Clubbing
Picking an outfit, styling your hair and putting on your make up are probably the things you think about before a night out- but what about the more pressing issue of staying safe?
We’ve all done it… taken a short cut through a park at night in a bid to shave a few minutes off the journey time or worst still, travelled alone at night without telling anyone the planned route or expected time of arrival, but is worth the risk?
Women today are more confident and independent than ever, which means when it comes to our safety we may unwittingly be putting ourselves in danger. According to a new report by ila Security, the makers of the new ila DUSK personal safety alarm, over a quarter of us admit to walking through poorly lit subways or alleyways at night, while one in ten have even fallen asleep on public transport on the way home. Whilst standing tall and striding out confidently may deter a potential attacker, there is a lot more we can do to protect ourselves from harm.
Only one in twenty British women regularly carry a personal safety alarm. Many consider such alarms ineffective because they sound like any other alarm and could be ignored, while others refused to carry one because they’re ‘ugly’. But with the summer season drawing to a close and nights getting longer, not to mention the trend for oversized bags, there really is no excuse!
Here are some top tips from Crimewatch’s Jacqui Hames to keep you safe when out and about.
* Before going out know how you are getting home and make arrangements in advance such as booking a licensed taxi.
* Always take the route you know best and try to use well lit, busy streets. Avoid dangerous areas like quiet or badly lit alleyways, subways or isolated car parks.
* Keep your mind on your surroundings - remember if you are wearing headphones you will not hear trouble approaching.
* Don't be on the phone! You won't notice what's going on around you.
* Make sure someone else knows where you're going.
* Keep enough cash to get home, so you don't have to go to a cash point late at night.
* Stay in control of the amount you drink - remember that you are much more vulnerable when you're drunk. Alcohol dulls your instincts and awareness of danger.
* Try hard not to fall asleep on public transport - it makes you vulnerable to theft or assault and you could end up stranded miles from home. Standing rather than sitting may help you stay awake.
* Sit in carriages on the train where there are several people, or on the ground floor of the bus near the driver.
* If you think you are being followed, trust your instincts and take action.
* Carry a personal safety alarm.