The reality of feeling unsafe
Most of us have felt it - that flicker of unease when the streets are quiet and you’re walking alone at night. Maybe you’ve left work late, missed the last bus or finished an evening out with friends.
Feeling cautious isn’t overreacting - it’s instinct and when it comes to personal safety, instincts are worth listening to.
The goal isn’t to walk around in fear but to be aware, prepared, and confident enough to enjoy your independence safely.
Before You Leave
Good safety starts before you even step outside. Choose routes you know well and stick to main roads or areas with lighting and traffic.
Tell someone where you’re going, a quick message like “Heading home now, will text when I’m in” is enough.
Check your phone battery too. A fully charged phone means you can call, navigate or message for help if you need to.
If you’re using public transport, check the last service times in advance and wait in well lit, populated areas rather than quiet side streets.
While You’re Out
When you’re walking alone, awareness is key. Try to keep your head up and walk with purpose - it signals confidence and reduces vulnerability.
Avoid distractions like scrolling through your phone or wearing both earphones; keeping one ear free helps you stay alert to your surroundings.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust that feeling. Cross the street, enter a shop or petrol station or call someone while you walk.
It’s never rude to prioritise your safety.
Using Your Phone Wisely
Your phone can be both your safety tool and your distraction. Use it to:
-
Share your live location with a friend or family member
-
Keep emergency contacts easy to access
-
Have a taxi or ride-share app ready, rather than waiting to flag one down
What you shouldn’t do is advertise where you are online. Avoid posting real-time updates or “heading home alone” stories - save them for later.
When You’re Nearly Home
Approaching your home is often when people relax but it’s still worth staying alert. Have your keys ready before you reach your door so you can go straight inside.
If you notice anyone loitering nearby or something that feels off, keep walking and go somewhere safe instead of forcing yourself to go in.
It can also help to have good lighting outside your home - motion sensors or timed lights make entrances safer and deter unwanted attention.
Confidence Over Fear
The aim of all these small actions is confidence, not paranoia.
You have every right to move through public spaces without fear and simple habits like planning ahead or staying aware help you do that.
Safety isn’t just about protecting yourself from others, it’s about feeling in control and calm in your environment.
A Final Thought
Everyone deserves to feel safe - whether it’s walking to your car, heading home after work or travelling late at night.
At Fortis Services Ltd, we believe awareness and preparation empower people to live freely and confidently. Security isn’t about fear; it’s about peace of mind and that begins with knowing how to look after yourself, wherever you are.
