Say you live close to a common landmark
If you’re out at a bar or club and someone asks where you live, it’s a good idea to avoid mentioning street names, nearby schools or specific apartment buildings. Instead, if you want to continue to engage without giving too much away, say you live near a chain restaurant or store like McDonald’s, Burger King or Starbucks.
Never claim to own your car
If a stranger ever asks about your car, it’s always safer to say you rent it rather than own it outright. Not only is a thief less likely to target a rented car, but an unsafe person will assume you won’t be driving the same rental indefinitely, and so they will not use the car as a way to track your movements.
Have friends over when repairmen come
Having strangers in your house or flat for repairs is always a little awkward, but it can also be unsafe if you happen to be home alone. If you can’t arrange for your partner to be home while work is done, invite friends over to pretend to be roommates hanging out, or at least drop into conversation with the workman that you’re having company over later.
Cover your ID on public transport
For most people, using public transport is the time at which they’re around the highest number of strangers, and thus are the most unsafe. That’s why it’s sensible to always tuck work or school lanyards into your shirt when riding the bus or the train, and keep other photo IDs hidden. Otherwise, anyone could learn your name, address and regular travel patterns.
Tie your car alarm to your keys
If you have the ability to set up a remote trigger of your car alarm from your keys, then definitely do so. Not only can this be used to scare away any potential carjackers who may be lingering around your vehicle, but it’s also much louder than a personal alarm and will attract more attention if you were to end up in a dangerous situation.
Stand between elevator buttons and the door
When getting into an elevator, always position yourself between the buttons and the door for maximum safety. This will give you more control over getting out as soon as possible if you have an uncomfortable encounter with someone else riding with you, and it will also stop others from being able to block the door and stop you from leaving.
Use a door alarm when staying in hotels
Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but it can be stressful staying at a hotel and not knowing if your safety is their top priority. For your own peace of mind, it’s worth purchasing a portable door alarm or blocker, which will alert you if someone tries to open your door while you’re sleeping or stop others from entering altogether.
Give a man’s name when ordering food
This tip is just common sense. If you’re ordering takeout food, give a man’s name. Not only will this stop any unsafe people from having both your correct name and address, but it will also deter anyone who may be planning to take advantage of a woman being home alone. Even better, order enough food for the next day too and pretend it’s a group order.
Use different routes home from work
Whether you walk, take the bus or train or drive, it’s very important to vary your commute to and from work or school. Unsafe people could track your movements until they’ve learned your routine and will use that information to know when and where to find you. Use multiple routes, vary them randomly when possible, and use different forms of transport.
Walk the opposite way to traffic
When walking anywhere, it’s a good idea to walk against the flow of traffic when you can. Walking so cars are facing you means that a driver cannot sneak up on you to grab you and, in a situation where you need to flee, you will not be attempting to run faster than a car driving in the same direction.
