We love receiving special requests for FabLists, and we’ve just received one for safety items, those tools to carry with you in case you find yourself in a threatening situation. Crime is on the rise in many cities, and having the right tools on hand can mean the difference between safety and vulnerability. Crime doesn’t discriminate – everyone, regardless of sex, age, or circumstance, needs to be ready to defend themselves.
We recently interviewed several members of the Seattle Police Force, conducted some additional research (excluding firearms), and compiled a FabList of effective non-gun self-defense weapons that can help you protect yourself. We hope you never have to use them, but being prepared is always a good idea. These items make great gifts for your kids, relatives, and friends, and are also ideal to take while traveling to unfamiliar cities or countries.
Officer Bresko of the Seattle Police Force said the easiest thing to carry if you are out for a walk or out and about is a 32-ounce Hydroflask (with a handle on the cap) filled with water. If you are approached, use the handle to swing the water bottle (a 2+ pound weight when filled) at your assailant to fend off an attack and give yourself some time to run.
Officer Bresko said another essential item to carry is a strong flashlight that can be used to shine in the assailant’s eyes, blinding them and giving you time to escape.
Officer Bresko also recommends Pepper Spray and suggests buying TWO – use one to practice with so you know how to use it if the time comes. Pepper Spray is a powerful and legal self-defense tool in most areas. It incapacitates an attacker by causing intense pain, temporary blindness, and difficulty breathing, allowing you time to escape.
Personal Alarm: Simply pull the top ring to unleash an immediate and powerful alert designed to startle and disorient an attacker. Whether you’re on a walk, commuting, or traveling, an alarm provides an added layer of security and peace of mind when you need it most.
Stun Gun: A stun gun delivers a direct high-voltage shock upon contact, incapacitating an attacker with pain and muscle disruption. While it requires close proximity, it is effective in self-defense situations. This stun gun also features a built-in flashlight for locating door locks in the dark, along with a rechargeable battery for extended use.
Tactical Pen: This pen combines essential EDC tools, including a glass breaker, ballpoint pen, fire starter, compass, whistle, and a multi-tool head (functions as a bottle opener, nut wrench, and more). All neatly integrated into a sleek, streamlined pen body that easily clips into your pocket.
Self-Defense Key Chains: These key rings offer compact protection you can use every day. Designed to conform naturally to the hand and fingers, it can be used to strike at vulnerable areas (nose, ribs, stomach, groin) to give you a chance to escape. It can also be used to smash open a window.
Whistle: A simple but effective tool to attract attention. Easy to hang on a keychain, this precision-engineered single-tube design, with a wide sound chamber, generates piercing 125dB+ alerts, cutting through chaos to reach rescuers over 1+ miles.
Drink Covers: From Shark Tank, Night Cap covers your drink to prevent pills and powders from being put into drinks. Hangs from a keychain in a handy pouch. Also available in a scrunchie case!
Portable Door Lock for Hotel Rooms: Easy to install and remove, this portable door lock provides you with extra security and privacy when you travel (or when you’re at home alone). The door cannot be opened from the outside even with a key, significantly increasing your security and preventing unauthorized entry.
Safety Apps: Load these on your phone for safety tracking or panic buttons.
– bSafe: offers an SOS button with audio/video recording
– Red Panic Button: quick emergency contact and location sharing
– Noonlight: a subscription service connecting users to emergency dispatchers
– Life360: for family safety with location tracking and driving features
