QUESTION: Night safety: what to do if you feel threatened?
Unforeseen situations can arise at any time, even if you carefully prepared for an evening walk or trip. For night safety, it is very useful to have two or three alternative development scenarios in reserve, including backup flights, alternative hotels, or a backup route in case of unexpected failures or dangerous circumstances. Having such a Plan B significantly saves nerves and allows you to quickly make the right decision in a stressful environment.
If you feel a real threat from people around you or find yourself in a disadvantaged area, do not panic and act decisively. The first step should be an immediate move to a well-lit, crowded place, such as a 24-hour store, pharmacy, gas station, or large hotel lobby. Such places always have security staff or video surveillance cameras, which automatically reduces the level of danger.
To respond effectively to a threat, follow a clear algorithm:
It is also important to have emergency phone numbers of the country you are in close at hand, as well as the contacts of your country's consulate. Write these data into your phone's memory and make a paper copy that you can put in your pocket along with your documents. Confident behavior and knowing how to act in a crisis situation will help protect yourself and minimize any risks.