50 Personal Security Tips
Personal security is often overlooked, ignored, or never even considered. Most people go about their daily lives and routines without considering potential danger lurking nearby. I want to provide some personal security tips to get you thinking about it…
It’s great that we don’t have to worry too much about it. The trap, though, is your normalcy bias toward this notion. Just because it was safe last time doesn’t mean it will be safe this time. Your security habits should be the same no matter where you are and how secure you may feel.
The following list of personal security tips is intended as food for thought. Most should be obvious, and some are situation-dependent. It’s mostly common sense, but unfortunately, that seems sorely lacking these days…
Personal Security Tips
Always be alert and aware of your surroundings and the people around you. It is called situational awareness. This alone is the biggest tip that I can provide.
[ Read: Situational Awareness And A 360-Mindset ]
You can make casual eye contact with people when walking. Appear confident. Strong.
While walking, avoid distractions from your cell phone (e.g., texting).
Keep your head up and shoulders back while walking (again, confidence).
Buddy up whenever possible in dark parking lots for better personal security.
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Please always let family or friends know if you are traveling, and give them your itinerary dates and locations you will visit.
When walking, jogging, or running, try to stay away from the brush or trees. Always be prepared to run away from an attacker and scream (drawing attention to the situation).
If a stranger approaches offering a ride, TURN AROUND and go in the opposite direction of the car. Write down the license plate and description of the vehicle, or take a photo with your cell phone.
Please don’t respond to conversations from strangers on the street.
Walk confidently with your head up, and when returning to your car, have your keys ready in your hand, ideally with a small pepper spray canister attached…
[ Read: SABRE Pepper Spray Non-Lethal Defense ]
[ Read: Don’t be a Victim – Walk With Confidence ]
Avoid using a cell phone while walking out in public (or driving!) if you must (while walking), force yourself to be especially aware of your surroundings.
Avoid walking, jogging, or running in public (at least areas where it may be dangerous) with earbuds in your ears (listening to music). It dulls your awareness of your surroundings, making you an easier target. If you have to, then you should pay extra attention around you.
You can avoid questionable areas at night; daytime hours are better.
If you feel unsafe entering an area, stop and look around. You may want to come back at a later time. Trust your instincts.
You can avoid isolated bus or train stops. Otherwise, continuously look all around you. Be aware.
If you feel unsafe at a bus or train stop, don’t stay in the same spot, making yourself an easy target.
Don’t open your purse or wallet while boarding the bus; have your fare ready.
Keep flashy jewelry out of sight.
Sit as close to the bus driver as possible while on a bus during off-hours.
Check your purse or wallet if someone is jostling, crowding, or pushing you.
Never leave your purse, backpack, or briefcase in plain view. Could you lock it up when you leave your desk or office?
At your business, if possible, keep the door locked if you work before/after regular hours.
If you work late, you can try to find another worker or a security guard to walk out with you.
Do not get in the elevator with another person if you feel uncomfortable with that person; take the next one. If you have to get in, stand next to the control panel so that you can press the alarm and as many control buttons as possible if you are attacked.
Be alert for pickpockets on crowded elevators.
Be aware of escape routes for emergencies. Make yourself aware of more than one way out.
[ Read: How To Choose The Safest Seat In A Restaurant ]
Avoid danger spots like quiet or poorly lit alleyways, subways, or isolated car parks. If the street is deserted, walk down the middle of the pavement for better personal security.
You should consider heading for a public place, somewhere you know there will be other people.
Avoid walking past stationary cars with engines running and people sitting in them.
Don’t walk with your hands in your pockets unless situationally ready.
Walk facing oncoming traffic whenever possible, to avoid curb crawlers.
Keep your mind on your surroundings. Remember, if you are chatting on your mobile phone or wearing a personal stereo, you will not hear trouble approaching.
Be extra careful when using ATMs. Ensure nobody is hovering nearby and don’t count your money publicly.
Trust your instincts and take action if you think you are being followed. As confidently as possible, you can cross the road, turning to see who is behind you. If you are still being followed, keep moving. Make for a busy area and tell people what is happening.
Please be aware of someone (a stranger) who warns you of the danger of walking alone and then offers to accompany you. This is a ploy some attackers have been known to use.
[ Read: How To Know If Someone Is Following You ]
Consider carrying personal protection (firearm, pepper spray, …whatever works for you).
Don’t drive right up to the car’s bumper in front of you at a red light. Leave enough room to maneuver out of your lane if you have to get away from it.
Use all of your senses for better situational awareness. Visually scan your surroundings. Listen to the noises around you.
[ Read: The Automatic Scan Technique For Your Security ]
Even when living in remote areas, never let your guard down. Being isolated may embolden certain opportunist criminals lurking unbeknownst to you.
Keep a dog. They tend to bark…
Lock your Doors at night.
[ Read: Door Security Bar – Extra Layer Of Protection ]
Lock your Windows, too!
The more people around, the more danger (and risks) there are. It’s just the odds—there are more opportunities for criminals.
Trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Keep your wallet in your front pocket whenever possible.
Be aware of vans parked by your vehicle, with their “sliding doors” near the driver’s door.
You can habitually lock the doors as soon as you enter the vehicle.
When parking, don’t unlock your door until you’ve had a look around first.
When driving (stopped at a light or traffic), make sure you can see the tires of the vehicle in front of you. This will give you enough space to maneuver around the stopped vehicle if necessary.
Could you carry a whistle? The Fox 40 whistle is an excellent choice for your keychain: