safety

Personal safety is something that we often take for granted.  Here are 20 common sense safety tips for women to follow to help keep you out of harm’s way:

1. Don’t worry about offending someone. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the area. No apologies necessary.  Gut instinct is usually right.

2. There is safety in numbers. Arrange for someone to jog with you if you must jog after dark. Even well lit public parks and jogging trails have dimly lit areas that can be dangerous.

3. Don’t presume that because your area has been “safe” thus far, that it will continue to be so.

4. Never wear headphones when out walking or jogging alone.  You must always stay alert to your surroundings.

5. When you are out alone, remove any jewelry or items that may attract a thiefs’ eye.

6. Avoid routine with your travels and activities. This will stop anyone with criminal intentions from being able to easily know when you are vulnerable.

7. If using public transportation, always choose an aisle seat to avoid being “blocked in” by a potential assailant.

8. Choose a seat behind the driver of a bus, towards the front and near the door.

9. Make sure the identification of a cab or taxi driver is displayed conspicuously. Sit on the passenger side of the vehicle, in the back seat.

10. Never leave your car unlocked, even for the few minutes it may take you to return a video or pick up your mail at the post office. Attackers have been known to lie in wait for such an opportunity.

11. Always park in a well lit area. If the surroundings or instinct makes you feel the parking area is unsafe, ask a security guard or someone you feel comfortable with to escort you to your car.

12. When approaching your personal vehicle, always have your keys in hand, ready to unlock your car, with a few keys pointing outward to use as a deterrent to any approaching danger.

13. Always check your car before entering

14. Keep your windows up and doors locked when driving alone.  Avoid dimly lit roads, travel on well lit, active streets whenever possible.

15. If you find yourself in a situation where someone is trying to force you into a vehicle, scream, LOUD! And Run.  Do all that you can to avoid getting into the car and being taken to a more secluded location.

16. Choose a wardrobe which maximizes freedom of movement. The best self defense techniques will not help you if you cannot apply defensive techniques or flee from a dangerous situation.

17. Carry a whistle and a small vial of pepper spray.  Both can be attached to your key ring, and should always be in your hand and ready for use when walking alone.

18. Make sure someone always knows where you are and when you plan to return.

19. If you have a cell phone, don’t label your home phone number as HOME in the address book. If your phone is lost or stolen, a reverse number lookup can easily give someone your address.

20. Stay aware of any new faces, vehicles or activity in the areas you frequent alone.

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