Going out out again? Here’s how to keep yourself safe.

As Covid-19 restrictions begin to ease, many of us are enjoying going out again. It has been so long since pubs, restaurants, cinemas and shows have been open for business that we have almost forgotten what it’s like to go out. Properly out. Out out.

So by all means make the most of it, subject to social distancing and any other remaining Covid-19 restrictions of course.

But there is a downside to all this that we may not want to think about. And that is the need to keep ourselves safe when we’re out and about. The shocking murder of Sarah Everard in London earlier this year brought this issue back into the spotlight again. It is a sad fact of life that, despite all we have been through during the pandemic, and the way the country has pulled together in the fight against Covid-19, there are still people out there who could harm us if we are not on our guard.

So here are our Top 5 Tips – based on police advice – for keeping yourself safe when you are out and about. We genuinely hope that you never need to use any of this information. But better safe than sorry.

 

Plan ahead

It is worth taking the time to plan ahead so that you can then relax and enjoy yourself.

First of all, what are you taking with you? You need to make sure that you have all that you need – money, phone, keys etc – and that it is easily accessible. But avoid carrying around more stuff than necessary, and ensure that any valuables are hidden.

Then think carefully about how you are going to get to where you are going, and how you will get home.

If you are walking, plan your route and stick to places that you know. Stay in well-lit, busy areas and avoid shortcuts that may take you into side streets, alleyways or parks. 

If you are travelling by public transport, sit in busy carriages on trains and tubes, and on the lower deck of buses, close to the driver.

If you are getting a cab home, it is advisable to book this in advance if you can so that you know it wll be there. Always be sure you are getting into a licensed cab that is reliable and safe.

 

Safety in numbers

Work together with friends to keep each other safe. Travel together if possible and always stay within sight of one or more of your group.

If you are with a group, have a plan as to what you would do if something goes wrong. For example, one of you is taken ill, is attacked or robbed, or even goes missing. Hopefully it will never happen, but it is good to be prepared.

If you have been out with friends but are travelling home separately, make sure that you all check that everyone has arrived home safely. Keep checking until you get an answer; if someone does need help then obviously the sooner the better. If in doubt, act.

 

Act confident and in control

In the unfortunate event of anything happening to you, remember it is not your fault. You are the victim, not the perpetrator. 

But what you may be able to do is reduce the risk of something happening to you by acting confident and staying in control.

For example, if you stand straight, walk purposefully and look confident – even if you don’t feel it inside – it can make you appear stronger and less vulnerable to anyone who might be watching you.

It’s also important to do all you can to stay fully in control. So enjoy a night out, but be careful not to drink more than you can safely handle. Also keep an eye on your drink to avoid the possibility of it being spiked.

 

Be aware of your surroundings

Whenever you are out and about, be aware of what is going on around you. Be alert. If you are walking along on your phone, or listening to music on your headphones, this can dull your awareness of potential threats nearby.

So be watchful as you walk, just keeping an eye open for anything that looks a bit suspicious. You can then choose to avoid the situation by crossing the road or changing direction.

It’s also a good idea to walk against the flow of the traffic where possible, as this reduces the risk of valuables such as your phone being snatched from a bike coming up behind you. But, as mentioned earlier, if you do have valuables with you, the best thing to do is keep them safely hidden out of sight.

 

Trust your instincts

If you follow the above tips, you are doing your best to keep yourself safe whilst still going out and about and having a good time.

But above all, always trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it is better to be safe than sorry. Either get out of the situation immediately or ask someone nearby for help. 

Another option is to have a code word that you text to a friend if you sense you are in trouble. There are also a variety of personal safety apps that can keep you in touch with one or more trusted friends and let them know where you are and what is happening. For example, check out Hollie Guard, Red Panic Button and Life 360.

 

Enjoy being able to go out out again, and we hope that the above information helps you to stay safe at all times.

Remember to check back here soon for more lifestyle and financial tips from Simple Fast Loans.