In today's world, where personal safety has become a national crisis, chances are very high that most women will experience one or more dangerous encounters while going about their daily lives.

Whether it's walking to your car after work or engaging in outdoor activities, being prepared and aware can significantly enhance one's safety. Take a quick refresher and learn some new self-defense and safety awareness tips so you can be empowered to take control of your personal safety.

Being aware of one's surroundings is the first line of defense against potential threats. It's crucial to trust your instincts and avoid situations or individuals that make you feel uneasy. When walking alone, maintain vigilance and be mindful of your surroundings.

Prioritize caution over convenience, and always have a plan in place for unexpected situations. Know where your exit to escape is located and don't be afraid to ask security or a store employee to escort you to your vehicle.

Equipping oneself with self-defense techniques can instill a sense of empowerment and confidence. Every woman should learn these 4 self-defense techniques:

Palm Strikes:

Mastering palm strikes allows individuals to effectively target vulnerable areas such as the nose, throat, or eyes of an attacker. By delivering forceful strikes to these areas, women can incapacitate the attacker and create an opportunity to escape safely.

Knee Strikes:

In close-range encounters, knee strikes can be highly effective. Aim for the attacker's groin area with swift and powerful strikes to immobilize them and create distance.

Elbow Strikes:

Elbow strikes are valuable for close-quarters combat. Women can utilize sharp elbow strikes to the attacker's face or body, causing disorientation and facilitating an escape.

Break Free Techniques:

Learning techniques to break free from grabs or holds is essential for self-defense. Practice methods to escape wrist grabs, bear hugs, or other restraining maneuvers, focusing on utilizing leverage and momentum to free yourself from the attacker's grasp.

Carrying self-defense tools can provide an added layer of protection in threatening situations. Pepper spray, personal alarms, and stunning guns are effective tools that can deter attackers and provide valuable time to escape. Familiarize yourself with how to use these tools in a high-stress scenario and always carry it with you.

When selecting self-defense tools, consider factors such as ease of use, legality, and portability. Pepper spray, for example, is compact and can be easily carried in a purse or pocket. Look for pepper spray products specifically designed for self-defense, with a range of at least 6 feet to keep a safe distance from the attacker.

Personal alarms emit loud, attention-grabbing sounds when activated, alerting bystanders and potentially deterring the attacker. Choose a personal panic alarm with a simple activation mechanism for ease of use in high-stress situations.

Stun guns deploy a high voltage electrical shock when activated and are the best non-lethal option for close proximity self-defense. This means that the attacker has already grabbed you and is in your personal space. For example, stun guns are extremely effective if you are grabbed from behind by an attacker. The electrical discharge into the body’s muscles will send your attacker into excruciating pain and provide you an opportunity to escape.

Ensure that your chosen self-defense tools comply with local laws and regulations regarding their possession and use. Undergo proper training and practice often to effectively deploy them in self-defense situations.

Taking proactive safety measures can minimize risks and maximize personal safety:

Choose Safe Routes:

Use well-lit and populated routes when walking or jogging alone. Avoid shortcuts through isolated or unfamiliar areas and stick to well-traveled paths whenever possible.

Buddy Up:

Always run with a friend or walk to class together. A little pre-planning can mean you never walk across campus, jog in the park alone or trek downtown solo again.

Share Your Plans:

Inform a trusted friend or family member of your intended route and estimated time of return. If you live alone, text someone. If you have roommates, leave a note on the fridge. This ensures someone knows your whereabouts and can take swift action if necessary.

Stay Alert:

Avoid distractions such as wearing ear buds or using your phone while out alone. Remain vigilant and always maintain awareness of your surroundings. Keep your head up and make eye contact with those you pass. Violent criminals are less likely to act if they know you will be able to identify them.

Vary Your Routine:

Avoid establishing predictable routines. We cannot stress this enough. Vary your routes and schedules to reduce the likelihood of being targeted by potential attackers. Switch up the days you run in the neighborhood. Walk to the mailbox at different times of the day to get your mail. Drive to work a different way every few days. Keep your routine unpredictable.

Investing some time in self-defense training and education is vital to your personal safety. Think of it as time you are spending to empower and better yourself. Seek out reputable self-defense classes or workshops in your community to acquire practical techniques and strategies for protecting yourself.

There is no substitute for live, in-person training. You can learn from others in the class and get immediate correction from a professional instructor if you are performing a tactic incorrectly.

Many college campus safety departments offer free self-defense classes at various times during the year. Additionally, local law enforcement and civic organizations do the same. The key to any self-defense course success is the practice you put in after the class is over.

Incorporating self-defense and safety awareness into your everyday life and making it a habit is vital to your personal safety. Remember, self-defense encompasses not only physical skills but also mindset, awareness, and preparedness.

Communities play a crucial role in the safety of their residents. Get involved in a neighborhood watch. Join the community social media groups to stay aware of any police incidents in the area.

If you live in an apartment complex or subdivision, attend some of the community social events and get to know your neighbors. When a sense of community is strong and connected, crime rates are lower.

In conclusion, by equipping yourself with self-defense techniques, staying vigilant, and taking proactive safety measures, you can enhance your personal safety and well-being. Remember, you have the right to feel safe wherever you go, and by taking control of your own safety, you're empowering yourself to live life on your own terms. Stay safe, stay empowered, and never underestimate the power of being armed with a self-defense device.