Outdoor Safety Tips for Women:
Force Predators

Outdoor safety shouldn't be based on luck. By turning these tips into everyday habits, you become more aware of your environment and significantly increase your security and your comfort.

You will feel more secure and be more secure by following the guidance on this page. Knowledge is power.

Unlike Friendly Predators who use "helping" and charm to manipulate, Force Predators rely on the surprise of an ambush. This is what you need to know about how to avoid their greatest advantage: the "Ambush Zones."

AMBUSH ZONES

► Apartment laundry rooms - Use only during busier hours. 

 ► Stairwells and elevators - Use stairwells only in fire emergencies; instead, use elevators. See Apartment Security - Elevator Safety (#4 - near the end).

► Parking lots and garages - Assume someone is watching. In garages, walk in the driving ramps instead of using isolated stairs/elevators. Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas when possible. See Parking Lot Safety.

► ATMs - These are high-opportunity spots for criminals. Stay aware of your surroundings and leave immediately after your transaction.

► Public restrooms - Check for clear exits and avoid lingering. If possible, have a friend accompany you.

[By the way, females commit ~20% of violent crimes (per the FBI). Some may seem friendly (at first), commit crimes alone, or in groups, or help male partners. So evaluate ALL strangers by their behavior and red flags.] 

Also see: 

► Running Safety, Walking Safety, Biking Safety FAQ

► Street Crime FAQ

► Purse Snatching FAQ

The chaos of a sudden threat forces you to make split-second decisions. Nonetheless, understanding your options now will help your intuition choose an option then. See a victims options - overview and Set Your Boundaries at facing danger.

Enhancing Your Options

► Carry a Personal Security Alarm (screamer or noisemaker) on a wrist strap for quick access.

► Carry  Pepper Spray in your hand (and on a wrist strap) for quick access. 

► Trust your instincts: If a person nearby makes you uneasy, don't worry about being "rude." Act early - change direction, enter a store, or prepare your alarm and/or pepper spray. 

► Stay aware: Avoid distractions like headphones or staring at your phone. Walk with confidence while scanning around you.

Safety is about awareness, smart habits, and tools. Share these tips with your friends and family.

NOTICE: This non-profit website is for informational purposes only and is drawn from the bibliography and USDOJ. Use the information at your own risk. See disclaimers.

Crime-Safety-Security > Outdoor Safety Overview > Force Predators

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.