Women Safety Tips: P.M. Exercise Safety

For some women, the best time to workout is during the evening. With longer days, evening workouts can be more convenient but they also come with more safety issues. Below are seven Women Safety Tips for Exercising at Night:


1. Don't Go Alone. If you love to run at night try to go with a group. You are least likely to be attacked, if you are with a large group.

2. Ask for Assistance. At the gym, don't be afraid to ask if security can walk you out to your car in the parking lot.

3. Avoid Secluded Areas. When riding your bike, running or walking the dog: try to stay on the most populated road, streets or routes.

4. Carry Your Cellphone. You never know when you might need help.

5. Trust Your Instincts. If you have a funny feeling about something or someone trust your gut and move on to a safer place.

6. Focus on Your Environment. Don't listen to music when you are exercising outdoors at night, you want to be alert and notice what's happening around you.

7. Let Someone Know Where You're Going. Before you go out the door call or text someone to tell them that you're going to workout.

I hope these tips will help keep you save while exercise at night.

Women Safety Tip: Avoid Having These Pictures Taken

It's a shame that this safety tip has to go out every summer. But as the weather really warms up, women are subjected to some creepy guys (and also some creepy women) who decide to use their cell phones for more than they're meant for.

Safety Tip: Be aware of guys trying to take pictures under your skirts and dresses. Watch out for guys who might be standing close by with a cell phone. It might not be the case for most guys just trust your gut reaction to someone standing close while your wearing your dress or skirt.

No one should have the right to violate your personal space. You should be able to wear whatever you want without someone trying to do something really creepy. So just be aware.

Women Safety Tip: Don't Leave With Guys You Don't Know

You're having a good time and meet a great guy guy at a party, bar or nightclub. You click and he suggest you find a quiet place to get to know each other or he knows of another party. What do you do?

My Golden Rule: Don't Leave With Guys You Don't Know. This is especially true if you've been drinking a little too much. You are not able to assess the situation. It might seem like common sense but that doesn't stop women from being sexually assaulted, abducted or killed. Why not just exchange contact info so you can get to know him instead of leaving with him. He might be the nicest guy in the world but you have to think about your safety.

Also, if you went out with your friends then leave with them and don't leave anyone behind.

As a former Risk Management for Panhellenic Council (for three years and one year with my sorority) it was my duty and responsibility to figure out ways to keep the girls safe. I want to continue to do that with my blog by providing occasional tips to keep you safe. I think you can still have fun but you just have to be more proactive about your safety.

Women Safety Tips: Be Informed About Your Date

I read this article "Man Steals Woman's Car on First Date" over the weekend and the first thing that came to mind after reading this was, she must of been really desperate for a date because she didn't even know the guy's name before she accepted a date with him. She only knew him by a nickname. Is that the only name he gave her or did she even ask for his first and last name?

To me it's just common sense to get at least the basic information before you accept a date or agree to meet someone new. She's lucky that's the only thing that happened and that the police caught him. Ladies just can't wear rose colored glasses when meeting someone new. You can still have fun while staying safe, you just need to be aware and be informed.

Women Safety Tips: Public Transportation

Whether you're one of the new recruits or a regular user of public transportation you want to make sure you're safe while riding. With more and more people choosing to ride public transportation be it from downsizing to trying to save the environment it's important to include being safe apart of the daily routine.

To encourage you to stay safe I have provided 13 Public Transportation Safety Tips:

Bus/Train:

1. When riding the subway, choose one that has passengers (not too over crowded) over one that is nearly empty. Because that nearly empty one might look great for thinking but it might make you an easier target for thieves. If at all possible take a sit near the driver.

2. After getting off the train or bus, notice if someone is following you or just going your way. If you suspect that you are being followed, don't continue walking to your destination (you don't want to let them know where you work or live) go into a store or any other nearby public space and wait to see if they pass by or not. If they continue to follow you, call the police immediately.

3. Stay alert and don't distract yourself by playing your MP3 player, texting or talking on your cell phone. You want to be aware of your surroundings.

4. Be sure to have the exact change or fare ready when the bus arrives. It will keep you from having to open your wallet or purse in public.

5. Know your bus or train schedule, to limit the amount of time spent standing around the terminal or bus stop. If possible go online to your city's Department of Transportation to print off the schedule.

6. If possible avoid isolated bus or train stops. You want to be able to see everything and everyone.

7. Don't doze off on a bus or become too engrossed in a book. It can make you an easy target.

8. Keep your purse, shopping bag, backpack, packages or other belongings in your lap, on your arm, or between your feet. Do not leave them on an empty seat.

