Safety Tips for Arriving Home After Dark
It’s past midnight when Sandy arrives home after dark. The street is quiet and though she’s only a few steps from her front door, she’s anxious about the short trip from the car.
If you’ve ever arrived home late at night, you can relate to Sandy’s anxiety. You don’t know what or who lurks in the shadows, and you know a dangerous situation can happen in the blink of an eye. Here are some safety tips for arriving home after dark.
Thinking Ahead
If you are coming home late, turn on exterior lights so you can see your yard and driveway when you return. Consider installing motion sensor lighting around your home’s exterior, which will light up when movement is detected.
Leave a few interior lights on. This tip will not only help the home look occupied, but it will give you a sense of security when you enter your home.
Driving Home
When driving home make sure no one is following you. If you notice a suspicious vehicle trailing you, do not drive to your house. You don’t want them to know where you live. Instead, drive to a public location and call the police.
Parking Your Vehicle
Do not sit in your car after you park. Instead, head immediately inside your home. Try to have your phone, purse and other items ready to go as soon as you park. If you park on the street or a distance from your home, park in a well-lit area after dark.
Exiting Your Vehicle
Keep your phone and keys in hand for a quick entrance from your vehicle. You can also hold your keys between your fingers, turning them into a makeshift weapon. Leave any unnecessary items in your car until the morning. These items can slow you down.
You also want to have your arms free, so you are not struggling to unlock the door. Avoid using your phone as you walk to your front door. You may too distracted to notice someone emerging from the shadows when you arrive home after dark.
If you find yourself in a dangerous situation:
- Resist. Yell, kick, make a scene to alert neighbors or anyone nearby. Whatever you do, do not allow yourself to get into a car with someone.
- Run, even if they have a gun. You have a better chance of getting away than a criminal has of shooting you while you are on the move.
- Practice self-defense methods. Carry pepper spray and practice quickly retrieving it. Consider taking a self-defense class.
Consider these statistics:
- A sexual assault occurs every 2 minutes in the United States
- Most assaults against women occur at night in areas where few people are out
- 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape
- The majority of sexual assaults occur at or near a victim’s home. 48% were sleeping or doing something at home. 29% were traveling to and from work or school
Reducing the Threat
Install a security system that will serve as your eyes and ears while away from home. You will receive notification if someone is lingering around your home, and you can remotely check in via your phone before you head home for the night.
Let Cultris Security help ensure your home is safe and secure! Contact us a 281-506-8466 or visit us online!
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