RISE Blog | Street Smarts: Self-Defense and Tips for Staying Safe

Written By: Bavitha Thomas, Peer Educator
Edited By: Catherine Cespedes & Elizabeth Perry
January 31st, 2025

In today’s fast-paced world, staying safe is more important than ever. Whether you’re at home, online, or out and about, taking steps to protect yourself can make all the difference. As we transition into a new environment such as college, we often do not know many people and how safe the new city or town could be. Being in a new environment can feel unsafe, making even simple tasks like walking to your car anxiety-inducing. This blog will explore practical tips and strategies for personal safety. Learn how to secure your home in a safer way, be mindful of your surroundings, prepare for emergencies and overall stay safe at your university. By being proactive and aware, you can create a safer environment for yourself and those around you. Let’s dive into the essentials of staying safe in various aspects of life.

Personal and Home Safety

A home should be a safe space, where one should feel comfortable and relaxed the entire time. Your home is in your control when it comes to what you want or what you don’t want in it. In today’s unpredictable world, feeling safe and secure in your own home is more important than ever. It is important to be aware that home invasions exist, and it isn’t impossible that they occur. It’s not just about locking doors; it’s about securing all entry points, staying vigilant in daily routines, and creating a protective bubble that ensures our wellbeing. When living in an apartment it’s important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially when doing things in shared spaces like garages to get to your car or doing laundry in the basement (PCC, 2018). Make sure that you always know who is entering your unit. If maintenance shows up, you can ask them for identification. Keep your blinds closed, especially when you aren’t home. While keeping blinds and curtains open can fill your space with natural light, they also allow outsiders to look into your space. Now that your home is secure, let’s look at internet safety.

Online Safety

The internet has been a great tool to connect with others, but it can be a dangerous place. Problems have arisen as technology becomes more accessible at people’s fingertips. It's a great place to express yourself and make memories, but stay mindful of online privacy, cyberbullying, and potential predators. When debuting your online presence, it is important to avoid posting anything that can put you and your privacy at risk. Wait to post about that cool new restaurant until you leave. Make sure there isn’t identifiable information like a license plate or house numbers in frame of your photos. Be cautious posting vacation photos while still on the trip, as this can indicate that your house is empty to people who may want to do harm. Never post things like a personal phone number or social security number online (TTU PD).  It’s also important to be aware of scammers online. Common scams include a text message from someone claiming that your package couldn’t be delivered, social media messages from someone using fake photos and feigning romantic interest trying to convince you to send them money, or even fake job offers that ask for personal information. Always verify the source of these messages before providing an information in order to keep yourself safe. With these tips in mind, let’s talk emergency preparedness. 

Emergency Preparation

A saying I always like to keep in the back of my mind is, “expect the unexpected and be prepared”. The chances of something not happening can be extremely low but never impossible. A resource I love that Texas Tech offers is R.A.D. Self-Defense Training. They offer male and female classes and a simulation to practice self-defense movements. These sessions are helpful especially when you are unable to deescalate the situation or if you don’t have a defensive tool handy (Boynton, 2021). It’s always helpful to know local numbers for emergencies, and of course 911 for immediate help. Texas Tech PD is always out on campus patrolling and there are emergency blue light buttons around campus.  So if you ever need emergency support on campus, press the blue lights. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to run from a situation, press as many of the lights in your path as possible. This way, they will be able to track your location and get you help sooner. Having one hand free at all times can also help you to defend yourself when you are out and about (Boynton, 2021). Try to change your routine often so that you can’t be followed easily as well. 

Workplace, Travel, and Vehicle Safety

Navigating the busy life of a college student often involves a fair amount of travel, whether it’s commuting to campus, heading out to work, participating in off- campus activities, or evening hanging out with friends. If you have a vehicle, it's essential to keep it well-maintained to reduce the risk of breakdowns and getting stranded. An emergency kit can be invaluable in various situations. Consider including a first-aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, and basic tools. If you have a vehicle, it's essential to keep it well-maintained to reduce the risk of breakdowns and getting stranded. An emergency kit can be invaluable in various situations. Consider including a first-aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, and basic tools. When traveling, planning your route in advance enhances safety. Use reliable GPS apps to find the best routes and avoid heavy traffic or unsafe areas. If traveling late at night, bring a friend or inform someone of your plans and whereabouts in case of emergencies. For those who use public transportation, always stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions like headphones or looking down on your phone, especially in unfamiliar areas. Keep your belongings secure and within sight to prevent someone from taking them. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any point, don’t hesitate to move to a different seat or alert the driver. Your safety is a priority. 

In the workplace, whether it’s an internship, on campus job, or a part time job, safety should always be a priority. Familiarize yourself with the emergency exits and location of first-aid kits and fire extinguishers. Following all safety protocols and guidelines provided by your employer, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about something. If your job requires driving, then ensure that you’re well-rested and focused; fatigue can impair your driving abilities. Practicing defensive driving is a huge help as well as you are aware of other drivers and looking out for potential hazards. Avoidable distractions like texting or eating while driving, following speed limits and traffic laws. Remember, safety is not just about protecting yourself but also about ensuring the safety of others on the road.

Conclusion

Staying safe in college is all about being smart and prepared. Learn some self-defense moves with R.A.D. and always stay alert when you’re out and about! Contact Jorgann Holgersen for more information! It is offered each semester. Keep your dorm, house, or apartment locked up tight and be cautious who you let in. Online, make sure you’re keeping important information hidden and not available to the public. For emergency preparation, have a plan for emergencies and keep some essentials handy. For travel, make sure your car is in good condition, know your routes, and drive safely. Using these steps as a guide will help create a safer environment for you during your college years (and hopefully after college as well). Above everything else, trust your gut. If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Your intuition is powerful, so even if you don’t know why you’re feeling uncomfortable, trust that feeling. Stay safe and enjoy the college ride! 

Resources

• R.A.D. Self- Defense (Jorgann Holgersen)
  • 806.834.3634 | jorgann.l.holgersen@ttu.edu | Drane Hall Room 245 
• TTU Title IX
  • 806.834.1949 | kimberly.simon@ttu.edu | Doak Hall 129, Lubbock, TX, 79409
• Texas Tech Police Department
  • 806-742-3931 (non-emergency) | Police@ttu.edu | 413 Flint Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79415

References

Boynton, E. (2021). 6 self-defense basics everyone should know. Right as Rain by UW Medicine. 6 Self-Defense Tips to Stay Safe | Right as Rain by UW Medicine.

Federal Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). Common Frauds and Scams.

Pasadena City College. (n.d.). Safety Tips and Self-Defense - Police & College Safety.

Texa Tech Police Deparment. (n.d.). Crime Prevention Tips. 

 

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