As a Woman do you fear being alone in a public space or at home? These Safety Tips will help you manage or avoid difficult situations.

Am often asked by my female friends, colleagues and relatives on what they should do if trapped in a difficult situation. So I’ve come up with some of the most common possible scenarios and have suggested means to tackle them.

REMEMBER no matter how brave you are NEVER tackle a person armed with a GUN. It is the most difficult thing to watch someone take away your possessions but there’s nothing more important than your life.

Being mentally aware of your situation and surrounding is the greatest weapon you can ever have.

Scenario: What should a woman do if she finds herself alone in the company of a strange male as she prepares to enter a lift in a high-rise apartment late at night?

Advice: Enter the lift. If you need to reach the 6th floor, press all the buttons up to your destination. Stand by the door open close panel and be prepared to rush out at any level. The rational is that a person will refrain from causing any harm when the lift stops at every level.

Scenario: What to do if a stranger tries to attack you when you are alone in your house? (No Gun involved)

Advice: If you can run to any room that can be locked from the inside then barricade yourself there. It should preferably be a room that has phone or cell phone in it. If not, then run in to your kitchen because you can then use various items to protect yourself. Throw spices (chili or turmeric powder) in the eyes, throw pots and pans, glass dishes, break them, make a noise, and scream for help.  The rational is that noise is the enemy of the assailant because of the fear of being caught.

Scenario: Taking a Taxi, Rickshaw at Night.

Advice: Before getting into the Taxi or Rickshaw at night, note down its registration number. Use your mobile to inform your family or friend and pass on the details to them in the language the driver understands. If no one answers your call, pretend you are in a conversation.(make sure the ring tone is on silent). Clearly mention the approx time to your destination and make them call you 5 minutes before that to confirm you are ok. The driver knows that there’s someone expecting you.

Scenario: What if the vehicle turns into a street that it is not supposed to and you feel you are entering a danger zone?

Advice: Ask the driver why you’re going the wrong way. Warn him to take the right route immediately. If he doesn’t comply then from behind him use your dupatta or a long handled bag to choke him. If you don’t have these items then just pull him backwards by the collar and the same choking will be experienced. When the vehicle stops alight and escape to the nearest house/shop and explain your predicament.

 Scenario: What if you are stalked at night.

Advice: Enter a shop or a house and explain your predicament. Go to an ATM which is guarded and lock yourself inside. The ATM has a 24/7 helpline phone for customers pick it up and explain your situation to the operator. Rational being that a person would not try anything untoward when there’s security around.