I am new to this, so bear with me here.
When should I put on my costume when I go out on patrol?

Before I leave the house?
What if my neighbours see and catch on to who I am?

In an alley just before?
I could wear my costume under my streets, but where would I keep the streets until I needed them again?
What if a pedestrian sees?

When do I change back into streets?
If I do get changed in an alley, what if my clothes are no longer there?

When I get home?
What if I get followed? Is my home safe?

There are no rules for when you put on your costume / suit.
I know the Geist tends to do it in parks and such. But I'm pretty sure some RLSH puts on the suit at home. So do what you feel is right for you.

In all modesty though, it sounds to me like you aren't quite ready yet, since you're asking these questions. Have you had any proper training? Do you have a mate to bring along? If not, my advice would be to wait a while before going on patrol, and stick around this forum instead to read advice and tips and tricks.

What elements make up your costume? What time do you plan to do patrols? What is your mode of transportation? Do you live in a home with an attached garage with direct house access?

Welcome by the way. Like the name and logo.

Costume changes like in the comics are purely a comic book thing.

The nearest thing to it would be if "changing" is very simple, such as Thanatos just putting on his mask.

To go out discretely looking like a normal(ish) guy, it takes me about 30 minutes to get dressed with all the pads and checking to make sure the clothes I wear reasonably obscure things, placing things here and there, etc etc.

To do something like take a photo or perform standup it takes more like an hour, but I analyze it to death trying to make sure there's just the right balance of crypto-fascism, superheroism, and blatant paramilitarism.

Also if you want the kind of security you seem to want (i.e. certainty you weren't followed), step one is maybe not to wear a costume.

the Sector: It was more of an advice question than a "are there rules?" question, but I get what you mean. I know I'm not quite ready yet, I've only been planning on doing this properly and getting proper ideas in my head for a few days now. I do know how to fight, I have an Oracle, and today I found someone as passionate as I to be my partner. I've also contacted a few RLSHs to ask advice, as well as researched some RLSHs that I want to be like.

Gauge: My costume consists of a wetsuit with an armoured vest, elbow and knee pads, greaves and bracers, gloves with grips, a silk t-shirt underneath my wetsuit is also there. I also wear a hood with goggles with a flashlight attached.
I plan to do day and night patrols. My day patrols will be solo most of the time, but all night patrols I'll be with my partner. I live in a town where it actually easier to walk places than drive. I can get from one side of town to the other almost as fast as a person driving at the speed limit, this is because the roads are a bit screwy here. My house does not have a garage.

Thanks for the welcome, and the advice guys

I hope it's very cold where you live and that you drink a lot of water.

Did not see the reply from you Eon, I apologize.

I'm not after the running down the alleyway tearing off my shirt, or going into a phonebooth and spinning around. Come to think of it, it will take a while to get properly ready, i hadn't even thought of that till just now... feel a little stupid.

I see what you mean about not being followed, I guess that was pretty stupid too...

It's not stupid to have ideas that don't pan out -- just to realize they don't make sense and blaze full speed ahead with them, regardless.

I have amassed a huge collection of very stupid ideas over my life.

The wet suit is neoprene? If it is you really don't want to try patroling in that.

I know you didn't mean it like that.
It sounds like you're starting up in a sensible manner, and have the support necessary. Best of luck to you.

If possible, if would be great to read/see a few patrol logs sometime from you. They serve as good inspiration to other RLSH I think, and often results in useful feedback too.

Phone booths would work great if they still existed.

Back of the van or if local laws allow, a well tinted vehicle.

A dumpster would work as well if you don't mind smelling bad (dahn dah dah DAH, I'm TRASHMAN!)

I just get into gear at home, wear baggy pants and sweats to get into the van, then pull over and strip just before getting out, put on the old helmet and go.

This is all good, thanks guys.
It's absolutely amazing to have the support of not only a couple of friends that are willing to help me with my activities, but to have the immediate support of RLSHs online as well.
May I ask Eon, what is the problem with neoprene? I have yet to purchase this part of my costume (I am building up piece by piece, throughout this process, I am training and helping the homeless)
I will begin writing down patrol logs, they won't be particularly action-packed, but they will outline what me and my partner do for the community.
I'll definitely be getting ready at home...

The trouble with neoprene suits is that they are designed to keep your body warm in ocean temperature waters, so imagine how warm you'll become on a daytime patrol, and night won't be much better. Polarman could get away with neoprene though.

I liked Leviathan's advice about wearing everything but the mask and just keep it covered until you get to the starting point of your patrol. Your costume sounds complex, and changing on the fly may not be convenient.

I quite like those tearaway trousers, although I won't go for those most probably.
Actually, it is really cold where I am, and I am somewhat of a freak when it comes to homoeostasis anyway.
I see your point about neoprene however, and I may have to obtain another suit for the summer months, just in case. My costume is quite complex, and my discussions with Tile (my Oracle) and my new partner (who has yet to choose a name) mean preparing at my house and then going out on patrol is probably the best idea.

I am Havoc, nice to meet you Gobby, check out Urban Avengers thread on costumes and scour Amazon.com for gear.

A wet suit, even in colder months, could still be a problem. If you are Polarman you might get away with it, but unless you are someplace that gets cold of the "REALLY FREAKIN'" varienty you want something that will breath a bit. The body's ability to regulate temperature is highly dependent on your ability to sweat and for that sweat to evaporate. A silk shirt, for example, will not really help you as silk does not wick away sweat. People often don't know this but you can overheat in winter. Kick Ass would have died of heat exhaustion quickly, especially after a fight. Wearing a neoprene suit will most definitely reduce your over all endurance. Also, it will stink to high heaven and possibly cause rashes.

Definitely going to have to find an alternative to a wetsuit to go under my armour. I am getting the armour sorted out first, to then see how much room I have underneath it and how much mobility I have.