SAFETY TIPS FOR WOMEN WHO WALK ALONE AT NIGHT
Sometimes, women leave the office around 7:45 pm, and though this timing is somewhat 'late in the evening' and not 'at the night', the area where offices are located is usually dark and quiet. It's not a residential area, and so you won't find any shops or women shopping groceries there. Women usually walk from the office to the station every day, and we can all admit we feel slightly unsafe while doing so, if the sun has completely set down, right?
These are some of the tips Leelou gathered for women like you to follow.
DON'T WALK ON THE FOOTPATH; WALK ON THE ROAD
Whenever it's dark around, don't take the footpath; instead, walk on the road. This way, less courageous men many not step out and grab you. The footpaths can be creepy. Always walk on the road if you feel the footpath is not safe.
DON'T LISTEN TO MUSIC
Ears can be used to sense footsteps or whispers. Spare those eardrums and don't use earphones until you reach a safer place.
PRETEND YOU'RE TALKING ON PHONE (WITH SOMEONE WHO LIVES NEARBY)
If at all frightened, pretend you’re talking on the phone. Say something like, “I just crossed your building," or "I think I saw your mom in the car." If you do this, the men would know that you have contacts in the area and that you're not alone.
PRETEND THAT SOMEONE IS COMING TO PICK YOU UP (AND HAS ALMOST REACHED)
Say something like, "Yes, mom, I'm reaching the signal; where are you guys? I can't spot the car." This works wonders.
CARRY A SCARF OR A PAIR OF LEGGINGS (IF YOUR CLOTHES MAKE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE)
Want to wear that gorgeous short dress? Oh, you can! Want to wear that super cute tube top? Of course, what's stopping you? But make sure to carry a scarf (to cover your shoulders) or a pair of leggings (to cover your legs). We don't mean to snatch away your freedom, but sometimes, covering yourself up could be the best solution.
TAKE A KNOWN ROUTE
If you know a route, it's fine. Just make sure the route has 'good' people around. Even if the route is a long one, take it. Better to walk/pay more than to be sorry.
PRETEND YOU'RE A DUDE AND WALK-IN CONFIDENCE (EVEN THOUGH YOU'RE SCARED)
As funny as it sounds, but sometimes you can chew gum when you walk. It works. Pretend as if you're a tough prey so that they don't harm you.
INFORM YOUR PARENTS/SPOUSE/FRIENDS THAT YOU'RE ON YOUR WAY
As soon as I leave the office, I message my family group saying “I have left the office.”
INFORM YOUR PARENTS/SPOUSE/FRIENDS ABOUT THE CAB NUMBER
This is a common safety thing vulnerable people do. Send the driver's details to your parents or someone you know would come running straightaway. If your parents do not know about your sneaky night-out, message someone else--like your boyfriend, your brother, or a male friend.
ALWAYS KEEP ANY TRANSPORTATION APP IN YOUR CELLPHONE
If ever there comes a need, always have one of these apps on your cell phone. You might have to pay a bomb for getting to your home, but safety is more important, and always should be. It can get too late sometimes and your usual train/bus has already gone. At such times, transportation cab can be a savior.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE INTERNET AND BALANCE IN YOUR CELLPHONE
Make sure to have enough talk-time balance to place calls. Also, the internet could be useful. You might need it for directions and messaging your parents or somebody close to you regarding your whereabouts. To certain extent, you can also tweet to a police officer.
MAKE SURE YOU ALWAYS HAVE MONEY
If you know you're going to get late, make sure to have some cash at disposal. During night time, withdrawing money from an ATM could be risky. Also, don't worry about not having enough money for the impromptu cab ride; you can pay the driver on reaching (after borrowing money from your homies), or you can also borrow it beforehand if you live alone in the city.
DON'T LOOK AT THE PASSERSBY BUT KEEP OTHER SENSES SUPER ACTIVE
If you make eye contact with these bad men, they might read your fear and throw those sorts of looks. Better is to avoid eye contact, but being extremely cautious of their activities. If you're not sure if the man has crossed you or if he's following you, just pretend that someone you know has just passed by and look behind to know the man's position.
ENSURE YOU HAVE COMFORTABLE SHOES ON
If you're wearing sexy stilettos, don't fail to carry an extra pair of really thin flats. That way, your bag won't be heavy and you'll also be all-ready to run if a situation demands.
THANK THE DRIVERS AFTER REACHING DESTINATION
If a cab has driven you home safe, Always thank him for saying how safe you felt. When times you went clubbing. After reaching home, thank the driver by saying, "There should be more people like you; we felt safe around you." Being good with the good cab drivers can prove helpful; because, if you're in trouble and they spot you somewhere, they can always bring you help. More the number of contacts, the better the safety.
TRY TO GET SOMEONE TO ACCOMPANY YOU
If someone has the same route as you, don't hesitate to ask that person if you could join them on your way home. You might feel weak and dependent, but so be it. If that person has to leave from the venue immediately, you leave with him/her too. You can always have a "best night" some other night. Don't take safety for granted.
DOWNLOAD LEELOU APP
How does it work?
- In under 15-seconds, Leelou Guardians receive;
- GPS location of where the distressed friend is,
- Recorded and streamed audio of the emergency,
- Simple, unique and real-to-life interactive dashboard,
- Group chat in the emergency to centralize support efforts,
- Silent override provides certainty of alert.
Step 1
Search and add from your phone's contacts list to your Leelou Contacts list.
Step 2
Carefully select and Invite up to 5 of these friends and family to be your Guardians who can and will respond in an emergency.
Step 3
Move the Leelou App icon to your home screen for easier access.
Step 4
In an emergency, press the SOS button and Guardians. If you ever feel vulnerable, use AIA Mode for instant access to get help to you fast.
Leelou Personal Safety App is a free downloadable from the Apple AppStore and Google Playstore HERE
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