MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Even in today’s modern world, we’re still constantly surrounded by dangers and threats to our safety – these can happen to anyone and usually when we least expect it. While we tend to focus on the more obvious or larger-scale threats to our safety, we must not forget the day-to-day dangers that we must continue protecting ourselves from. Being able to protect yourself from looming dangers in any situation can be both a confidence booster and a welcome reassurance to your overall well-being.
AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, suggests these six tips you can practice to help you protect yourself better daily.
Be aware of your surroundings. An easy way to avoid potential threats is to be vigilant about your surroundings, for both threats posed by living beings such as criminals or stray animals, or inanimate ones such as hazardous zones like open manholes. Avoid wearing earphones and listening to music or scrolling through your phone while walking down the street, especially at night.
Find alternative routes. Street criminals like petty thieves usually rely on your routine to track you down and to look for a time when you’re most vulnerable to an attack. That’s why it’s important to change up your everyday routine. Try to be unpredictable by finding other streets or highways you can use when driving or commuting from home to work and back. Always park your car in a well-lit area.
Carry self-defense tools. Another self-defense trick is to carry a whistle or a lightweight safety alarm that can be used to startle an attacker and attract the attention of anyone who may be within earshot and able to help. In addition to that, you can bring pepper spray. Be sure to keep these in your pocket or an accessible place within reach so you can use them promptly in case of a threat. Your umbrella can also be a good self-defense weapon. Simply carrying it may deter an attacker. In fact, a form of martial art known as Bartitsu uses canes or umbrellas as its first line of defense.
Proactively protect your space. Use powerful body language to communicate non-verbally that you’re strong and confident to fight for yourself if need be. Lift your head up, put your shoulders back, and make eye contact with people. If you’re at home, communicate with strangers without opening gates or doors. Always lock all doors and windows before bed and make sure your home is well-lit inside and out so you can see if there’s anyone trying to break in.
Keep your emergency numbers ready. Nowadays, there are a lot of mobile applications that can help you in these kinds of unexpected and dangerous situations. One of them is the Emma by AXA PH app, a free app that will connect you to various emergency services you may need. Whether it be an ambulance, police assistance, roadside assistance, or even contacting the fire station nearest you. Just click the Rescue Line feature in the app and select the emergency service you need. You will automatically be connected to a Rescue Line operator who will obtain all the relevant details to help you with your emergency. You can also immediately notify your loved ones through SMS with the emergency contact alerts feature. Download the Emma by AXA PH app on your mobile phone today and keep protected in case of emergencies.
We may be facing a lot of uncertainties, especially during these times. However, there are some things that we can still control like protecting ourselves. To stay prepared and protected against any emergency and dangerous situations, you can download the Emma by AXA PH app for free on Google Play or the App Store or visit https://www.axa.com.ph/rescue-line to know more.
