3 Personal Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life

1. Travel in large groups when possible. 
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This tips can seem obvious, but is often overlooked when in a hurry or commuting at odd hours. Many of us might be on our way to an after-work happy hour, or taking a night class, and commuting on our own (especially in big cities). Try to avoid commuting on your own when possible. Call a friend or roommate and see if you can get a commuting companion. It may be worth waiting and delaying your plans. Studies show us that muggers often target those commuting alone. This simple change may end up being a useful and beneficial daily habit that will keep you safe. 

2. Send a location text to a friend or family member.  
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Send a quick text with your location to a trusted friend or family member when going out on a date, going out with a new co-worker, or buying/selling an item through Craigslist or a similar website. Anytime you are meeting someone for the first time, or if you are invited to a social event in someone's home, it's a great idea to let someone you trust know where you are going and what time you expect to be home. You may trust the person who invited you, but you may not know the home owner or their intentions. Sending a text message is a very quick and good habit to keep that may end up saving your life. 

3. Always keep your cell phone fully charged, or carry a portable charger if you expect to be out and about all day. 
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Wireless devices make about 80% of the roughly 240 million 911 calls placed in the U.S. each year, according to the trade group National Emergency Number Association. This means if you ever need to call 911, you have an 80% chance that you will be outside of the home on your cell phone. For this reason, it's essential to keep a phone charged or carry a portable charger.