Safety should be the Number One Priority for Women! In my book "the Ultimate Online Dating Handbook" I provide tips on being safe on your first encounter with an Internet Dating friend. But really, women need to keep safety in mind whether you are out of town, in a hotel, in a car, at home or going for a walk. Safety should be your first concern. Try following the tips below to help keep yourself safe at all times.

If you are traveling in an unfamiliar area consider these.

- In a hotel room alone at night put a doorstop under the main door and any adjoining doors before you go to bed. This will help to prevent a break in.

- If you're single and traveling alone, wear a band on your left hand ring finger. It should look like a wedding ring. This way you are not advertising that you're there by yourself.

- Always carry the address of the hotel you are staying at with you. If you get lost you can ask a store employee, a family or a woman with children for directions. These would be considered safe people to ask.

When driving in your car alone it is a good idea to take some precautions.

- Always drive with the car doors locked.

- Your windows should be up at least three-quarters of the way to prevent someone from trying to get in through your windows.

- Always keep the tank half full. You do not want to be got in an unfamiliar area without gas.

- Be cautious if a stranger is loitering around your vehicle, or sitting in a vehicle parked next to yours.

- Also, if you use public transportation like the bus or subway, sit near the driver or operator. Someone will be less likely to attack in the presence of authority.

If you walk regularly

- Do not draw attention to yourself be wearing flashy jewelry or expensive clothing.

- When walking alone at night avoid walking on poorly lit streets, near ally ways or parks. It is harder for you to see any person around you in poorly lit areas. It is best to stick to well lit streets that you are familiar with. And, never wear headphones - you must be alert at all times. Wearing headphones will not allow you to hear someone who may be approaching you.

There are also things you can do to stay safe in your home.

- When alone keep your doors and windows locked.

- Leave a light on outside and some on inside. If you are coming home late and do not want to leave lights on all day, purchase some timers. For outside and for inside. Set them to go on as dusk falls so it will appear someone is home.

- If you are going away have a reliable neighbor or family member pick up your mail and newspaper every day. If you are going away for a more lengthy period of time put a stop on your mail and the newspaper delivery. If you can, have a car parked in your driveway while you're gone. Have someone cut your grass or shovel the snow. Do all of this to make the house appear like someone is home. This will help deter burglars.

Follow these easy steps and always be careful and alert when ever you are alone.

Be Safe!
Marie Clare