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We have all experienced that uneasy feeling; that feeling when we worked late or had an event and then needed to walk back to our car alone. At Oswald, we are committed to not only protecting our clients from risk but empowering each other.

Here are a few important tips and reminders to protect yourself.

• Stay alert and be prepared. Avoid distractions like your cell phone and focus instead on your surroundings. Have your keys in hand as you approach your vehicle.
• Know your defense mechanisms. Pepper spray can be a great option, but it does expire and needs to be replaced. Also, it is important to try it out before an emergency, as some pepper sprays are not as easy to use as some may think.
• Utilize available security resources. In downtown Cleveland, we have the Cleveland Police Department and Downtown Cleveland Alliance patrolling. If you need an escort to your car, call 216-621-6000 and a Downtown Cleveland Alliance Safety Ambassador will ensure a safe trip to your vehicle.
• Take advantage of self-defense workshops. Many local community centers offer free or low-cost workshops to teach basic techniques.
• Work together. If you need to stay at work late, plan to leave with a co-worker as there really is safety in numbers.

The Oswald Women’s Leadership Council, developed in 2013 to inspire females at all levels to empower, develop and advance. This article originally appeared in 2017 and has been updated.