Difference between revisions of "Walk Safely at Night"

#Keep your head up. When walking alone at night, make sure to keep your head up and look forward. This will help you be alert and aware of your surroundings. Do not look down or away, and only make brief eye contact with others.<ref name="rf1"> http://www.canadianliving.com/health/mind-and-spirit/article/9-ways-to-stay-safe-when-walking-alone</ref>

#Plan your route. Make sure to plan your route ahead of time. This way, you will know exactly where you will be going and you will be able to project confidence as you walk. Walk at a steady, brisk pace, and walk facing traffic to keep yourself visible.<ref name="rf2"> http://www.leelofland.com/wordpress/how-to-keep-safe-while-walking-home-at-night/</ref>

#Make sure your hands are free. Except for a flashlight, try to keep your hands free at all times. This way, you will be able to react if someone approaches you. Or, if you happen to trip and fall, you will be able to catch yourself by keeping your hands free.<ref name="rf3">http://www.canadianliving.com/health/mind-and-spirit/article/9-ways-to-stay-safe-when-walking-alone</ref>

#Carry a deterrent. Carry non-violent deterrents, like a whistle, pepper spray, or mace. A whistle will let others know if something is wrong, and the loud noise may deter potential attackers. If used properly, pepper spray or mace may be able to buy you enough time to evade a potential attacker, and seek help.<ref name="rf4">http://www.leelofland.com/wordpress/how-to-keep-safe-while-walking-home-at-night/</ref>

#Bring a flashlight or a bike light. A flashlight or a bike light is a great accessory to carry with you as you walk at night. Even if you are walking in a well-lit area, you still may encounter dark patches. Therefore, flashlights will enable you to light up dark patches as you walk along the path.<ref name="rf5">https://www.verywell.com/night-walking-strategies-3436861</ref>

#Wear reflective clothing and comfortable footwear. Your walking clothes need to have reflective strips in the front, down and the sides, and on your back. Reflective clothing enables cars and other bikers to see you as you walk at night. Make sure to also wear comfortable shoes while you walk, like sneakers. Sneakers will enable you to walk confidently, or quickly escape a potential attacker.<ref name="rf5" />

#*If you are walking home from the office, bring your sneakers with you in a separate bag so you can change into them before you walk home.<ref name="rf3" />

#Use heavily traveled paths. When walking at night, always use heavily traveled paths. By using heavily traveled paths, you decrease your chances of being alone while walking a night. Also, try to walk in familiar places where people know you, for example a neighborhood where residents know you. This way, if you feel in danger or that someone is following you, you can always knock on a neighbor's door.<ref name="rf6"> https://www.verywell.com/night-walking-strategies-3436861</ref>

#Avoid dark areas. Avoid dark alleyways, corners, and parking lots. Restrict your routes to well-lit areas, and always carry a flashlight in case you encounter a dark patch in your route. Also, be aware and avoid walkways that have thick shrubbery, buildings, recesses, or other objects that can conceal people.<ref name="rf7">https://transportation.wisc.edu/transportation/safeservices_safety.aspx</ref>

#Steer away from suspicious people. If you see something or someone suspicious in the direction you are heading, then change your route immediately. Cross the street to change your path in order to avoid suspicious people and situations.<ref name="rf8"> https://transportation.wisc.edu/transportation/safeservices_safety.aspx</ref>

#Walk with a friend. When walking at night, always try to bring a friend or a dog along with you. There is safety in numbers, and you are less likely to be approached if you are with someone.<ref name="rf7" />

#Notify someone. If you have to walk alone at night, let someone know that you will be walking alone. Make sure to tell them your plans, travel routes, and arrival time.<ref name="rf7" />

#*There are apps that you can download, like the Companion app, that allow your friends or family members to monitor you as you walk alone at night. The app shares your departure time, your route and your current location on the route, and will notify your friends once you have safely arrived.<ref name="rf9">http://www.companionapp.io</ref>

#Trust your instincts. Your instincts are your best allies when you are walking alone at night. Stop and look around if you are worried someone is following you. Let the person following you know that you are aware of their presence by looking in their direction.<ref name="rf3" />