Yes, we all know to carry pepper spray and to never leave a drink unattended, but what else can women do to keep themselves safe?
\nIn a perfect world, we wouldn\u2019t have to spend time worrying about the best ways to stay safe. But until we live in that world, these tips could save your life.<\/p>\n
1. Don\u2019t be distracted<\/strong><\/p> Awareness is crucial for spotting dangerous situations and giving you as much time as possible to respond to them. Stay off your phone while you\u2019re driving or walking so that your eyes can scan your surrounds for anything that\u2019s out of place. That way your hands will also be free if you need to react.<\/p>\n 2. Download this emergency response app<\/strong><\/p> 911 Response24<\/a> is a smart app that connects you to rapid, reliable emergency services when you need them most. Subscribing gives you the peace of mind of knowing that wherever you are in South Africa, whatever you\u2019re doing, if you need armed or medical response, help is on the way fast.<\/p>\n Click here to download 911 Response24 for Android<\/a>, or click here to download 911 Response24 for iOS.<\/a><\/p>\n 3. Carry a power bank<\/strong><\/p>\n In the age of the smartphone, running out of battery power isn\u2019t just an inconvenience, it means you\u2019re cut off from help if you need it. Invest in a small power bank and charging cable to keep in your handbag and make sure that a low battery won\u2019t ever stand in the way of you feeling secure.<\/p>\n 4. Trust your instincts<\/strong><\/p>\n If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, do whatever you need to do to feel safe and secure. Whether that means saying no to someone asking for directions, driving around the block five times to make sure no one\u2019s following you or shouting for help, you shouldn\u2019t think twice about taking action for your protection. Don\u2019t worry that people will think you\u2019re overreacting or being rude \u2013 your safety is the priority, not other people\u2019s feelings.<\/p>\n 5. Leaving and arriving<\/strong><\/p>\n Parking lots and driveways provide an opportunity for criminals. Have everything you need at the ready before you get to your driveway \u2013 this is not the time to be scratching around in your bag for your keys. 6. Keep your keys close<\/strong><\/p>\n You wouldn\u2019t give a stranger access to your bank card, right? Well, you should treat your house keys in the same way. Don\u2019t leave them lying around in public places or in your car and don\u2019t ever hand them over to anyone (like a mechanic or car wash attendant). It\u2019s far too easy to make copies of keys, so never let them out of your sight.<\/p>\n 7. Check your route<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s always a good idea to thoroughly research a route before you drive somewhere new, especially if you\u2019re going to be driving at night. Make sure you\u2019re comfortable with the areas you\u2019ll be driving through and think about how safe you\u2019d feel if you broke down somewhere along the way. Always choose the route that feels safer, even if it\u2019s longer.<\/p>\n And of course, whatever happens, never pull over. Rather drive to the nearest public space or alert emergency services if it looks like someone else needs help.<\/p>\n
\nWhen you\u2019re out and about, choose parking spots that are well lit and open, try not to park next to anything large that could obstruct your view (think walls or big cars) and don\u2019t walk between cars.<\/p>\n