This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Tulane chapter.
If you’re like me, you’ve found yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe. Whether alone or with others, I’m here to let you know that you shouldn’t have to feel this way: helpless, scared, etc. So here’s a list of self-defense gadgets I feel keep me safe and hopefully help you feel the same.
1. Pepper Spray:
- Pink Pepper Spray
- This mace is attached to my keychain at all times. My mom bought it for me when I first moved into college and it’s stayed with me ever since. It also locks into place meaning you can lock and unlock it whenever you want, so you don’t accidentally pepper spray yourself or someone else accidentally which believe me happens a lot more than you would think.
2. Taser:
- Car Key Taser
- Out of this entire list, this taser makes me feel the safest. It’s a taser disguised as a Porshe car key so not only is it inconspicuous but it’s smaller in size than other handheld tasers. This taser is also rechargeable rather than one that needs batteries. I find this more reliable as I struggle to remember to buy and replace batteries but I can easily remember to plug it in at least every week with all my other devices.
3. window Breakers:
- Window Breaker A
- I also have one of these attached to every keychain I use. After hearing so many storytimes on Tik Tok I was convinced to buy one. Since it has a sharp end, it can also be used to inflict harm on an attacker. It additionally has grooves lining it, making it easy to maintain a firm grip at all times.
- Window Breaker B
- This is another version of a window breaker that also includes a seatbelt cutter. Compared to the first window breaker this one is a lot more discreet. It has the appearance of a random device on a keychain since the sharp end and seatbelt cutter are concealed. This device can also come in handy if you ever need to get out of your car in an emergency.
4. Personal alarm:
- Personal Alarm A
- This was another self-defense object my mom bought me due to her endless scrolling on Facebook and the parent’s page of each college class. It has multiple built-in speakers as well as a hugely noticeable strobe light to catch the attention of anyone near you. It should scare off any attacker or unwanted person immediately. Plus it’s rechargeable and gives you a warning when it’s low on power so not only do you have to not worry about replacing batteries but you’ll know instantly when you need to charge it.
5. Other:
- Noonlight – App
- This app was suggested to me by a peer when I told her I was going on a blind date. When you open the app you are faced with a blue button and can hold this down whenever you are in a situation where you feel unsafe. The second you let go of the button you have a limited amount of time to put in your personal pin to cancel before the app sends out emergency texts and calls to your chosen contacts. and the police. You can even save details of your timeline, such as where you’re going and with who, just in case.
- invisaWear – Safety Charm + App
- I first discovered this brand when I was mindlessly scrolling Tik Tok one night, and it is women-owned and created. Basically, it’s a necklace, bracelet, keychain, etc that from an outsider’s perspective just looks like some cute jewelry but upon further inspection, you notice a button on the back of the charm. By simply pushing this button all your designated family members and emergency contacts are immediately contacted. A text notification is sent to them which your location. You can even enable a setting that allows you to additionally alert the police when the button is pressed. I wear this bracelet everywhere, every single day, especially when I go on walks alone or out at night.
Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in a situation where any of these devices or apps are needed but it’s better to be safe than sorry.