Many people, when they think of staying safe in public, they do not often think of how to stay safe in a public restroom. Unfortunately, predators often hide in public park bathrooms and desert gas station restrooms. Below are the top ten tips for staying safe in a public bathroom whether on a road trip or at a hockey game in your hometown.
- Avoid going alone
- This is a stereotype for a reason! Going to the bathroom with a buddy is the best tip for staying safe as there truly can be safety in numbers.
- Don’t stay in the bathroom longer than necessary
- While you should not rush, do not linger around even in a crowded bathroom unless you are waiting for a friend or family member.
- Lock the Door
- While this may seem as if it is a give-in, occasionally needing to use the restroom badly can cause sudden forgetfulness. If anything, remember to always lock the door behind you no matter how badly you need to go!
- Check for tampered items
- If the lock is not closing properly, or you notice a tampered with outlet or an off-putting item, such as an air freshener with a mysterious light, do not use the restroom and report it immediately.
- Do not leave belongings unattended
- Bring your purse, backpack, or suitcase into the stall with you and do not leave it unattended outside or outside the stall. Before leaving, ensure you have all belongings.
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings
- Always look back as you approach the restroom to ensure you are not being followed.
- If you see something, say something. Suspicious activity can look like someone lingering outside a restroom or someone pacing in and out of a multi stall bathroom.
- Have your cell phone accessible, but do not be on it
- Ensure your phone is reachable in the event of an emergency but do not take this as an opportunity to scroll on Instagram or Facebook. Even when you are waiting for a friend, stay alert to your surroundings.
- Check around corners in single use bathrooms
- Typically found in smaller gas stations and some parks, single use bathrooms have been known to be hiding spots for predators. Ensure you look all around the restroom and ensure there is no one hiding around a corner prior to you or your child using the restroom.
- Leave immediately if you feel unsafe
- It is much better to find a safer restroom or ask someone to come with you than stay in an unsafe spot.
- Arm Yourself
- The best way to keep yourself safe is having protection products on hand
- We recommend having the Hear Me Out or Silent Signal easily accessible
- Another great option is having the Modest Marie or Side Sadie to conceal carry your preferred protection method
Want to learn more about the products or other ways to stay safe while out and about? Contact your local Damsel Safety here today!
