Flatirons Locksmiths, a full service locksmith company Tip#11. This post is dedicated to the safety of the women in our lives. It seems that every time we turn on the news, read a paper, or listen to the radio, we are reminded about just how important it is to be concerned about our safety and the safety of those we love; particularly, our women.
A particularly vulnerable time for women is when they are on their own at night walking to their car in a dark parking lot or street. How can women better protect themselves from predators and help eliminate the risk of putting themselves in a potentially vulnerable situation? Here are a few tips on what Women, and even men, can do to better ensure their personal safety:
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to those who are around you and the environment in which you are in, in case something seems out of the ordinary or questionable.
• There is always safety in numbers and so if you are out for a “night on the town” , then be sure to have a least one other person with you as you walk the streets at night.
• Before leaving a store, restaurant, or friends home be sure to have your car keys in hand so that you are not fumbling in the dark in a dim lit parking lot, a dark quiet street or an eerie ally-way.
• If someone should attack you and your car keys are in your hand then hold your keys tightly in your hand like you would a dagger and stab at your attackers face. Keys can inflict enough damage and pain to cause your attacker to loosen his grip on you and give you enough time to get away.
• It’s a good idea if you are out shopping or dining at night to park nearest the entrance and also under the parking lot light. (And much of the time you can ask for help out with your groceries.)
• Keep your exercise routine to daylight hours. If you are one who enjoys getting outside to burn off your extra calories then we suggest that you take a run or walk with a friend or at least always let someone know where you plan on exercising and for how long you think you’ll be gone. Keep your earphones turned low so that you can still be in tune to what is going on around you.
These are just a few tips and of course there are many more that you can use to better ensure your safety. Be vigilant when out and about and always make sure to take safety precautions at home by changing your locks if you have had your keys lost or stolen or have had a roommate move out. It’s important to be sure to lock up when you come and go and make sure your windows and screens are secure.
Flatirons Locksmiths operates in Boulder & Broomfield County in Colorado, answering calls to Boulder, Broomfield, Superior, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, Niwot & Longmont. We look forward to serving you! Call us at 303-586-6496.
I really like your suggestion about using your car keys to fight off an attacker! Thanks for the tip!
Thanks Judith! A sharp key to the face or where ever you can stab with it will deter most attackers.
Good tips- especially as I am heading out for an evening run in the dark! Thanks for posting.
Take care and thanks for visiting.
A couple of things I have also heard are to not park right next to a van.
When I took karate, they also stressed that your demeanor is very important. Hold your head high, walk with purpose and do not behave as if you are in any way a victim.
Great tips Russell, thank you!
Thanks so much for adding that Linda, I greatly appreciate your comments and the addition of more ways for people to stay safe.
There are many women in all our lives and I will be forwardng this link to the women most important to me. Thanks for the tips!
We love our women!
As someone who often runs in the mornings, when it’s still dark outside, I make sure to always run with my dog and to vary my route so that I’m not too predictable. Thanks for these helpful tips!
That is great practice! Thanks so much for sharing!
Great advice. Just wondered if there were suggestions for the elderly whose use of their keys may not have sufficient force, or who cannot quickly escape.
Mace is always a good thing for anyone to carry with them if they need to be out late on their own. For our older folk a cane could be very helpful even if you don’t need one but my favorite would have to be a taser…
Good advice. Be vigilant. Be prepared. I especially like the advice about have your keys out and ready to use before getting to your car.
Thanks for the tips. We had a gentleman in a white van accost a few women in my neighborhood. Being aware of one’s surroundings and looking out for anything out of the ordinary is so important these days. It’s also imperative to make sure your kids are informed!!
Wow, thanks for sharing that story Stephanie. I hope they were all okay and got away.
This is great advice, especially in the wake of the Jessica Ridgeway abduction & murder last month near where I live. My teen girls are both runners and we’ve changed the rules recently related to wearing headphones while running and running in the dark. Thanks for the suggestions, Russell!