

Good responses:

  • Go into a public place.
  • Stay near other people.
  • Tell an employee or trusted person.
  • Call someone you trust.
  • Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

What could you say?


“I don't feel safe. Someone is following me. Can you help me?”


300

You look at your receipt and think you were charged too much.

Good responses:

  • Look at the receipt.
  • Ask the cashier to check it.
  • Keep the receipt.
  • Ask a trusted person for help if you're unsure.

What could you say?


“I think I was charged the wrong amount. Could you please check my receipt?”


400

You notice that the sink is leaking and water is getting onto the floor.

What should you do?

Clean up what you can, ask for help from someone trusted


Is this something you should fix yourself? 


400

You receive a new medication but don't understand when you're supposed to take it.

Good responses:

  • Ask the pharmacist.
  • Ask the doctor who prescribed it.
  • Check the medication instructions.
  • Don't guess about when/how much to take.

What could you say?


“I'm not sure when I'm supposed to take this medicine. Can you explain it to me?”


400

You're supposed to meet someone but can't find the meeting place.

Good responses:

  • Check the address/location.
  • Call or text the person you're meeting.
  • Ask a safe employee or staff member for directions.
  • Stay in a public, safe location.

What could you say?


“I'm trying to find this location. Can you help me?”


400

Someone says you won a prize but asks for your bank information first.

Good responses:

  • Don't give them your information.
  • Don't send money.
  • Don't click suspicious links.
  • Stop communicating with them.
  • Ask a trusted person before doing anything.

What could you say?


“I'm not comfortable giving you that information. I'm going to check with someone I trust.”


400

A friend asks to borrow money, but you don't want to lend it to them.

Good responses:

  • Say no politely.
  • You don't have to explain everything.
  • Don't feel pressured.
  • Ask for help if someone keeps pressuring you.

What could you say?


“I'm sorry, but I can't lend you money.”


or


“I don't want to lend out my money.”


500

You smell something burning in the kitchen, but you don't see anything obviously wrong.

What should you do?

Move away from the danger and get help rather than investigating or trying to repair an appliance.

500

You are feeling very sick and aren't sure whether you need emergency help.

Good responses:

  • Tell a trusted person immediately.
  • Contact a healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Follow an established emergency plan.
  • If there are signs of a serious emergency, call 911.

What could you say?


“I'm feeling very sick and I'm not sure what I should do. Can you help me?”


500

Your phone dies while you're out and you need to get home.

Good responses:

  • Go to a safe public place.
  • Ask an employee or trusted person for help.
  • Use a known emergency contact or phone if available.
  • Follow a familiar route if it is safe.
  • Don't accept a ride from a stranger.

What could you say?


“My phone died and I need help getting home. Can you help me contact someone?”


500

You are somewhere in the community and suddenly feel unsafe.

Good responses:

  • Move to a public place.
  • Find an employee, security person, police officer, or other trusted helper.
  • Call a trusted person.
  • Leave the situation if possible.
  • Call 911 if there is immediate danger.

Challenge: Name 3 safe choices.

500

You get a message saying you won $5,000, but you have to send $100 first.

Good responses:

  • Don't send money.
  • Don't provide bank/card information.
  • Don't click suspicious links.
  • Show the message to someone you trust.
  • Delete/block/report it if appropriate.

What could you say?


“I'm going to check with someone I trust before I do anything.”