Sariah Medina- June 2024 As a 5'0 woman navigating the realm of nighttime and mobile notary work, I understand the importance of prioritizing safety in every aspect of my profession. The nature of my work often takes me into unfamiliar territory, including strangers' homes. As a nighttime and mobile notary, I've honed my ability to approach my assignments with both confidence and caution. In this blog post, I'm excited to share some of the safety tips I've gathered through my experience, as well as recommendations for safety apps that provide an extra layer of protection.

Navigating Safety as a Female Notary

Being a nighttime and mobile notary brings its own set of challenges, and as a petite woman, I've learned to empower myself by staying vigilant and prepared. Here are some tips that have helped me navigate my assignments with confidence:

1. Trust Your Instincts: Listen to Your Gut Feeling

My first and foremost rule of thumb is to trust my instincts. If something doesn't feel right or a situation raises my internal alarms, I prioritize my safety above all else. This might mean politely declining an assignment or choosing to reschedule a meeting in a public place or during the day.

2. Plan Ahead: Know the Details

Before heading to an assignment, I make sure I have all the details. I know the address, the client's name, and any information related to the document. I make sure to look up the provided address on google maps and look at the street view. This not only helps in staying organized but also ensures that I'm going to a legitimate location.

3. Share Your Itinerary: Let Someone Know

I always share my itinerary with a close friend and/or my husband. They know where I'm headed, who I'm meeting, and when I'm expected to be done. This practice adds an extra layer of accountability and safety.

4. Maintain Open Communication: Stay in Touch

Throughout my assignments, I make sure to stay in touch with a friend or family member. Whether it's a quick text or a call, this practice ensures that someone is aware of my whereabouts.

5. Choose Well-Lit Locations: Prioritize Visibility

Whenever possible, I schedule meetings in well-lit public spaces like a Starbucks, Library or even the mall. This enhances visibility and reduces the chances of encountering risky situations. One time I even met a client at the Charlie's inside of a Wal-Mart.

6. Park Strategically: Choose Safe Parking Spots

Parking in well-lit areas near the destination is a strategic choice. This provides better visibility and reduces the chances of encountering safety hazards as I make my way to and from the client's location.

7. Maintain a Professional Demeanor: Project Confidence

Confidence is a powerful ally. I maintain a professional demeanor, projecting confidence through my body language and interactions. This approach not only boosts my own sense of security but also communicates to clients that I'm serious about my role.

8. Set Boundaries and Be Prepared to Walk Away

This is arguably the most important tip. Maintaining personal boundaries is paramount. An incident that stands out involves a client who became combative when I insisted on notarizing a document only in the presence of the signer. As I politely explained my position, the situation escalated, and the client's demeanor turned hostile. Recognizing the importance of my own safety, I calmly but firmly declined the assignment and exited the premises. Trusting my instincts in that moment was critical to avoiding a potentially dangerous situation.

Safety Apps: A Digital Shield in the Palm of Your Hand

In addition to these tips, I also rely on safety apps that provide added security during my assignments. Here are some of the safety apps that I've researched or tried and would recommend:

• Life360 : This app offers location sharing, driving safety analysis, and emergency assistance features. It allows you to create private circles with family, friends, or colleagues, and includes panic alerts and crash detection.
• Glympse: Glympse is a fantastic tool for sharing real-time location with anyone you choose. It's particularly helpful for letting clients or family members know your whereabouts while you're on the move.
• Noonlight : Designed for personal safety, Noonlight lets you trigger an alert if you ever feel unsafe. Holding down the safe button prompts you to enter your PIN, and if you don't, the app sends your location and information to the police who will dispatch help to your location immediately.
• Find My Friends (iOS) / Google Maps Location Sharing (Android): These built-in features on iOS and Android allow you to share your real-time location with specific contacts. You can see instructions on how to do this by clicking on the provided link.
• Watch Over Me: This app lets you set a timer when you're in an unfamiliar place. If you don't check in before the timer runs out, the app sends an alert to emergency contacts.

Prioritizing Safety for a Successful Journey

As a woman providing mobile and nighttime notary services, ensuring my safety is a non-negotiable priority and I've learned that embracing safety is an act of empowerment. By integrating these safety tips into my routine and utilizing reliable safety apps, I'm able to confidently navigate through my assignments, regardless of the time or location. This post is meant to highlight the importance of staying vigilant, setting boundaries, and never underestimating the power of intuition. Remember, your safety is a non-negotiable priority, and every step you take to protect yourself is a stride towards empowerment and success. The safety landscape is ever-evolving, and staying informed about new safety tools and strategies is key. When it comes to your well-being, it's always better to be prepared and proactive. Now go out into the world confidently and ready to take on any task.