Safety tips for women

It may sound demeaning, but women need to be careful when they are alone. Whether they are in a hotel room, a car, at home or going for a walk, women need to keep safety in mind when they are alone. The following safety tips can be used by anyone, but they’re especially important for women.

Hotels

•Before going to bed in a hotel room, put a doorstop under the door and adjoining door to prevent someone from breaking in.

•If you are traveling in a foreign country or unfamiliar area alone, consider wearing a wedding ring if you’re single. That way, you aren’t “announcing” that you are by yourself.

•If you are staying in a hotel, carry its address with you so if you get lost, you can find it easily. If you do need directions, ask someone in a store, a family, or a woman with children, all of whom are “safe” to ask.

Transportation

•Drive your car with doors locked and windows up at least three-quarters high to prevent someone from entering the car through your window.

•Sit near the driver when on a bus or other mode of transportation. An attacker is less likely to strike in the presence of authority.

•Keep at least a half tank of gas in your car at all times. That way, you won’t be stuck in an unfamiliar area without gas.

•Be cautious when a stranger is near your vehicle or sitting in a vehicle parked next to yours.

•Park in a well-lit area so you can easily see people.

Walking

•Don’t wear flashy jewelry or expensive clothing. It will only draw more attention to you.

•If you have to walk alone at night, carry a flashlight and avoid walking on poorly lit streets, near alleyways, parks, and driveways. It’s harder to see people approaching you in these areas. And don’t wear headphones — you want to be alert at all times.

Home

•Keep doors and windows locked to prevent someone from entering.

•Pay attention to your lights. Leave outside lights on at night and some indoor lights on when you go to sleep. If you are coming home when it’s already dark, or if you are going away, use light timers. They will make your home look occupied even though it isn’t, and prevent you from entering an unlit home.

• If you are going away, stop mail and newspaper deliveries. Leave a car in your driveway, and have someone mow your lawn or shovel your snow. It will make the house appear as though someone is living there, deterring burglars from entering.