We’ve probably all been alone at night in a parking lot at one time or another, and many of us have probably done a double take just to make sure we weren’t being followed. The majority of time, the thought of danger is just in our head, but every once in a while, the danger may be real.
We’ve put together a list of 5 parking lot safety tips:
- Know where you are parked: Another way of putting this is to say don’t wander around. Know where you are parked and get your key out ahead of time so that you aren’t just standing there searching for it when you do reach your car. If you tend to have trouble remembering where your car is, try writing it down or if it’s somewhere you go often, try parking in the same area every time. Knowing exactly where to walk will cut down the time you spend outside of your car in the parking lot or garage.
- Be aware of your surroundings: This tip is really important. Look around and don’t get lost in your phone or some other distraction. This rule applies to safety in general, but especially so in parking lots. If there is someone else in the garage, you should know where they are in relation to you at all times. If you know that there are security cameras, make sure you are never in corners they don’t reach. Being aware of your surroundings can go a long way in ensuring your safety.
- Avoid being alone at night: Sometimes we can’t avoid it, but other times we can. If you’re out shopping, why not just stop a little earlier and go to that last store another time? If you’re at work, get there early or bring your work home with you so you don’t have to stay too late. One of the easiest ways to avoid being alone at night in a parking lot is to leave at a busy time.
- Don’t have your hands full: Someone walking with their hands full is a much easier target than someone who is alert and has their hands empty. Walk with your keys in your hand not only so that you aren’t fumbling around looking for them once you reach your car, but also so that in the event that something were to happen, you can use your key as a weapon.
- Walk with a buddy: Last but not least, you should always walk with a buddy when you can. Staying late at work? Leave with the last person there besides you. Many security guards, such as the ones that ORNA places, will gladly walk you to your car to ensure your safety so if you do have to walk alone, just ask them to escort you.
Many of us are in a parking lot or parking garage at least at once or twice a day, so use these tips to make sure you make it to your car safely.
Do you think every parking lot and garage should have security at all times?
