Personal Prevention/Safety Tips
These tips may seem like simple common sense. But after you've taken our training, you will appreciate them in a whole new way.
At Home
- get a cell phone & charge it by your bed (lighted dial, mobility) take it in case of escape
- have emergency phone numbers handy and/or programmed into phones
- consider an alarm system with a good reputation
- keep outdoor entrances well lit; install above reach to avoid tampering
- keep bushes trimmed away from doors and windows - VISIBILITY
- install spy hole in front door
- if an entrance has been forced open, don't call out but go directly to neighbors for help
- replace locks after moving in, or when keys are lost
- use timers on lights, radios, etc. when away; use "random" function for longer vacations
Key Security
- never put your name or address on keys or rings (*use War Amps tags)
- have your keys ready as you approach the home or vehicle
-have THE key firmly between thumb and first finger
-don't fumble around at your door where you are vulnerable - do not leave keys in obvious hiding spots (under the mat)
Vehicle Security
- keep vehicle well maintained! (PREVENTION)
- have your KEY ready while walking to car
- keep emergency equipment handy and operational (see kit below)
- stick to busy, well-lit streets as much as possible
- park under lighting, near public gathering area, close to destination
- when approaching vehicle, look beneath car and in back seat; check other cars for occupants
- never allow gas tank to get below quarter-full
- when changing a flat, attempt to do so at a public area, police or fire dept. - lit & busy
- conceal items that indicate your gender, as well as all valuables
- be aware of ROAD RAGE, both theirs and yours
A complete Car Safety Kit includes:
CELL PHONE, working flashlight + spare batteries, empty gas can, gallon of water, fire extinguisher, blanket (for warmth and/or to keep clean during repair); emergency candle, can of "fix-a flat", jumper cables, flares, good spare tire (and ability to change flat), first aid kit.
The Street
- when trouble is ahead on the sidewalk, discretely + intently cross the street; - look in shop window as if interested, checking reflection for threat
- if a car follows you, turn and walk in the other direction (like you forgot something - get angry)
- if you must carry purse, run strap diagonally over shoulder as deterrent
- - for clutch purse, carry upside down + dump contents on ground to distract thief if necessary
- keep money & ID on your person; trade a valueless purse for your safety
- walk closer to street than walls (doorways and bushes are good for hiding) - be aware of people sitting in cars
- identify safe havens; fire hall, hospital, store, lit buildings
- avoid risky shortcuts; you may meet someone who wasn't looking for you, but will take the opportunity
- keep your hands out of your pockets, free of packages
- be vigilant at ATM's and pay phones, keeping hold of purse, etc.
- vary your walking routes, and remember that things can look different at night
... gangs...
- keep walking around group who tries to stop you for the time or a match
- avoid being engaged in conversation; check over shoulder after you pass
- don't get too close and avoid being surrounded
- if they persist, yell to draw attention and magnify your power
... subway + transit ...
- locate alarms, safe areas, exits, etc. while waiting; sit near the driver on the vehicle
- be aware of your surrundings - don't get too engrossed in book or paper
- keep walkman turned down (or off) to hear surroundings; can be good for avoiding unwanted conversation
- if you see trouble elsewhere - call for help (cell phone) or sound alarm; attract attention if there is help close by
Calling for emergency assistance
- remain calm and call police, 911, or call the operator
- calmly state your name, address and telephone number
- explain your problem
- stay on the line until police arrive
- advise the dispatcher of your location in house, any weapons at the scene, perpetrator info, etc.
Prevention is a balancing act - safety versus "work & worry".
While its always best to play it safe, its not always possible or practical.
Being aware of vulnerabilities in any given situation is the best way to reduce them. Training in self-defense increases one's options and effectiveness in the event of a threat. And from the confidence brought about by your increased level of safety comes a greater sense of personal peace.
Condensed from the "Safe & Sound Course Notebook".
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