You don’t need to be Wonder Woman to protect yourself! Here are some practical tips to keep you safe:
- Stay Safe at Night: If you’re out alone at night, avoid dark or isolated areas, don’t wear expensive jewelry, and never accept rides from strangers.
- Stay Aware: When walking alone, try not to get lost in your phone. If you feel like someone is following you, cross the street repeatedly to lose them.
- Protect Your Belongings: If a car is keeping pace with you and you’re worried about your bag being snatched, walk in the opposite direction of the car’s movement.
- Handle Creeps on Public Transport: If someone is acting inappropriately on public transportation, you can discreetly step on their foot with your heel. Try to move closer to the driver or a crowd to draw attention.
- Defense Moves: If an attacker grabs you from behind, try breaking their grip by bending their pinky or pinching the inside of their upper arm. If someone grabs you by the chest, use the heel of your hand to strike their chin upwards. If they pull out a knife, use your bag as a shield.
- Elevator Safety: When using an elevator, stand near the buttons so you can easily press the emergency button if needed.
- Safe Return Home: When you get home, say something like “I’m back!” out loud to give the impression that you’re not alone.
- Secure Deliveries: To avoid letting in someone pretending to be a delivery person, use a door chain when confirming the package and don’t fully open the door.
- Pepper Spray: Keep a bottle of pepper spray on hand. It could save your life in a critical situation.
Stay safe out there!
