There were an estimated 1.2 million violent crimes committed last year in the United States. Over 64% of these violent crimes were assault-based. Robbery rates increased 1.2% from 2015. All of these statistics were compiled by the FBI.
We could go on about these statistics, but the lesson is clear – it’s a smart idea to protect yourself.
This becomes especially true if you work late. Walking to your car in an isolated parking garage, leaving the office after everyone else is gone, taking a shortcut through a bad part of town all leave your vulnerable to crime. You don’t want to be left unprotected in these situations.
This is exactly why we’ve put together this list of must have self defense items for people who work late. Check out the top five items below and don’t forget to take a look at our self defense resource guides for practical tips to stay safe!
A FLASHLIGHT
The first self defense item you want to have if you work late is also the simplest. Keeping a flashlight with you for the long walk home will quite literally shed light on would be attackers.
There are a lot of different types of flashlights, from LED to tactical to penlights and beyond. There’s even a lot of crossover between these types – an LED penlight, for example. There are also reflective flashlights more geared towards protecting yourself while biking or jogging.
The type of flashlight you choose largely depends on your personal preference. You may feel safer with a heavy duty tactical light. You may want something a bit more practical, like a mini keychain light.
Regardless of personal preference, you’ll definitely want to keep a flashlight handy.
A STUN GUN
Whether you call them tasers, stun guns, jolt sticks, or something else entirely, keeping one with you at night is a smart choice.
Your choice of stun gun depends on how much room you have to carry it. Some, like stun batons, are large and bulky. They’re perfect for striking fear into a potential attacker, but a bit unwieldy to keep tucked in a purse or briefcase.
Luckily, there are a ton of smaller options that still pack a serious punch. There are mini stun guns that fit in a pack of cigarettes and perfume cases that carry over 3 million volts of power.
There are countless other options, all of which are designed with one goal in mind – your safety.
HEATWAVE SELF DEFENSE SPRAY
Pepper spray is one of our personal favorites and none are better than Heatwave Pepper Spray.
Heatwave is a type of high octane self defense spray. While many sprays top out at around 15% OC (the stuff that stops attackers in their tracks), Heatwave boasts 23% total OC. Even better, it’s a mixture of red and black pepper. Think of it as a one-two self defense punch.
Heatwave has a range of between eight and fifteen feet, so you don’t have to let a mugger in close. Just point, spray, and you’ll be home safe in no time.
A FIRST AID KIT
You probably aren’t thinking first aid and self defense in the same sentence. You should be. Remember that old saying “the best offense is a strong defense?” You can’t get much stronger than carrying a first aid kit with you at night.
Not all first aid kits are created equal, though. You’re going to want a kit that has a number of different dimensions bandages, sterile gauze pads, adhesive bandages and tape, antiseptic soap or pads, alcohol pads, scissors, tweezers, gloves, cotton swabs, and cold compresses. The AAA Premium Kit comes to mind.
BONUS: PERSONAL PROTECTION PACK
The Personal Protection Pack is your go-to choice if you want a little of multiple products mentioned above. We’re talking about pepper spray, self defense key chains, and batons. That means you are completely protected.
