13 Vital Safety Tips for Women Everywhere

For women everywhere, maximizing personal safety cannot be overstated.

Here are 13 practical tips every woman should know to optimize safety while commuting, traveling, going out with friends, and even in her own home.

Safety While You're Out and About

1. Before going out, designate emergency contacts in your smartphone, and allow loved ones to view your live location.

2. Walk with a buddy at night. If you must walk alone, plan a route that will ensure you stay in populated, well-lit areas.

3. Carry pepper spray, a personal alarm, a loud whistle, or some other form of personal safety device. These types of items can buy you precious time to escape an unsafe situation.

4. Pay close attention to what is happening around you at all times - don't just zone out. When walking alone, put away your smartphone and headphones to eliminate distractions.

Safety on the Road

5. When driving, stay alert for pedestrians as you approach an intersection, as this is a common location where carjackings occur. Be sure your doors are locked and leave enough room around your vehicle that you can make a quick getaway if necessary.

6. Park close to your destination in a well-lit area.

7. When returning to your vehicle, have your car keys in hand and swiftly enter your car, locking the doors behind you. Don't wait until you're standing beside your car to fumble around in your purse, looking for the keys.

8. When walking to your car, position your keys firmly between your knuckles so you can use them as a weapon if necessary.

Safety at Home

9. If someone rings the doorbell when you're at home, don't open the door unless you know the person. Verify their identity before opening the door by investing in a video doorbell with an intercom.

10. Plan ahead and decide exactly what you would do if an intruder broke into your home. Consider creating a safe room you could use in case of emergency.

Safety While Traveling

11. When traveling or planning to travel, wait until you're back home to post about your trip on social media - or don't post about it at all.

12. Bring a portable lock and a door wedge with an alarm along in your suitcase. No matter where you're staying, you can sleep soundly every night knowing your room is secure from intruders.

Be Proactive

13. Sign up for a self-defense class to learn firsthand how best to protect yourself in unsafe situations. Nothing better prepares you for an unexpected encounter.

Above all, trust yourself! If you have a bad gut feeling about a person or situation, get as far away as possible - don't wait around to find out if you're right. If you follow these 13 safety tips, you'll be well on your way to safeguarding yourself, no matter where your busy schedule takes you.

References: Helpful Personal Safety Tips for Women You Should Know | Top 10 Safety Tips for Women | How to Live Alone As a Woman: 30 Security Tips for Women Living Alone | Basic Street Safety for Women