Self personal security in regards to the streets is a mindset of passive urban survival tactics and counter self-defense methodologies.
One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself via personal security is to be aware of and analyzing your surroundings at all times.
This is particularly true when you’re on foreign land as that increases the unknown information around you. The different language, culture and general disposition of the city and people in it all change how you view can analyze your settings.
This means being especially aware of who and what is around you, as well as mentally maintaining routes you’ve already taken – using more memory as default.
Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is. In addition to maintaining situational awareness, there are a few other things you can do to increase your personal security on the streets.
Self Personal Security on Foreign Streets:
• If you’re of the area you’re in or going to, ask the hotel staff or taxi driver on if a certain street / neighborhood is dangerous or known to target tourists / foreigners.
• If you are walking alone at night, try to stay in well-lit areas and avoid shortcuts through dark alleys or vacant lots.
• Be aware of people who may be loitering in these areas, as they could be looking for victims.
• If you must walk in a less-than-ideal area, try to walk with purpose and keep your head up so that you look like you know where you are going.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or other valuables with you, and be sure to keep your cash / wallet close to your body and zipped up or buttoned shut.
• Don’t show obvious signs of wealth; jewelry, watch etc.
• If you are approached by someone asking for money or looking to start a conversation, keep moving and do not engage them.
• If you are approached by someone who appears to be aggressive or violent, try to move away from the situation and put some distance between you and the individual before finding a safe place to call for help.
• Always carry a fully charged cell phone with you so that you can call for help if necessary, and program the countries’s emergency numbers (911, embassy etc.) into your phone so that you can easily access them if needed.
• In addition to knowing how to physically defend yourself, it is also important to know when self-defense is warranted and when it is not in accordance to the country you’re in.
• Use discretion when using physical force—you could find yourself in legal trouble if you use excessive force when it was not warranted or necessary. This could be even worse as a foreigner.
• Finally, always trust your gut—if something feels off or dangerous, it probably is. When it comes to the streets and your safety, don’t second guess yourself.
By following this simple guide, you can help increase your self personal security on the streets and reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
[OPTICS : Hanoi, Vietnam]