We are living in dangerous times. To know this, all you have to do is flip on the television, the radio, or read your local newspaper to hear one horror story after another. No matter where you live, or what you do for a living, everyone is at risk. Understanding what personal protection is and how you can use it to stay safe should be a primary concern for everyone.

Literally, from the moment you wake up in the morning, anything can happen. From being assaulted on your way to work, to your wallet and/or purse being lifted, or to walking in on a robbery in progress when you just wanted a cup of coffee. Crime happens not just everywhere, but it happens all the time. To be sure of your personal safety, you have to realize you are not living in a bubble.

So, what do you do to protect yourself? The first answer sounds simple. Be aware of your surroundings. No matter how secure you may feel at any given time, always be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary, any potential of something unsafe. Some general tips are:

Be aware of where you park your car. Always park in a well-lit area as close to the building you are entering as possible. Remember, what looks secure during the bright light of day may not be a safe place once dark.

Do not leave your keys in your purse or pocket when approaching your vehicle. Have them in your hand and ready. Not only will this allow you a quicker entry into your car if there is a problem, but also keys can be used as a self-defense weapon if necessary.

If someone looks suspicious to you, avoid him or her. Do not feel silly for stopping at a very public, secure place until the person moves on. This is especially important if you are out walking or jogging by yourself. Also, always vary your schedule when possible, from the time you head out the door to the path you take.

Do not be an easy target. If you walk with your eyes on the ground, it is obvious you are not paying attention to your surroundings. If you have headphones on with music blaring in your ears, you may not hear someone approach you until it is far too late to be proactive in your self-defense.

The above tips will help you in staying safe, but what do you do if/when your personal security is violated? There are personal protection devices widely available. Find a reliable source of information and learn all you can. Once comfortable, make the choice of which devices you will use. These could include anything from a basic stun gun, pepper spray, mace, a personal protection alarm, and/or many other types of protection devices, from alarms to weapons. When you have made your choice, keep the devices on you, or within easy reach, at all times.

Remember, personal security is something we all have to be concerned with. Be aware. Be vigilant. Be ready to defend yourself if the need arises.