You bring up quite a few issues in a short post. One of your concerns is falling, summoning help, etc. I carry a cellphone and back up battery pack. (It also has a small flashlight on it.) I also carry the Garmin inReach GPS system (because quite often I am in the hills where there is no cell coverage) which has an SOS capability and the ability to send txt messages via satellite. I have used the system several times include in foreign countries and at sea (fishing when our communications systems were out.) I cannot recommend it enough. I think Garmin just published they had their 3000th save via inReach SOS.

I like photographing with other people, so I belong to a photo club where we have outings. I also suggest you consider using the Meetup App which may have photo outings near you. We use it for hiking and a host of other meetups. It can be a lot of fun. Having other people around will certainly give you a sense of comfort.

As far as being robbed, in spite of flippant one liner rhetoric by town-taming gun slingers or the anti-gun crowd folks, carrying a gun is an option. 35 years of law enforcement in a big city, I have some experience. But carrying a gun is a huge responsibility that exposes one to potential liability, possibly added danger, etc. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone told me their dad taught them to shoot. My dad taught me to throw a football, but not necessarily play the game. When gun-play is at hand it requires not only firearms proficiency, but tactical proficiency and a survival mindset that not everyone has. In short, it is a huge decision that I think far too many people take lightly. The use of lesser weapons, such as pepper (OC) spray is a viable option. It may deter an attacker, a vicious dog and will not inflict a fatal wound on you if you are disarmed. Again, you have to practice and pre-plan for its use.

If someone were to rob (take by force or fear) me of my camera gear, I would allow them to take it if I were not in jeopardy of serious injury or death. Same thing with invasions into my home. We plan on barricading ourselves in a bedroom, calling the police and allowing the bad guys to take what they want. They threaten us, then obviously the scenario has changed and deadly force is an option.

Someone mentioned carrying a 2nd wallet. I do that in foreign countries in case of pickpockets, street robberies, etc. So far, not takers. I have those bogus credit cards from mail offers and a few dollars and foreign money in the wallet.

I have traveled widely, and walked many parts that were somewhat sketchy. I am always pleasantly surprised that most people are nice and respectful. To live in fear is a terrible thing. Prepare for potential bad situations, properly equip yourself, place some faith in the fact that most people are good and have some faith in a higher authority (if you are of that belief.) Go have fun with photography.

You bring up quite a few issues in a short post. One of your concerns is falling, summoning help, etc. I carry a cellphone and back up battery pack. (It also has a small flashlight on it.) I also carry the Garmin inReach GPS system (because quite often I am in the hills where there is no cell coverage) which has an SOS capability and the ability to send txt messages via satellite. I have used the system several times include in foreign countries and at sea (fishing when our communications systems were out.) I cannot recommend it enough. I think Garmin just published they had their 3000th save via inReach SOS.

I like photographing with other people, so I belong to a photo club where we have outings. I also suggest you consider using the Meetup App which may have photo outings near you. We use it for hiking and a host of other meetups. It can be a lot of fun. Having other people around will certainly give you a sense of comfort.

As far as being robbed, in spite of flippant one liner rhetoric by town-taming gun slingers or the anti-gun crowd folks, carrying a gun is an option. 35 years of law enforcement in a big city, I have some experience. But carrying a gun is a huge responsibility that exposes one to potential liability, possibly added danger, etc. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone told me their dad taught them to shoot. My dad taught me to throw a football, but not necessarily play the game. When gun-play is at hand it requires not only firearms proficiency, but tactical proficiency and a survival mindset that not everyone has. In short, it is a huge decision that I think far too many people take lightly. The use of lesser weapons, such as pepper (OC) spray is a viable option. It may deter an attacker, a vicious dog and will not inflict a fatal wound on you if you are disarmed. Again, you have to practice and pre-plan for its use.

If someone were to rob (take by force or fear) me of my camera gear, I would allow them to take it if I were not in jeopardy of serious injury or death. Same thing with invasions into my home. We plan on barricading ourselves in a bedroom, calling the police and allowing the bad guys to take what they want. They threaten us, then obviously the scenario has changed and deadly force is an option.

Someone mentioned carrying a 2nd wallet. I do that in foreign countries in case of pickpockets, street robberies, etc. So far, not takers. I have those bogus credit cards from mail offers and a few dollars and foreign money in the wallet.

I have traveled widely, and walked many parts that were somewhat sketchy. I am always pleasantly surprised that most people are nice and respectful. To live in fear is a terrible thing. Prepare for potential bad situations, properly equip yourself, place some faith in the fact that most people are good and have some faith in a higher authority (if you are of that belief.) Go have fun with photography.

Pepper spray sounds like a good idea in a compact form and I don’t believe a state permit is required anywhere! Besides, as those Hogs who are NRA members would point out, just like their revered POTUS reiterated in commenting on that Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting, "If an armed guard had been, this shooting could’ve been avoided."

Isn’t he wise? So there you go, JHS, just hire an armed bodyguard and you’re sure to be okay ... unless, of course, you and the guard are surprised by an armed criminal, and then you’ll just be dead anyway.

If permitted, how about carrying mace around with you, or maybe a Tazer? No, that’s probably insufficient. And a .357 peashooter? Why stop there? Bring an Uzi or a bazooka with you. That’s the ticket!

Seriously, JHS, I suggest you do what I do: keep a charged cellphone with you and don’t visit neighborhoods alone where thugs lurk, no ifs, ands, or buts. Sure beats packing heat!