Sometimes you have no choice but to walk home alone at night. Even in a safe neighborhood, it’s good practice to be aware of your surroundings and know what to do if you’re attacked or mugged:

• Learn Basic Self-Defense - In case you are grabbed or immobilized, it’s good to know basic self-defense moves. Expert Village has videos on different self-defense tips and techniques.
• There Is Power In Numbers - Try and walk with a group of people, if you can. Even if you’re alone and there’s another group of people near you, ask to walk with them or keep pace nearby.
• Grab A Taxi Or Bus If You Can - If you have the money, grab a cab or bus that will take you home or at least closer to home.
• Walk In Well-Lit And Well-Traveled Areas - Even if it’s the longer way around, travel a route that is well-lit and has a lot of pedestrians, houses or cars. Don’t walk down dark alleyways or a street where someone can easily come out of nowhere and attack you.
• Ward Off Threats - If you sense you are being threatened, quickly cross the street, go to an open store or find a well-populated area. If you need to, scream and draw attention to yourself, which may ward off a potential attacker.
• Wear Proper Shoes - You’ll have a hard time walking quickly and an even harder time running if you’re wearing flip-flops or heels. Walk in sturdy shoes that you’ll be able to run in. If you have flip-flops or heels on and need to run, kick them off - trying to run with them will only slow you down.
• Do Not Flash Valuables - Don’t flash jewelry, money, electronics or any other valuable that might make you a potential target. Put your pocketbook under your coat, if you can.
• Do Not Wear Headphones - Listening to your iPod or music player only distracts you from your surroundings.
• Let Someone Know Where You’re Going - Before you leave to go home, tell someone where you’re going and what time you’ll be home. Coordinate to call that person to let them know you arrive safely, if possible.
• Beware That Your Self-Defense Tools Can Be Used Against You - If you carry mace, pepper spray, a pocket knife or some other self-defense weapons, beware that it could also be used against you if your attacker gets his hands on it.

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