A Safe Walk Home

It’s the season for late nights, crazy parties and not to mention New Years Eve. It’s more than likely that you’ll be out and about with friends and family, enjoying the holidays. While we want you to be in high spirits and enjoying every moment, we are all about safety, so here are some things to keep in mind if you’ll be walking home from parties late at night or out on the streets for any other reason.

1. Be confident

Criminals can spot a vulnerable target easily. If you look scared and unsure of your surroundings you will look like a prime victim. Walk upright, no slouching and don’t be afraid to make eye- contact with passers by.

2. Be aware

Always be mindful of your surroundings. Know who’s behind, in front and to either side of you at all times. Even if this means you swiveling your neck around constantly, it will give you less opportunity to be surprised by someone’s approach and give you time to plan your posture and reaction. Make sure you walk through areas you know well enough to change your route if you feel like someone is following you and please don’t walk the streets drunk, by yourself under any circumstances. Always go out with friends that are close enough to consider your safety as well as their own.

3. Be alert

Avoid being distracted when you’re walking the streets late at night. It’s for a short period that requires your undivided attention and surely your smartphone can stay hidden away for that short time. Don’t have earphones on or look down at your phone, texting. A moment of unconsciousness can put you in harms way. Know where your valuables are and keep them close to you rather than hanging loosely at your side and be alert to sounds and movement around you.

4. Be prepared

It might seem paranoid but you are always better safe than sorry. Have something close within your reach that could be used as a weapon to protect yourself if you are attacked. If you don’t have pepper spray, you can use your keys to gauge at your attacker’s eyes. It’s worth a try.

5. Be strong

If you are involved in an incident with an attacker or thug, put your full effort into getting the heck out of there. Kick, bite jab, scream and do whatever it takes to get away. Forget your personal belongings, toss them away from you and run the other way. If you are being baited by thuggish looking individuals, don’t engage them under any circumstances, no matter how much they get under your skin. Always have your safety in mind and getting home should be your sole purpose when you’re walking on the streets.

Go out in numbers and be safe at all times. Never take chances, it’s a crazy world and we want nothing more than for you to have a safe and happy holiday, without any unexpected drama.