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Safety Tactics for Solitary Ladies in a Building

Are you a woman who works alone in office? Do you find yourself walking across a long lonely parking lot at night, with not the ideal lighting? If so, you're not alone. Millions of workers, whether they clock into office complexes, factories, schools, or other work places, are often forced to work under less than ideal conditions. Many workers may even feel threatened by their surroundings. Women workers, in particular, may feel threatened by work conditions that put them at risk for harassment, theft or a violent attack. If you are a female worker who is often forced to work alone in an environment that seems less than safe and inviting, here are some tips for feeling and being safer.

Take advantage of car escort services. Many businesses and institutions have taken the initiative to institute after hours car escort services. Often, you need only to contact your company security office to have a security guard escort you to your car. If you are a student, contact your campus security office to see if such a program is available. Most of these programs are available from late evening to late night. If your company, work site or school does not offer such a program, you may want to contact the head of security to petition for an escort program.

Be alert of your environment at all times. This is perhaps the most important thing you can do. Many people understand the importance of being alert to their surroundings, but few of us actually pay attention when it most counts. If you are working late at night, make sure you understand how many other people are working in your local vicinity. As you walk outside, take a peek to see who is out there. Stay alert by not listening to music or talking on the cell phone as you walk to your car or your office.

Try to buddy up. Statistics show us that people are more prone to being attacked when they are alone. You can fight this statistic by buddying up with someone. This can be as easy as having a girlfriend walk with you to your car, arranging for someone to pick you up at the door to your office, waiting inside for a friend to walk with you, or any other number of strategies you devise to stay safe. The important thing is to not be alone in an environment so that you can feel and be safe.

Be prepared to walk the long dark hallways and parking lots of the world alone. One of the most important things you can do is stay safe is to be prepared. This means have your keys in your hand as you walk to the parking lot. Have easy access to a flashlight, perhaps a small one attached to your key ring. Carry some sort of self defense protection, such as a tube of mace spray. Have yourself phone with you, and be prepared to dial if need be.

Avoid working in a solitary environment late at night, whenever possible. This may not be easy to accomplish, but if your job allows it, always avoid working late by yourself at night whenever possible. With increased telecommuting opportunities, try to arrange having phone calls and messages sent to your home rather than the office during a specified time.

Always make sure somebody knows where you are. Let someone know your work schedule, and roughly where you are at certain times of your work day (or night). If possible, make sure that someone knows when you take your breaks, where you go, and what you do.