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DRAFT
Safety
“Feeling safe isn't the same thing as being safe. Feeling scared doesn't necessarily mean you are in danger. It means pay attention.” - secessus
There are at least three broad categories of threats to consider:
violent crimes (robbery, assault), greatly overestimated
property crimes (vandalism, burglary), greatly overestimated
unsafe choices, greatly underestimated ←- important
general safety
No one but you can address whether or not you feel safe. That occurs solely between your ears, and can gut your life. As far as being safe:
A charged cellphone with coverage in the area may be the most important piece of safety equipment.
maintain situational awareness
areas of lower population density are safer from than cities. Lowest crime rate would be boondocking out on your own somewhere.
park in such a way that you can pull out without backing
be aware of multiple exit routes
if in a restaurant, etc, sit where you can see the van from your table
get a carry license if you are so inclined, and have the discipline to know and follow relevant laws
if in the city, park under street lights
get a dog
campsite safety
In the wild:
avoid camping in or beyond
desert washes. The water can rise suddenly in your camp, or block egress from the camp.
1)
carry extra food and water in case water or mud makes it impossible to get back to town. It will dry out in a day or two.
2)
be ready to break camp
at a moment's notice if needed. This means deploying nothing that requires work before leaving: awning, lawn chairs, bbq, tilted or portable panels.
3)
scout out another way out of the campsite in case the primary exit is blocked
4)
Be aware of where you put your hands and feet: know what poisonous insects and snakes live in the area
store, cook, and eat foot in a bear-safe manner
leave the drivers' seat clear of stuff so that you can get in it without delay
5)
put your keys where you can find them easily and always in the same place.
6)
In populated areas:
dangerous weather
solo females
Additional tips that may be helpful for solo female travelers:
choose parking areas that are NOT in large metropolitan areas but rather in smaller urban communities…lower crime rates and more upscale neighborhoods.
sleep in something you can drive in suddenly if needed, without the need for additional coverup