Safety Tips in Dallas

Dallas has a reputation of being a rough city. I think most of it is rather clean and safe. However, take caution in areas such as Oak Cliff. Oak Cliff is a fun area, but there are rough parts of it. Don't miss it, but just be careful.

Fair Park is in a rather run down area. They have been doing some revitalizing of it, but still take caution. You shouldn't be around this part of the city at night.

Deep Ellum also has a reputation of petty crime. Just make sure you are with a group when you are walking around.

Weather in Dallas can change instantly. This area is known for getting sometimes the biggest thunderstorms in the country. Be careful and be aware.

Everytime i had a chat with my sister anybody that was around all butted in and took over our conversation , made you listern to what they had to say , turned it round to them all the time .
Very annoying after a couple of days.

Everybody tried to get money out of me , fist they would try and give some info and then ask to be paid for it even if you did not want it .
They will even chase you across the road with their hands out .
This applies to anyone not down and outs.

Be careful if you are walking around any grassy areas in bare feet or open toed shoes.. or really any shoes. Fire Ants are a big problem in Texas (well not just Texas). Their mounds look like just a clump of earth and not necessarily big. The ants are tiny but with one hell of a bit that can itch for up to 2 weeks. You sure don't want to disturb them. If you do get bitten, a cortizone cream will help, but really what I found really helpful (found it on a website), is running hot water (as hot as you can take it) over the bite for a few minutes. The histamine from the ant bite will apparently rise to the surface of the bite and get washed away. It sure helps with the itch and when it starts to itch again, just repeat. The itch will eventually disappear.\

N.B. I had a bad allergic reaction to several bites, I began itching all over, turned red, had some swelling and light headedness. Had I not had someone on hand to react and treat me, I could have ended up in a very bad way. Not to be taken lightly.

Like most major cities, Dallas is not without its homeless and areas which care needs to be taken, not insomuch the homeless but the gang areas. The homeless tend to congregate in the downtown area using any free facilities where they can. There are some 6,000 unfortunate people without homes in the Dallas County area. While I am sure most will not bother you, I must admit when I see large congregations of them while driving in downtown, I tend to lock my doors as a precaution.

Right now the Oak Cliff, Deep Ellum area (just to name a couple) are causing concerns for violence in these areas especially at night time. However there are always pockets within the downtown area and inner suburbs where caution should be taken especially if you are alone.

Really this warning doesn't only apply to Texas but since this is a Texas page, then be aware. Mosquito's are a nuisance as anywhere. However, more importantly, because of West Nile Disease. Every Summer, this is a problem and people do die from the disease. West Nile is transmitted by mosquitoes. It has been found in humans, birds, and other animals. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. It can be fatal in some cases.

To avoid being bitten :
. Stay indoors at dawn or early in the evening.
. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when going outdoors.
. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin and following all package instructions. An effective repellent should contain 30% DEET.

Only in Texas! hehe

I just love dolphins which you will find at the coast south of Texas and cows are everywhere.