• There are simple steps you can take to help protect yourself from an attacker.
• How you carry yourself can ward off an attack. Non-verbal communication can shows that you are strong and confident.
• Paying attention to your surrounding is the easiest thing you can do to keep yourself safe.

When was the last time you went for a run and didn't once think about someone jumping in front of you? How about searching for your car in a parking garage … do you always feel safe doing that?

Knowing how to defend yourself if someone attacks you might not be something you think about often. But being able to fight off an attacker is, unfortunately, something everyone should learn how to do.

That's why INSIDER asked two self-defense experts to give us a quick run-down of some basic safety tips.

Jennifer Cassetta, the creator of Stilettos & Self Defense, a popular self-defense program that she teaches at colleges, corporations and conferences around the country, knows a thing or two about how to stay safe.

Cassetta, who has taught the likes of Carrie Fisher, Jenny McCarthy, Marie Osmond, and Bethenny Frankel how to defend themselves, shared her top eight tips everyone should know about staying safe.

Know your surroundings.

Keep alert and aware of your surroundings anytime you step outside of your home.

Don't be distracted.

Keep your phone in your purse or zippered pocket while out walking so you are not tempted to check emails, messages or social media.

Speak up if you're uncomfortable.

Don't be afraid to communicate your boundaries when people get too close in your personal space if it makes you feel vulnerable. Use a powerful tone and tell someone to back off or get out of your space.

Use what you have if you're attacked.

If you are ever grabbed, you can stab your attacker's arms or hands with a key that you are already holding in your hands to help loosen the grip.

Know how to attack.

Women should remember the three most effective targets on a male attacker are: eyes, throat, and groin.

Don't show fear.

Use powerful body language to communicate non-verbally that you are strong and confident and have no time for nonsense. Head up, shoulders back and make eye contact with all people.

Safety while exercising outdoors.

While out on a run alone, either do not listen to music OR keep one earbud out and music low enough so you can hear your surroundings. Check your back from time to time and be alert.

Safety in a parking lot.

While walking in a parking lot, keep keys in your hands like you would use them to key into a car ignition. If you feel like someone might be following you, get in your car as quickly as possible and lock your doors.

Rachel Piazza, women's rights advocate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, and the founder of Feminist Self-Defense, added these tips to the list:

Always trust your instinct.

"Women are constantly being suffocated with the message that we don't know what we want or that our perceptions aren't credible," she said. "We're told we're too sensitive — we're told that it's not logical to trust our gut reactions about a situation."

Science now shows that "gut feelings" are biological tools to keep us safe. That's why it's important to use them.

Sign up for martial arts or self-defense classes.

Physical combat techniques — outside of those you are born knowing — take time to master. "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great martial art for smaller people because it relies on leverage and momentum," said Piazza.

However, any martial arts training —as long as the instructors and gym culture feel safe and empowering —is a great way to become a skilled fighter.

Protect your space.

In order for someone to physically hurt you, they must get close to you. She recommends that if you feel unsafe or uneasy around a person, don't allow them to isolate you.

For example, if you're in public, stay in public. "You can position yourself far enough away that they cannot touch you. Use your resources. Can you position yourself so that there's a chair or table between you and the other person? Just remember, as long as they're not armed, if they can't reach you, they can't physically hurt you," Piazza said.

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