9. Be Confident -- look, act and move as though you know where you're going and what you’re doing. This will prevent you from looking like an easy target and may help you avoid potential danger.

10. Watch out for pickpockets while in a bus or train terminal. Avoid carrying a wallet in your hip or easily accessible coat pocket. While, carrying a purse or handbag make sure you have a firm grip or secure it close to your body. Beware of people accidentally bumping into you at busy stations.

Taxi:

11. When taking a taxi, know the exact location and directions of where your going so you are not taking to the wrong location. Also to ensure your own safety, send a text message to a friend or family member letting them know the license plates, driver’s name, and identification number of the taxi driver.

12. Before you accept shortcuts, detours, and special stops, make sure you know where you are, where you were, and where it is you ultimately want to go. Know the route or general direction to your destination.

13. When you get to your destination, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside or ask to be let out in a well-lit area where there are plenty of people.

One last thing don't let these tips frighten you into paranoia. These tips are to empower you to stay safe and not become a victim.

Sources: Style and Focus PR, about.com, Public Transportation Safety (cityofmobile.org), articlebase.com

Women Safety: Stun Gun Safety Issue: False Security

Stun guns are all the rage right now for women safety. From stun gun parties to the latest infomercials selling them, they're the must have item in safety. I find it interesting that they promote them for safety but the ironic thing is anyone can just buy one (i.e. potential criminals). However, another issue with the stun gun is a false sense of security.

I have spoken with many in the law enforcement industry and what many say on the issue is: "It's good to own one for safety but sometimes owning a stun gun gives the owner a false sense of security. They feel as though they're walking around with a personal Batman in a bag." "What good is owning one if you're unable to use it." "It can not be a replacement for safety prevention or self defense." To elaborate, sometimes things happen so quickly that it's impossible to even get to the safety device. Officers say the best thing is to stay alert and try to not to get into a safety situation. But if one occurs try to stay calm and if possible use the device but don't do anything reckless that may cost you your life.

Some tips that I got from officers are:

-- Train before using. You want to know what to do before something happens.

-- Even though it may be common sense, Keep Away From Children. As a reminder keep the safety on when not in use.

-- Depending on what model/type you have make sure it's charged and ready to use.

-- Make sure there are no state restrictions. It could be illegal to buy and own one.

-- Continue to practice safety prevention. Better to be safe than sorry.

Women Safety Tips: My Own 10 Tips

I love to go out and have fun but I know that I also want to stay safe while at home or out. Some tips that I like to use are:

1. Don't drink to get drunk: You want to be alert and able to think or act if need be. Plus it's so embarrassing to be the "drunk girl". Even if that was your nickname in college do you still want it.

2. When going out with friends let the group know if you're leaving or going somewhere else.

3. Although it's common sense, but don't give out too much personal information when meeting someone for the first time.

4. When paying for those new pair of shoes be aware of someone holding a cell phone they may be trying to take a picture of your credit card number.

5. On a first date, arrange to meet in a well known place. Even though you're an adult you can still let friends/family know where you're going and your date's name. Just in case.

6. When leaving a nightclub or party be aware of anyone following you. Don't go directly home if driving, go to the nearest police station and report it. If walking, stop by all night restaurant or any other business and call the police.

7. If living alone, get to know you're neighors and if possible get a medium to large size dog (but make sure it will fit into your lifestyle) for added protection.

8. Now that you have your own place, you want to outfit it but don't let potential thieves know that you just purchased a new flat screen TV or any other big ticket item. Break up the boxes and put them in trash bags.

9. When leaving to go to work or out at night make sure all doors and windows are locked and secured and set alarm system if you have one.

10. Change up your routine. Try working out at a different time or running errands on a different days. So your routine doesn't become too easy to for someone to follow.

Women Safety Tips: Travel Tips Part 2

Staying safe while in the hotel and in your room (9 tips from Detective Kevin Coffey and 2 from me):


1. Request a room near the elevators and away from any renovation work. Have your key out when you leave the elevator.

2. You want to be far from emergency exits (which someone might pry open to avoid using the elevators), and on an upper floor away from catwalks and terraces.

3. The door should have double locks--one of which is a dead bolt--and a peephole. Bring along a security doorstop for extra protection.

4. Don't place "please make up this room" sign on door it signals to everyone that you're not there. Call housekeeping instead.

5. Conversely, the "do not disturb" sign can make the room seem occupied (especially handy if you leave expensive items inside).

