Personal Safety Tools

One of my favourite things to relax is to go for a walk alone "in the middle of nowhere" and look at a pretty view. However, as a female I find it increasingly worrying going out alone because of the daily horror stories about females being attacked.

Whether you're commuting to work, going for a night out, or simply enjoying a walk, it’s important to feel safe when you're out alone.

We shouldn't have to stop doing what we love, so below is a guide with practical tips and tools to help ensure your personal safety, focusing on things you can carry with you.

✅ Personal alarms: are one of the most effective, legal, and non-violent tools you can carry to alert others if you're in danger. These devices emit a high-pitched sound that can disorient an attacker and draw attention to your location.

How to Use: Keep it easily accessible in your pocket, bag, or on a keychain. In case of an emergency, pull the pin or press the button to activate the alarm.

✅ Ink Sprays (UK legal version of a pepper spray): can mark an attacker with a long-lasting, brightly coloured dye, making them easier for police to identify.

How to Use: Aim the spray at the attacker to mark them, then run away and seek help.

✅ Location Tracking Apps and Devices: Carrying a GPS tracking device or having a location-sharing app on your phone can be a lifesaver. These tools allow trusted contacts to monitor your whereabouts and send help if needed.

✅ Phone Safety Features: Most smartphones come equipped with features designed to assist in emergencies. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Emergency SOS (iPhone): Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons to make an emergency call and notify your emergency contacts.

Emergency SOS (Android): You can set up a similar feature by enabling it in your settings to call emergency services and alert pre-selected contacts.

What3Words App: This app divides the world into 3m x 3m squares and assigns each square a unique combination of three words. It’s useful for giving a precise location if you find yourself in an unfamiliar area.

✅ Self-Defence Keychains: self-defence keychains may seem basic, but they can offer peace of mind. These keychains are often designed with tools like a whistle, window breaker, torch, personal alarm and an ink spray.

❗ Mental Preparation and Awareness

Beyond carrying physical safety tools, situational awareness is key to staying safe. Pay attention to your environment and avoid distractions like being engrossed in your phone. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, don’t hesitate to leave or seek help.

❗If you need to, MAKE NOISE to get other people's attention, so they're aware that you need help.

Make noise to get people's attention

By practicing the above strategies, you can boost your confidence and personal safety when out alone. Be prepared, stay aware, and trust your instincts.

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