Personal safety is of the utmost importance, as it allows you to live free from potential hazards, safeguarding your physical and mental well-being. While avoiding situations that may put you in harm’s way – such as walking alone at night – is a crucial aspect of personal safety, certain situations are unavoidable. As such, personal safety devices and accessories are vital, helping you avoid hazards or defend yourself against individuals with malicious intentions. Read on to find out more about how you can improve your personal safety.
Personal Alarm
Carrying a personal alarm can provide you peace of mind while travelling alone. When activated, these gadgets emit a loud, shrill noise that acts as a deterrent to potential attackers and alerts bystanders of an ongoing assault. There are two key factors to consider when buying a personal alarm – the ease with which you can activate it and the volume of the alarm itself. Most personal alarms feature clips or keyring fittings, so you can keep it close for quick access.
First Aid
While you may not always be able to carry a full-size first aid kit, keeping a condensed version with essential items, like plasters and antiseptic wipes, in your bag or rucksack is advisable. This is particularly important if you enjoy activities such as hiking or jogging, as minor injuries caused by trips and falls are common. Keeping a larger first aid kit in your car boot or glove compartment is also a good idea, so you are always prepared to treat wounds whilst on the road.
Attack Deterrent Spray
In the UK, it is illegal to carry – or even own – pepper spray due to the presence of substances such as oleoresin capsicum, deemed noxious by UK law. Fortunately, there are legal alternatives that will help you achieve the same level of protection. For instance, you could carry a criminal identifier spray, which releases a sticky, foul-smelling dye onto attackers. This powerful non-toxic odour will cling to skin and clothing for up to three days, helping the authorities identify your attacker. You can also deter a potential attacker using body spray or deodorant.
Smartwatch
Smartwatches are excellent devices that may help keep you safe. Most smartwatches are equipped with GPS capabilities and can track your location down to precise coordinates – this enables quick and accurate location sharing with emergency services. Your smartwatch may also feature SOS functions, allowing you to send alerts and calls to your pre-assigned emergency contacts. Additionally, most smartwatches are voice-activated, meaning you can raise the alarm quickly without having to fumble with your smartphone.
Whistle
The humble whistle is an age-old, tried and tested safety tool. Six short, loud blasts of a whistle, followed by a minute-long pause, and repeated as needed, is a universally-recognised international distress signal. You can also catch the attention of bystanders by emitting the auditory version of Morse Code using a whistle. Loud whistles, such as survival whistles, can be heard as far as a mile away, cutting through all manner of background noise.
Seatbelt Cutter
Seatbelt cutters are small, handheld tools that often feature on personal safety keychains. Designed for swift and effortless cutting of seatbelts, these tools enable drivers and passengers to release themselves should their seatbelts become jammed or entangled in a crash or similar emergency situation. Furthermore, the blades featured on seatbelt cutters are shielded so as not to injure the user. However, they are still prohibited in many countries, so always check before purchasing.
High Visibility Clothing
If you enjoy hiking, jogging or cycling, wearing high visibility clothing or accessories in low light or poor weather conditions can significantly boost your safety. Bright apparel featuring reflective strips makes you more visible to drivers, vastly reducing your chances of being involved in a road accident. You can also purchase high-visibility accessories for your dog to protect their safety and well-being on late-night or early morning walks. Here are some more useful tips for walking and jogging after dark.
Portable Lock
If you’re planning to embark on a solo travelling adventure, a portable lock could prove a valuable tool. Portable locks are designed to prevent entry to a room, even if potential intruders possess a key. This will grant you an extra layer of security when staying in a hotel, hostel or any other type of temporary accommodation. These tools are relatively inexpensive and compact, so you can have peace of mind wherever you go.
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