The reality is that anything can happen anywhere, and there’s no telling when or where your life could be put in danger. However, there is a greater chance of crime in big cities. Your best chance against defending yourself is knowing the best ways to stay safe. Take a look at some of the best tips for staying out of harm’s way living in a big city.
Carry a Weapon
There are all sorts of different weapons on the market for self-defense. Whether a knife, a taser, or a gun, carrying a weapon is one of the most practical ways to keep yourself safe. However, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the local laws. Some cities have stricter regulations when it comes to what you can carry in the street.
Certain emergencies may not give you the time to pick up the phone to dial 911. It’s up to you whether you want to rely on your own means or take the time to call local police enforcement if you’re in danger.
Follow Your Instincts
Far too often, people forget the power of instinct. If you start to feel like a situation is unsafe, then chances are it’s probably for a good reason. Try to pick up on the general sense around you, and decide whether you feel like there’s a need for caution. Remember, at the end of the day, we evolved from primates, so our intuition and instinct are not to be ignored. Trust your gut and stay alert if you feel like something is off.
Avoid Empty Areas
Most people have seen the classic scenario in a movie: someone is walking down a dark alley and gets attacked by a dark figure in the shadows. Logically, you should stay out of areas that aren’t well lit and lack people. Don’t go into empty dark areas unless you want to put yourself at risk for attack.
Put Your Phone Away
One of the most common reasons for people being mugged on the street is because they aren’t paying attention. When walking down the street, always make sure that you put your phone away. You should be totally aware of your surroundings and make eye contact with everyone that passes by. Not only will it keep your attention where it needs to be, but you also make sure that your phone doesn’t get stolen. In the event of an emergency, your phone is one of the most important assets that you have so you can call emergency services.
Take a Cab if You Need
While some parts of cities are perfectly fine to walk around in, there are others that are better navigated in by car. Even though you might want to save money by walking, once in a while, it might be smarter to take a cab.
