You moved to the city for a new job, a better social scene, or to meet people from all over the world. Whatever the reason, you probably didn’t anticipate all the challenges life in a big city would bring.
While you may not be living in one of the 25 most dangerous cities in America, staying safe can be a challenge in any big city. There are a few basic rules you can follow to decrease your safety risk.
Safety Tips to Protect Yourself While Living in a Big City
Know Your City
If you didn’t review crime statistics for your city prior to moving, now is a great time to do that. Make sure you are aware of areas in your city where there are elevated safety risks so you can avoid those areas or travel in a group. It is also wise to stay aware of recent incidents in your neighborhood, near your work and along your route to work or other places you frequent.
Trust Your Gut
This is the number one rule in safety. You will encounter plenty of strangers during your time in the city. If something or someone feels “off,” don’t talk yourself out of it. Instead, remove yourself from that situation and move to a populated area or reach out for help from the police, a security officer, doorman or neighbor.
Remain Alert and Confident
Don’t get distracted by your phone, a conversation with a friend, or the latest single from your favorite band. Be aware of your surroundings and the people in them so you can identify potential threats. Remaining alert but confident makes you a less vulnerable target.
Always Have an Escape Plan
Whether in your home or out in public, always remain aware of exits and how to get to safety. When riding on the subway, eating out, or in large gatherings, try to position yourself near an exit. You should also alert friends or family if traveling somewhere alone so they know to look for your check in when you arrive to your destination.
Use Protective Measures
When possible, make sure your home has protective safety measures. Consider an alarm, window locks and gates for windows on a fire escape, a door peep hole, and a doorman or video monitoring for building access. When out in public, carry pepper spray, and stay prepared with a self-defense class.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
Isolation is not a good recipe for safety. Find neighbors who you can call on if you find yourself in need. Two sets of eyes are always better than one, and you can look out for each other by noting anything suspicious in the building or neighborhood.
Life in a big city doesn’t have to be full of anxiety. It will take some behavioral awareness and planning to follow the safety tips above, but in time, they will become second nature. You’ll be able to enjoy your time living in a big city knowing that you are prepared and able to protect yourself should a dangerous situation arise.
