BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () — Pushing two buttons at the same time on an iPhone can alert emergency crews in seconds, potentially saving your life.
It worked for one woman in Bluffton, and officials said it’s just one of many ways women can defend themselves in a scary situation.
“Regardless of your location or situation, we always emphasize that anything can serve as a weapon,” expressed Master Sergeant Danny Allen from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
In this case, it was an emergency iOS feature on a woman’s iPhone which notified authorities and scared off the perp mid attack.
The incident was unprovoked, according to a Hilton Head resident, who reported to the police that an aggressive driver had followed her into the Walmart parking area in Bluffton.
When she turned onto a side street in an attempt to evade the pursuer, the individual reportedly resurfaced at her car, opened her door, and tried to drag her out of the vehicle, striking her in the face during the scuffle.
“Someone could be having some type of break or some kind of stressful thing going on with them, and it could just be one thing that you didn’t even realize you did that sets them off,” said Allen.
Authorities said the emergency S.O.S feature on the woman’s iPhone alerted authorities and scared off the perp, but they said this situation and many others could have ended differently.
That’s why they said they believe the importance of self-defense is stronger than ever, and women especially should be aware and ready to protect themselves, even if it’s with an unusual weapon.
Allen said, “Ask yourself, what do I have on me that I could use as a weapon? What do I have in my vehicle I can use as a weapon? What do I have in this restaurant or in my office or whatever else that could be used as a defensive weapon if I needed to?”
According to officials, a water bottle, jewelry, a phone, your purse, or even the contents inside, like body or hand sprays, keys and other heavy or sharp tools can make for quick protection.
“It may just be the things that are around you. If you have a drink in your hand that’s hot or cold, could that be used as a distraction area or defensive tool?” said Allen. “A lot of times, there’s a lot of items in someone’s bag or even in their car. You might have a lot of things that could be used as a weapon, from your purse to either pieces of clothing or if you have nothing else, you yourself are a weapon.”
Authorities also believe that any and everyone should always be aware of what’s going on around them.
“Always know where you are and look around, like if you’re going inside of a building, have you paid attention to where exits or other things if you’re even in your park? Is there another way for me to get out of here?” said Allen. “Pay attention to what’s going on around you.”
Officials emphasized that cameras nearby are always a good sign, and women should try to park near them. Criminals are less likely to do something when they’re in sight, but they can also be used to help assist in an investigation.