6. Put expensive clothing on hangers under other garments. Robbers usually "shop" what they can see.

7. Lock valuables in the front-desk safe or room safe.

8. If your bag is stolen from the hotel, recruit management to search for it. Most hotel robberies are committed by the staff, and many properties, especially while vacation internationally, don't allow employees to leave with packages; thieves take the money and dump the rest.

9. Stand near the elevator buttons with your back to the wall; if threatened, push all the buttons at once with your back.

*10. Turn on your TV when you leave your room. It will make your room seem occupied.

*11. Take pictures of all your valuables as soon as you settle into your room with your digital camera, incase items are stolen you can show the pictures to the police and hotel security.

Women Safety Tips: Travel Safety Tips Part 1

With so many women traveling either for business or personal, being safe has become a number 1 concern. The following travel safety tips come from Detective Kevin Coffey website, plus two additional ones:

When Choosing a Hotel:

1. Smaller is smarter: you want the staff to be familiar with guests and with you. The smaller the lobby, the more noticeable the loiterers.

2. Aim for a well-trafficked street (neighborhood restaurants and late-night stores mean traffic, corporate offices mean darkness). Affluent residential areas tend to have more reliable transportation and fewer threatening street people.

3. If you're still concerned about the area, ask a female employee--not one in reservations--whether she walks around at night. (Call the restaurant, for instance.)

4. A reception and concierge desk near the entrance, and/or the elevators, is more likely to deter non-guest undesirables.

5. There should be privacy for guests checking in: no one should be able to overhear a name, room number, or other personal information.

6. Room numbers should be written on the key envelope, not mentioned aloud or inscribed on the key--this way, anyone finding your key won't have access to your room.

7. Look for a parking lot that is well lit and secure. Find out if there's valet parking . . . and if it will be available when you need it. Use it, even it costs a little bit more.

8. Does the hotel gym have an attendant? Being alone and semi-dressed in the basement is not good for your health.

9. The hotel should have sufficient staff to walk you to your room late at night. Inquire when you book and you'll get an idea of how woman-friendly the hotel is.

*10. Don't just book a hotel based on it's pictures and online brochure. Search around the internet to read the guest's experiences (but you can't always trust those either because they might be PR reps writing in).

*11. Before booking, call ahead to the hotel (luxury, chain, etc) to make sure they don't give out room numbers. You can also ask them about the safety of their hotel (are there security guards?, safety around and inside the hotel at night, etc) and if they don't want to answer then that's probably not the hotel you want to stay in.

Women Safety Tips: Staying Safe at Home

I found these helpful tips from middletownborough.com and many of them may seem like common knowledge but it doesn't hurt to see them again.

Adapted from Safety Tips for Women

8 Tips for Staying Safe at Home

1. Make sure you have adequate lighting around the entrance of your house or apartment. If you live in an apartment without proper outdoor lighting contact your building manager or landlord to inquire about that.

2. Use your initial rather than your first name on your door, your mailbox, in the phone book, and on magazine and monthly statements you receive by mail.

3. Use caution in conversations with strangers. Avoid giving your name, address, or place of employment.

4. If a stranger asks to use your telephone, do not permit them to enter your home or apartment. Offer to summon emergency assistance by making the telephone call yourself (with the door locked).

5. Always check through the peep hole before opening the door. If you don't have a peephole in your door consider having one installed. Open your door as far as the security chain permits when talking to a stranger.

6. Always check a person's identification if they state they were sent to your home by their business or company. Phone the person's company or business to see if they were really sent to your home (better to be safe than sorry). You must also be aware that the person could have an accomplice who might answer your phone call. They might say that the person was sent to your home by the business or company. Use your phone book or the Internet (if available) to look-up the number. Do not use the number the person gives you.

7. If you receive wrong number calls, never reveal your name or address or admit you are alone. Do not give your phone number to an unknown caller, but ask what number they are calling. Do not prolong the conversation. Hang up. Notify the police about obscene calls.

8. Police officers will display credentials whenever asked. You should always request salespeople and repairmen to show proper identification before admitting them into your home.

Women Safety Tips: Staying Safe at College Pt. 2

4. Meet New Study Buddies in a Public Place

Ladies, if you plan to study with someone new, meet them in the library or a study lounge for the first session. Get to know a study partner male or female a little better before traveling out to their home or inviting them to your dorm room.

5. Take a Self Defense Course

Many colleges and universities have a self defense course offered through the school health center or gymnasium. If you don't have this option on campus see if there is one offered in the local community. You can also find books or sites on the Internet that provide tips on self defense moves and tactics. Books and courses will also cover the use of self defense products, such as pepper spray.

