10+ Smart Tips for Women to Improve Safety Skill

Walking alone at night or noticing someone following you can feel unsettling. It’s important to stay calm and be prepared for unexpected situations. Knowing a few safety tips — like staying in well-lit areas, keeping your phone handy, and trusting your instincts — can help you feel more secure. Small actions can make a big difference in protecting yourself.

1. Always mention that you’re meeting or waiting for friends.

This is a handy trick when you feel safer in numbers. If you’re sitting alone in a public place, pretend you’re waiting for friends. Traveling solo? Say your friends are in another part of the bus, train, or plane. Even when getting a taxi, you can mention you’re heading to meet friends or family. This lets the driver know that people are expecting you.

2. Give a different version of your work schedule.

If someone’s asking too many questions about your routine, a simple trick is to stay vague. For example, if they want to know when or where you work, just say your schedule is always changing, or you switch offices a lot. This way, they won’t know where or when to find you.

3. Position yourself between the elevator buttons and the door for easy access.

This simple trick gives you an easy way out if you feel uncomfortable in an elevator. If someone you don’t want to ride with steps in, just press the button for the next floor and get off. It’s a quick way to avoid any awkward or uneasy situations while using the elevator.

4. Do not try to fix flat tire by yourself.

If you find your car with a flat tire, head back to a safe place like a store or restaurant and call for help. Wait for assistance before returning to your car. If anyone—whether a man or a woman—offers to help, politely say, “No, thank you.” It’s better to be cautious since a stranger could have bad intentions.

5. Let the repairman know you share the home with others.

If a repairman starts asking too many personal questions, a simple trick is to act like you’re not alone. Mention that someone is with you or on their way. This way, they know you’ll have company if they ever try to return. Also, don’t forget, that you can always check their ID and call the company to confirm they were sent. It’s a good way to stay safe and be sure everything is legit.

6. Use a man’s name when ordering food for delivery.

When a stranger comes to your door, like a food delivery person or a handyman, it’s smart to stay safe. One simple trick when ordering a takeaway is to use a man’s name. This can make the delivery person think a man lives there or that you’re not alone when they drop off the food. It’s a small step that can give you extra peace of mind.

7. Keep a flashlight and some salt in your purse.

Salt isn’t just for cooking, it can protect you in emergencies too. If a dangerous animal, like a dog, approaches, throwing salt at its nose or mouth can slow it down, giving you time to escape. A powerful flashlight is another smart item to carry. It’s better than a phone light at night and can be used to blind or strike an attacker or signal for help. These small tools could make a big difference in staying safe.

8. Do not say your address out loud.

If the pharmacist asks you to confirm your home address, it’s safer to whisper it. Speaking it aloud could reveal personal information to nearby strangers, putting your safety or privacy at risk.

9. Keep your bag on the side away from the street.

We all get distracted sometimes, and no one can be on high alert every moment. Ideally, you’d spot danger early and have time to react, but if someone tries to grab your bag, the safest choice is to let it go. To avoid this, always keep your bag on the side away from the street. This makes it harder for someone to snatch it. And if you notice a suspicious person or vehicle, move your bag closer to a wall.

10. Attach bells to your hotel doorknob for extra security.

If you’re staying in a hotel or dorm, a simple safety trick is to hang an alarm on your door handle. If you don’t have one, you can use something like a few bells or an ironing board. If someone tries to open the door, the sound will alert you, helping you feel more secure.

11. Do not follow a person who want to show you the way.

If someone offers to show you the way by having you follow them, don’t go. Instead, politely ask them to point you in the right direction. Predators often try to lead people to quieter, isolated places where it’s harder to call for help. Staying in public areas is always safer.

Safety tips about dealing with strangers are important, but it’s equally valuable to learn how to communicate with loved ones in a healthy way. Building non-toxic relationships and raising children without stereotypes fosters trust, emotional well-being, and resilience. Positive communication creates a supportive environment, helping everyone feel understood and respected.