Buzz
Concerns about crime can make you hesitant to venture out after dark, but feeling cautious doesn't mean you have to stay home and miss out on the fun with your friends. With the right planning, knowing your route, and having a plan for emergencies, you can enjoy your night safely and securely.
How to Proceed
Preparing Ahead
Inform someone of your plans. Let someone close to you know where you're heading and when to expect you back. A quick message when you arrive can also give them peace of mind. If they don't hear from you or you don't return as planned, they'll know to check in on you.
- You can also use an app like FindMyFriends, which lets you share your location and track others. Many of these apps also offer features to alert people in case of an emergency.
Map out your route in advance. Knowing exactly how you’ll reach your destination helps you save time and decreases the risk of getting lost, especially in unfamiliar areas. A clear plan boosts your confidence, which also makes you less of a target for potential troublemakers.
Keep your phone charged. Always carry a fully charged phone with you. In case of an emergency, you'll be able to contact help immediately. Additionally, your phone may be essential for navigation or other tools to ensure a safe journey.
Carry a whistle. A whistle is a simple, effective way to ward off potential threats. While pepper spray can be a powerful tool to incapacitate an attacker (if legal in your area), be sure to confirm that it’s allowed before carrying it. The last thing you want is to face legal trouble for possessing something illegal.
- Pepper spray requires some practice. Learn to use the safety switch quickly and practice aiming it from a distance—some sprays can reach up to 10 feet.
Bring a small flashlight. Keep a compact flashlight on your keychain, ensuring you have light when you need it most. Alternatively, use the flashlight feature on your phone, or download a flashlight app if your phone lacks one.
Consider other transport options. If you find yourself in an unsafe or uncomfortable situation, seek out alternative ways to get home. Public transport, a taxi, or a ride from a friend are all viable options. Just make sure you're waiting in a well-lit spot for your ride.
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Travel with a friend or in a group. There’s safety in numbers, as criminals are less likely to target a group than a single person. If you’re heading out solo, consider using an app like Map My Friends to locate nearby friends to meet up with, or check your university’s message board to find others going out.
- Many cities and universities offer free shuttle services to popular restaurants and clubs, providing a secure way to travel to and from your destination. Another option for students is the 'call a buddy' system, where volunteers are available to escort you home.
Avoid unsafe areas at night. Stay clear of places like dark alleys, areas surrounded by dense foliage, or locations with little foot traffic and poor lighting. Entering these types of environments significantly increases your chances of becoming a crime victim, so it’s best to avoid them whenever possible.
Walk with confidence. Approach buildings or public transportation with assuredness. Keep your head up while walking. This not only helps you stay aware of your surroundings but also gives off an air of self-assurance that makes you less likely to be seen as an easy target.
- While confidence is key, avoid drawing attention to yourself in negative ways. Flashy jewelry, oversized bags, expensive clothes, and disruptive behavior can make you a more obvious target.
Stay alert to your surroundings. Continuously scan your environment as you walk, paying attention to any unusual activity. This will help you spot trouble before it reaches you. Avoid distractions like earphones or hoodies that may block your hearing or vision.
- While chatting on your phone might make you feel safer when walking alone, it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings. Keep your conversation brief enough to stay focused on what's happening around you.
Stick to familiar routes. When traveling at night, especially if you're alone, it's best not to experiment with new routes or take shortcuts through unknown neighborhoods. If you must enter unfamiliar areas, make sure you’ve planned your path in advance to avoid getting lost.
Stay in well-lit areas. Walk or drive through brightly lit, visible areas. Even if it takes a bit longer, it’s safer to stick to a well-lit route than to cut through dark, secluded paths. Opt for streets lined with homes and shops, rather than empty lots or abandoned buildings.
- When parking, choose well-lit spaces. If it's daylight when you park, picture the area at night and select a spot with ample overhead lighting. Always remember where you’ve parked to avoid searching for your car later.
Keep your keys in hand. When walking home or heading back to your car late at night, keep your keys out and ready to allow quick access to your home or vehicle.
Trust your gut instincts. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to leave or ask for help. Your instincts are your defense mechanism and are there to keep you safe.
Be cautious with strangers. If someone seems suspicious or you have an uneasy feeling about a person, remove yourself from the situation. You’re under no obligation to interact with anyone who makes you uncomfortable. Stay aware of your surroundings and be cautious of people who ask for assistance—sometimes, requests for help are designed to manipulate your sympathy.
Dealing with an Emergency
Have a backup plan. Be prepared with a clear plan of action and know where you’ll go if things take a turn for the worse. This plan should include a contact person to call if you need a ride. Familiarize yourself with safe spots along your route that you can quickly reach if you need to escape.
Remain calm. If confronted, stay composed and confident. Staying calm gives you time to assess the situation. If the attacker is after your belongings, it's often safest to comply. If they intend harm, get away quickly. If running isn't an option, fight back with everything you’ve got. Focus on causing pain by targeting vulnerable areas like the eyes, nose, knees, and groin.
EXPERT ADVICE
Adrian Tandez
Self-Defense Expert
Self-Defense Expert
Fight back, don’t comply. Adrian Tandez, a self-defense trainer, advises: “Never cooperate with your captor. If someone says, 'Do as I say and I won’t harm you,' don’t believe it. They’ll take what they want from you no matter what. You must fight as fiercely as possible and escape at the first chance.”
Make a scene. Attackers want to avoid detection, so make as much noise as possible. Yell for help. Scream. Blow the whistle you brought with you.
- It’s more effective to give clear commands than to shout something like 'Fire.' Instead, shout, 'I’m being attacked – call 911!' Or yell directly at the attacker: 'Get your hands off me!' or simply 'Stop!'
Get to safety. As soon as possible, find a safe location, such as a nearby store or house. Call the authorities and report the attack, providing details of the encounter and a description of the assailant.
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Avoid people who seem suspicious. It’s better to offend someone than to end up with a dangerous person.
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If you feel followed, be aware and let the person know you’ve noticed them. Try to change your route towards a more populated area or somewhere you feel familiar. Everyday objects can become makeshift weapons; for instance, place your keys between your fingers like claws and be ready to defend yourself or escape if necessary.
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Look confident, even if you're not feeling it. Criminals target those who seem vulnerable. Behaviors like slouching or dragging your feet make you an easy mark.
Important Warnings
- Stay clear of individuals who appear suspicious, such as those hiding their faces, loitering around, or hanging out in poorly lit areas like alleyways.
- Always avoid entering unsafe neighborhoods whenever possible. If you have the choice between a longer, safer route and a shorter, more dangerous one, always choose the safer path. Your safety is worth more than saving time.
- Don’t look down at your phone when walking at night. This gives the impression that you’re distracted and makes you an easy target. This includes talking to someone on the phone while walking.
