As women, personal safety is something that we don’t want to take for granted. But we also don’t want to live in fear. Let’s explore some options in personal safety devices and an encouraging word from Scripture to help us kick fear to the curb!
What is fear and why is it there? Is it that feeling in the pit of your stomach that makes you feel queasy? Is it that hair-standing-up-on-the-back-of-your-neck sensation? I think that fear can actually be a useful tool for us when we see it as a warning sign rather than danger itself. Like if you have a leaky faucet. That leak isn’t going to do much damage but it may be telling you that something bigger might be hiding behind that little drip-drip-drip.
And what fixes little drip-drip-drips? Yes, plumbers – but we can do this ourselves ladies! We just need the tools that the plumber has that we don’t. Yet.
Over the years that I’ve been a private investigator and a true crime podcast host, I’ve learned that our best tool for greater personal safety is a very easy one. It’s greater situational awareness and it’s exactly what it sounds like it is.
We need to pay more attention to where we are, who is around us, and where we would go if we needed to leave the situation we were in. This applies to every aspect of our daily lives whether we are alone at night in an unfamiliar area, feeling threatened in a toxic work environment, or living in an abusive relationship.
Once we learn to better evaluate those drip-drip-drip areas of our lives, then we break out the tools to address the issue head on. First, let’s look at what the industry calls personal safety devices.
I’ve got a little can of mace and a button I can push to make a very loud shrieking noise in my purse. And that’s their biggest drawback. They are in my purse and I might not have enough time to rummage around to find them when I need them. Yes, I know I could clip them to my bag. They aren’t super-pretty. Safety is more important, I know, but…pretty is nice too isn’t it ladies? And there are some really cool looking wear-able devices on the market, so let’s take a look at some options that I’m really intrigued by. (No, I’m not a paid spokesperson for any of these companies, but hey, if any of you are reading this – give me a call!)
Let’s take a look first at She’s Birdie.
Pros:
- Easy to use personal alarm
- Tech connected features are available for an additional fee
- Cute colors
- Woman owned business
- Gives back to other groups looking out for women’s safety
Cons:
- Small number of choices for devices
- Flashing strobe light only available with additional fee
For those of you who are interested in a more fashion forward option, there’s Invisawear.
Pros:
- Large selection of fashionable products
- You can (for an additional fee) be connected with safety industry giant ADT
- Products don’t look like personal safety devices
- Capable of notifying multiple people in case of emergency
- Some features work internationally – great for frequent travelers
Cons
- A bit pricey (but then again, I’m cheap frugal price-conscious 😉)
- Batteries are not rechargeable so they must be replaced
What about apps? I found an interesting one called bSafe – Never Walk Alone.
Pros:
- It’s a free app, but the best stuff requires in-app purchases
- It’s an app – if you always have your phone with you this is uber-discreet
- Voice activated features include (with those in-app purchases) an alarm and the ability to record what’s happening
- Has applications for businesses and other organizations as well
- Very tech-forward
Cons:
- Some of the more advanced solutions are still in development
- Could intimidate those of us who aren’t the most technologically savvy people
So this is my non-comprehensive list of solutions. What I really want is to start a conversation! Tell me about any personal safety devices YOU use, what you like about them, and how they might be able to be improved! Even as we take practical steps to keep ourselves and our loved ones as safe as we can, we should never forget our GREATEST source of protection; God.
Psalms 140:4 AMP
Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;
Protect me from violent men Who intend to trip up my steps.
If you’ve not had a chance to listen to my podcast, The Unlovely Truth, you can check out the intersection of faith and true crime right here. Stay safe as you go along your way!