Unfortunately, violent crimes are on the rise in the United States. Murders, vehicle thefts and carjackings, armed robberies, home invasions and residential break-ins, and other incidents continue to skyrocket. Personal safety may feel elusive, but you are ultimately responsible for empowering yourself.
At the same time, prosecutors in some jurisdictions refuse to file charges, empowering the criminals to re-offend. So how do you look after your personal safety? Try these seventeen tips to increase your personal safety. Each behavior helps reduce the odds of a criminal attacking you.
I am a content creator, not a lawyer. Suggestions in this video and corresponding blog post are based on my personal knowledge and opinions. Nothing contained within is legal advice. Please seek guidance from a qualified attorney if you have any questions regarding the legality of any security measures discussed.
Seventeen Personal Safety Tips Everyone Should Know
- Keep your head up and put down your phone—scan your environment for threats.
- Set your social media to private—friends and family only. Don’t post your location in “real-time,” revealing your coordinates to possible stalkers.
- Always fill up your gas station during daylight hours.
- Keep an extra phone charger in your car or work tote.
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Always check your backseat before you enter your car.
- Do not park next to commercial vans.
- Always use the busy elevator; avoid the empty stairway.
- After work, walk to the parking lot or subway/train station with a buddy.
- If someone is sitting in a vehicle next to your parked car, wait for them to leave. Alternatively, you can ask someone to walk you out.
- Before you enter your house or apartment, observe the area to make sure you’re alone.
- When possible use a drive-up ATM; avoid the less secure walk-up cash machines.
- When you enter any building, locate the fire exits, receiving doors, or other alternative escape routes.
- Lock your car doors immediately after you make a safe entry..
- Enroll in a personal self-defense class.
- Live in a state with simple conceal carry permitting? Apply for a permit to carry a self-defense tool lawfully.
- Take a class and learn HOW to use that personal defense tool and know all the laws about WHEN you may use it.
The Takeaway: Personal Safety Is the Prime Directive
Criminals will do crime. But preparing yourself and making smart personal safety choices is always an excellent idea.
Personal safety comes down to two things. First, you must be attuned to your surroundings to thwart an event if possible. Second, you must know how to fight for your life if the situation ever arises. The good news is this. Preventing yourself from victimhood goes a long way. So be present and gain situational awareness to avoid becoming a victim.