6. Always Lock Your Door

When driving and in the dorm room keep your doors locked. I know there are some dorms that encourage a open door hour so that floor mates can interact and socialize but I would suggest asking the R.A. (Residential Advisor) or the Hall Director to change the socializing hour to the dorm lobby.

Why? Because, campus grounds and dormitories are not predator proof. When your door is open, it is easy for a stranger to gain entry. This could lead to carjacking or theft. Even when going down the hall to shower or do laundry, lock your door and take your key. The only time you might feel comfortable leaving your door unlocked is if your roommate or a friend is going to stay in the room. This practice will protect both you and the valuable items in your room.

7. Tell Someone Your Plans

(I always try to following this tip, even though I'm no longer in college.)

Always let a family member or good friend know your plans. When you are going away with friends for a weekend, a date or to a off campus party make sure someone knows, where you are headed, who you are going with and when you plan to return. During the week if you are going to be out at the computer lab or studying, leave a note or phone message for your roommate or friend if they will be looking for you to show up at a certain time.

Women Safety Tips: Staying Safe at College Pt. 1

Next month new students will be attending college for the first time. They will experience a lot such as living in a shoe box most likely with a roommate, meeting new friends, taking new classes, etc. Yes, college can be so much fun but it can also be a very scary place, which is why I found these tips from Collegelife.about.com.

College sometimes gives students a false sense of safety making them feel like they are safe and that nothing is going to happen to them.

Here are Seven Tips for Staying Safe at College:

1. Travel in Pairs

Most college campuses are open to the public. This means anyone can walk onto campus without being questioned. Whether your school is in a major city or it makes up half the population of the city, make it a point to travel with at least one other person, specifically at night. This is a good practice when walking or driving to new places. Also keep an eye out for emergency call boxes on campus. These boxes will link you directly to security should you need help.

2. Carry ID

Even if you are just running to the cafeteria, gym, or down to the computer lab, always carry identification. If you fall down the stairs, injure yourself on exercise equipment or have an allergic reaction to food you may not be in a position to identify yourself. Having a picture ID on you will quickly let people know who you are after an accident. Knowing who you are puts them a step closer to finding your medical history and reaching out to your loved ones, if needed, for assistance.

3. Don't Take Drinks From Strangers

At house and club parties, be leery of taking drinks from people you don't know. There are certain drugs that people, specifically men, have been caught slipping into drinks. At a house party, where the liquor is out for public consumption, make your own drinks or watch them being made by a friend in a clean cup. If someone buys you a cocktail at a club or bar, get the bartender to hand the drink directly to you.

Women Safety Tips: Advice from a Police Officer pt.2

5. Trusting a clean cut, honest looking stranger. I see mug shots of every sex offender in the state of Florida. They do not look like monsters. They often look like they could be your friendly grocer. They are every age between 15 and 90, and probably beyond. Only a small minority actually look scary. I just read a case yesterday of a man with only one leg who beat up his victim with his crutch before he raped her. Who would have ever thought that a one legged man would be a rapist?

6. Trusting people to be alone with your children. This is a difficult one, because child molesters end up being the LAST person the parents would believe is the molester. Most of the child molesting cases I see involve the stepfather, the uncle, the sister's boyfriend, the mother's boyfriend, the grandfather, the baby-sitter, the neighbor, the family friend, the youth camp director, day care worker, etc. Although rare, even women can be molesters. In every case, the perpetrator is a nice guy, trusting, good with children, and the family is baffled or even in disbelief that the person could be abusing their child. When it comes to your children and grandchildren, be suspicious of everyone, no matter who they are. And pay attention to what your child says and how they react to the mention of different people in their lives.

7. When having your car serviced, give the attendant only the car keys, as they have key duplicators readily available, and they generally have your address, etc. on file.

This is not an exhaustive list of what not to do, but just some things that I have observed more than just a few times.

Women Safety Tips: Advice from a Police Officer pt.1

These tips are from a female police officer from the website of Dective Kevin Coffey.

Here are the most common mistakes women make that could result in them getting kidnapped, attacked, and/or raped:

1. Getting into the attacker's car when he pulls a gun and orders you to get into his vehicle. Most attackers don't want to shoot you ... they want you to get into the car so that they can drive you to a deserted place and torture you. Don't comply. Run screaming. It is MUCH more likely than not that he will just move on to an easier target.

2. Pulling over when a man drives alongside of you pointing at your car pretending something is wrong. If this happens, drive to the nearest well-lit and populated gas station and look the car over yourself (or ask an attendant). Never pull over. Believe it or not, many women have fallen for this for fear of their car spontaneously exploding in the middle of the road. Not likely.

