Sometimes we feel like we are invincible. We have an attitude that nothing will happen to us. We don’t think about getting into an accident, becoming ill, becoming injured, and worse. We don’t think anyone would want to harm us in any way. Sometimes, we just don’t think at all.

On top of that, in this day and age, we have become less connected with our family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. We think that social media has become the new normal. Why should we check on our loved ones and friends when social media lets us know when they post and we spill everything on social media.

We have lost that connection and, in turn, we have lost touch with those people we interact with on a regular basis. Now you hear stories about people dying in their homes due to illness or injury because no one checked on them for over a week. Someone has a car accident and no one knows why they were where they were.

Worse yet, we assume everyone has a cell phone glued to their hand now. We have cultivated an attitude that wonders why they didn’t call, text, or message someone that they need help. Many older people and quite a few people in their 40s and 50s don’t carry or wish to carry a cell phone. They still have landline telephones, but sometimes those phones are not in reach. Some people also do not carry their cell phones everywhere with them at home either.

16 Personal Safety Tips That Preppers and Non-Preppers Forget

1. Always let someone know where you are going. Even if you live alone, you should tell a neighbor, a family member, or a close friend if you are going somewhere. This may seem annoying, but if something happens to you, someone will know where you are or should have been going.

2. When traveling, let someone not going know your itinerary. Again, the same reasons as #1, but with an added caveat. You can be reached in case of an emergency also. Sometimes, cell phones do not work as well in other areas of this country or overseas. Knowing where you are staying and when you will be there makes it easier to reach you.

3. Leave a paper trail. Someone may need to find you. Calendars and planners are not bad things to use. Write down where you are going, your appointments, errands, etc.

4. Keep a paper phone list with you in case your cell phone becomes unavailable for use. You only need to have 5-10 names on that list, but you will need those numbers to call in case of an emergency and you can use another phone.

5. If you travel for your work or are on the road a lot during the day, make sure someone else knows where you are going and places you are stopping. Again, the same reasoning as #1 and #2.

6. GPS tracking apps and programs on computers are not always a bad thing, especially if you live alone. Only 1-2 people need to track you, but if something happens, they will know where you are located.

7. If you can, do not travel alone. Some things are better with another person around to help and to enjoy the experiences. If you are traveling alone, see #2.

8. If you live alone, have a few people that you touch base with every day. If you are working, this usually isn’t a problem because your co-workers and your supervisor will notice you are not at work. Living and working by yourself is another story. Whether you choose to call, text, email, or message a few people, if they don’t hear from you that day, they know to check on you.

9. As well as keeping track of yourself, if you are neighbors who live alone or are widowed, you should be checking on them. Most people appreciate a smile, wave, and some polite conversations. You should be on friendly terms with your neighbors anyway, but this makes sure you notice if you don’t see them for a day or two that maybe you need to check on them.

10. Carry maps and an emergency kit in the vehicle you are riding or driving. We get complacent. We rely on our phones and GPS too much. When the phone dies or the GPS quits working, then what? You will need an old-fashioned paper map. If you are stranded, you will need your emergency kit complete with water and snacks.

11. Always keeping your cell phone charged. If you are in a vehicle, your cell phone should be plugged in and charging. Besides the fact that you will be able to retrieve it if it goes flying, your vehicle is free electricity to charge it. If you are sleeping at night, it should be charging. I know most phones can last a day or two on one charge, but what if the power goes out? What if you are stranded? Having a fully charged cell phone can be a lifesaver when it happens.

12. Always be aware of what is going on around you. Too many of us have our heads down looking at a device and being distracted. You should be looking up, noticing the people around you, assessing the area, looking for exits, and generally just being aware of what is going on. Your personal safety, as well as others, may depend on your observance of the area around you.

13. Be a people watcher. Along with #12, noticing the people around you can make a difference. If someone seems off, you will notice. If they notice you noticing, they may not cause any problems. You can observe people without being creepy.

14. You can be helpful and friendly to other people. You just need to learn to be on your guard and not become a victim. You should never give away personal details. If you are going to a ball game, just say that you are going to a ball game. You have no need to be specific about where or who your child plays for. You can direct someone somewhere without getting into a car with them.

15. Social media is not your friend. If you are going somewhere, do not check in on social media. Even though you may have the highest privacy controls, once you check-in somewhere, more people can see where you are. More importantly, they know you are not home. If you go on vacation, post pictures after you get back home. Unless you have a security system or a house sitter, your home has not become a target. Do not use the check-ins.

16. If you are going to be gone for longer than two days, have your mail held at the post office or have a neighbor collect it for you. A would-be robber will check for signs that you are gone and will be gone for a few days. You should also use a timer in your home for lights and put a shatterproof film on your windows to deter break-ins. Don’t make it easy for someone to break into your home.

Being on your guard and being safe is not being paranoid. You are taking care of yourself and not making yourself into a victim. You are being proactive and taking care of your family and friends as well.

In this day and age, you can not be too careful.

Thanks for reading,
Erica

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