As much as we may not like to admit it, the world around us is a very dangerous place. From the increased criminal activity to natural disasters and even just fatal accidents, most people will encounter a dangerous situation at least once during their life. This is why it’s important to learn everyday precautions in order to keep yourself safe.
Below, we are going to talk about some safety tips (in a variety of areas) that every person should know. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
At Home:
In the US, there is a break-in every 13 seconds. In order to protect both yourself, your family, and your valuables, you want to try and keep your home as secure as possible. One of the best ways to do this is with a home security system. However, there are some smart tips you should follow as well. For example, things like shutting your curtains, tidying your garden, locking your doors, and installing lighting can all make a difference.
However, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t just be preparing for criminal encounters. There are a variety of different ways to make your home safe, including protecting yourself from house fires and hazardous materials like mold. Carbon monoxide (known as the silent killer) is also a severe issue because it is a substance that is colorless and odorless. It’s certainly worth getting a detector installed.
In the Car:
Car accidents can be fatal, so ensuring both yourself and your passengers’ safety is essential. When driving, it’s vital that all attention is on the road. This means no phone or electronic devices can be used. You also need to follow the speed limits, avoid drink driving and ensure that everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt.
Alternatively, there are also safety tips to help you stay safe in a parking lot. While we may not realize it, they are among one the most dangerous areas, especially at night. Everyone should get in the habit of checking their back seat and remaining extra vigilant. It would be best if you also had your keys out ready to avoid fumbling around.
Camping and Hiking:
While camping and hiking can be an enjoyable activity, you need to remember that it is also dangerous. According to littlethings.com, approximately 2000 people get lost in the woods each year. Without taking the correct gear, you could end up in a very sticky situation. This is why you should never go into the wilderness alone and should always let other family members know of your whereabouts.
Alongside this, some areas may have wildlife such as bears and wolves, and you will need to know how to protect yourself. Check out how to stay safe from wild animals for more information.
Going Out:
Everyone enjoys going out at night and spending time with friends, but drinking can make you a vulnerable target. Being prepared and having a plan in place to get home safely is very important. As well as this, there are other tips you should follow, such as never leaving your drink unattended and avoiding walking home alone.
If you want to protect yourself even further, you might want to look at carrying some self-defense gear. Things like tazers, penknives, and pepper spray are popular options as they are small and easy to carry. Don’t forget; you may also want to look at getting a pepper spray antidote, just in case you accidentally hurt someone. Self-defense classes are also a good idea.
Online:
The online world has become a very popular place, but even it isn’t free of dangers. Hackers, stalkers, and groomers roam social media platforms and can often be extremely hard to detect. While having a great cybersecurity software installed is essential, there are some things you need to do yourself. For example, you should avoid sharing your location, never post about when you are home alone, and only communicate with people that you know and trust. Check out these other tips to stay safe online to learn more.
Swimming:
According to cdc.gov, between 2005-2014, there was an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings per year in the US. This just goes to show that even accidents can happen to the strongest of swimmers. To keep yourself safe around water, there are some tips that you should follow. These include never swimming after drinking alcohol and wearing a life jacket when appropriate. Alongside this, you should avoid going into the water alone when possible and only swim in areas that are deemed safe by lifeguards.
Traveling:
No matter where you are in the world, there are going to be both good and bad places. This can make traveling hard, especially when being a tourist can actually make you more of a target. If you’re in a destination that is known for its crime rate, try your best to act like a local. It’s also wise to avoid putting your valuables on display and to carry a list of emergency numbers with you.
Getting travel insurance is an absolute must and is undoubtedly one of the most important safety tips. There are some countries that may even refuse medical care if you aren’t able to pay for it.
At Work:
Last on the list, just like it’s important to stay safe at home, and while traveling, you want to make sure that you are reducing your risk of injury and illness in the workplace. Specific jobs are more hazardous than others, so you want to ensure that you have access to all the necessary protective equipment. Regular breaks should be provided, and you should always be aware of your rights.
Final Thoughts:
And that’s it! These were some safety tips that everyone should know and follow. While we shouldn’t live in fear, there’s nothing wrong with being prepared and watching out for both ourselves and our loved ones. With the pandemic continuing to move into 2021, it’s more critical now than ever.
