Staying safe when out and about

Follow these tips to help keep you stay safe when you’re out and about.

Charge your phone

• Your phone keeps you connected if you need help out and about. Think friends, family or emergency services.

• Portable power banks or chargers can be useful to have with you if you rely on your phone a lot or when there might be a long time between charging opportunities.

Safety or information applications (apps)

• Consider installing a personal safety app on your phone. Most are free.
  Each has different information and service - like sending emergency alerts or sharing your location with trusted contacts.

• Some apps can discreetly reach out to or call emergency services or link you to safety tips and resources.

• There are also apps you can use for support or information like mapping (to show you where you are) and transport (to link you to taxis/uber/public transport).

• Set up “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) details that can be accessed by anyone, including emergency services, from a locked phone screen - in case of that emergency.

Tell someone

• Plan and share details of your route or destination.

• Before you leave, let a trusted person know your plans and how long you expect to be.

• Consider sharing your live location with someone trusted.

• If meeting up with friends, send them a quick text when you leave and communicate any changes.

• Think! If something goes wrong, does a trusted person know where I am?

Be aware

• Your phone is a distraction and being distracted can put you at risk.

• Actively look around while you walk. Pay attention to who’s around and what’s happening near you.

• Keep the volume low on your device or consider only using one earpiece so you can hear what’s happening around you.

• Walk against the flow of traffic and keep a safe distance if a car stops.

• Trust your instincts and remove yourself from a situation if you don’t feel safe.

• Consider carrying a personal safety alarm.