So depending on who you talk to, you will get differing opinions on whether or not NYC is safe. As someone who was born and raised here, I have to say that I personally do not feel safe walking the streets by myself. I feel as if I am on high alert most of the time, even during the day. I don’t walk by myself after sundown and am careful about restaurant location when I do partake in outdoor dining. Saying that, I still try to live my life and try to get out as much as I can before NYC goes back into lockdown. So, what’s a girl to to do? Follow my 5 cardinal rules for safety.

And, If you are a naysayer and think Im being a wide eyed Pollyanna or a Karen, read this first and absorb that this happened in BROAD DAYLIGHT, before you decide not to read on.

RULE 1: DON’T GO OUT AFTER SUNDOWN

So much for the city that never sleeps. Now we pretty much have an unsaid curfew that you don’t need a watch for. Years ago when I lived here full time, I would walk my dog at 11pm at night some nights or stumble home from a neighborhood bar. Those days are no more. The fact of the matter is that NYC gets a little bit more sketchier after dark. There are less people out and the ones that are may not be the ones you would want to encounter. If I do go out after dark, I’m usually in an UBER and go door to door from my apartment and back or I’m out with a friend, who is usually a male. How’s that for bringing back the feminist movement a couple of years? The fact is I do feel safer when I’m out with one of my male friends, especially at night.

Pro-Tip: Implement the buddy system if you are going out by yourself at night. Let a friend know that you will text them when you are home, especially if you live alone. Better someone check on you sooner vs later.

RULE 2: KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD

This just does not apply to driving anymore. Remember the days we would walk and text? Well, it technically was dangerous before, but it is way more dangerous now. NYC is no longer safe—we are back to the heydays of the 80s where crime was rampant. Look, I’m not one of this naive pollyanna’s who didn’t know crime existed in NYC. It did; it always did. The only difference is that now there is no one around so it has run rampant. It isn’t that bad, yet… but be aware of your surroundings, even in the daytime. Don’t be a smartphone zombie. We all know what happens when you let your guard down for two seconds on The Walking Dead.

Pro-Tip: If you must look at your phone, do it when you reach a corner and are waiting for a light to turn. Usually corners are more populated, whether it be by cars or other pedestrians.

RULE 3: EMBRACE THE ZIG ZAG

Unlike poor Rickon Stark, these days I find myself zig zagging my way around Manhattan to avoid bad situations—whether it be an anti-masker or unsavory individual, I find myself crossing the street and crossing back throughout my travels. Yes, sometimes it is in the middle of a long street or avenue, so I always make sure to watch out for incoming traffic both ways. It may take you longer to get to your destination, but look at it this way, you may most likely exceed your step goal!

Pro-Tip: If you are employing this method, make sure to leave ample time to get to your destination.

RULE 4: DRESS DOWN

As a true fashionista, this one was a little hard for me, but at the end of the day there really is no reason to dress to impress these days anyway! Anytime I go out, I am in total casual gear—jeans or leggings, sneakers, a baseball cap and hair pulled back. Yup, pretty unrecognizable to anyone who knows me personally. I hardly carry a handbag anymore, and when I do it’s not designer. Why draw unwanted attention to yourself?

Pro-Tip: Invest in belt bag (fanny pack). It’s harder to pickpocket AND if you wear it underneath a coat, you look pregnant, which has led to people being nicer to me on the street. I also believe it makes you less of a target because you have to be the bottom of human scum to go after a pregnant lady!

RULE 5: GET PROTECTION

So, this may be a somewhat polarizing topic, but this is where we are today. I carry a stun gun with me now when I am out walking alone based on my own personal experiences and from what I’ve heard from family and friends. It honestly makes me feel safer. I’ve had some encounters during the daytime walking around in formerly safe neighborhoods and Thank God they never escalated, but if they did I am glad I am able to protect myself. I haven’t had to use it yet, and I hope I never have to, but there is nothing wrong with protecting yourself.

Pro-Tip: Do your homework. Owning a stun gun or taser is legal in NYC, but if you are in other state or going across state lines, you can double check here. Let’s try to keep the real criminals in jail and not you.