3. Not locking your doors while driving or at home. I have read several cases where the attacker simply walks up to a woman's car while she's at a traffic light and jumps in with his gun or knife drawn. Another incident includes, opening your front door when you have not positively identified who is there. If you don't have a peep hole, get one. I've seen countless cases where the attacker gains access to his victims simply by knocking on their door. Don't let an attacker get into your home. He then has a private, relatively soundproof place to attack you.

4. Not being alert in parking lots. If you go to the grocery store at night, don't be shy about asking for an escort to your car. Too many women are abducted from parking lots or even raped in the parking lot. Look in your back seat before entering your car. Cars provide endless hiding places for attackers, both inside them and in between them. Be aware of your surroundings by looking to the left and right and behind you with your head up all the time. You may appear paranoid and look funny to others, but an attacker will think twice about approaching someone who appears so aware of what's going on.

Women Safety Tips: Hazardous Areas Part 2

Hazardous Areas cont'd

Routines: Try not to set them. It is very easy to get into this typical routine. Take the kids to school by 8 AM and drop by the post office by 8:15. Stop by the nursing home to see grandma at 9 and then come home to feed and take care of animals. These routines are very easy for an assailant to observe and anticipate. Find and take alternate routes to work. This may even come in handy in case of storm or flood!

Children and car seats: Check out your surroundings before reaching inside with your child. Imagine for a moment how vulnerable a person is when their hands are full with a baby with three quarters of the body, leaned over and restricted inside the car.

Office & home: NEVER admit to being the only one in. Think how alone the phrase, "I'm sorry, they won't be back until 2:30" sounds. If your office isn’t equipped with an alarm or even simple pepper spray, speak to your employer. Remember, there is nothing in the office that is worth losing your life over. If it is a robbery, give them the money and send them on their way. If the assailant is interested in more than robbery, keep your head and look for possible weapons around you. Things such as pencils, scissors, telephones, potted plants, and anything else you can get a hold of.

Jogging trails: Joggers are great at setting routines. They also enjoy the cooler evening and night temperatures. Add to that, headphones and music that dulls the senses. Whenever possible, take the dog, recruit a friend or spouse. Don’t go jogging alone in secluded areas. When you do go, try to keep one of the personal alarms (pepper spray, pen, etc.) with you. Even things like a rolled up newspaper, can make an effective weapon.

Sixth sense: LISTEN TO THIS! If there is a nagging thought of not entering a house, garage, or building, don't do it. If something tells you to look around, walk faster or even run, then listen to it. There is usually a reason. Is it not better for strangers to wonder if you’re "odd" than to end up in a ditch?

Women Safety Tips: Hazardous Areas Part 1

I want to introduce a new column called Women Safety Tips. So that women can be more proactive about their safety.

These tips are from essortment.com.

Some common hazardous areas are:

Laundry mats: A surprising number of women will go late at night and alone, to these places. Their reasons are often that it's when they are quieter, cooler or even just a time to escape from the kids at home. These places are becoming more automated. No employee or security is on the premises.

Public restrooms: It is a common misconception that men are the only ones to sexually assault, rob, or commit murder. This is false. Not only do women do these things, they often work as a decoy for a male in hiding.

Paneled van: The old fashioned, high walled vans are dangerous. It only takes a split second for an assailant to open the cargo door and pull someone in. Be cautious anytime one is parked next to your vehicle.

High vehicles: A common ploy is for an assailant to lie beneath one of these and wait for a victim to stand still while opening their car door. At this time a knife is used to cut the tendons and muscles in the area behind the ankles causing the victim to drop to the ground and be unable to regain their feet to run. It might feel silly to check under the car next to yours but silly beats dead any day.

Signs of entry: When it is obvious that there has been someone in your home, or office, STOP! TURN AROUND! LEAVE! Call from somewhere else. Curiosity may have killed the cat; the satisfaction of finding an assailant inside will not bring you back.

Staying Safe and Fashionable

PepperFace.com has revamped the traditional pepper spray by turning it into a fashionable safety device. The prices range from $35 to $295. You can also customize them, visit the website for details. It comes with a Heat® insert, that contains Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) which is made from hot peppers.

PepperFace.com also offers Heat® spray refills ($8.00) and Test® inserts ($7.00). The Test inserts are good for practice, so that you can become comfortable with the feel and use of the device before an emergency strikes.

Before you purchase make sure there are not state guidelines you must adhere to.