* If possible, begin with a briefing at the police precinct and community board. Ask not only about crime but also about cultural customs that can affect how well or poorly you will relate to residents.

* Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don't day dream.

* Before whipping out a notebook on the street, get a general "feel" of the place. Walk around, look around.

* Keep your valuables at home. Take only what you can afford to lose.But carry some identification.

* Try to stay on the main streets where people cluster. Be careful of deserted streets or areas (at least until you know the neighborhood)

* Look for safe places to interview people, such as under store awnings or in bus-stop shelters or churches.

* If the neighborhood is dangerous, avoid being on the street at night, especially in deserted, poorly lit areas.

* Don't hesitate to take a taxi to a safe subway stop.

* Regularly share reporting experiences in your seminar. Learn from each other.

* Approach people with a confident, friendly manner. Don't look fearful (it can convey disrespect). Don't look like a victim (it can invite trouble).

* Project genuine interest. Let your humanity show. Talk about some personal things. Practice striking up conversations with people everywhere (elevators, subway platforms, etc.).

* Dress in casual, comfortable clothes (don't "dress down" or "up").

* Let people get comfortable before jotting down notes. Try some small talk. Don't rush. Slide into the relationship.

* If people recoil from a question, ease off and loop back later.

* If a language barrier arises, seek help, most likely from younger people.

* After sizing them up, ask strangers for help. They'll often oblige.

* Trust your gut. If a situation feels creepy, it probably is. Back off.

* Don't wander too far off the beaten track, especially after sundown.

* Don't explore without a good map. You can easily end up in the wrong place at the wrong time.

* Avoid the subway after midnight, especially out in the boroughs.

* Be careful about getting into cars with people you don't really know.

* Don't travel without quarters (for pay phone) or tokens (for mass transit).

* Don't get cocky or complacent. Just because New York isn't as menacing as you might have imagined, stay alert.

* Oh, yes. Don't forget to eat a good breakfast