Personal Safety Tips

Take a reality based self defense class.  Know your abilities and limitations, how to deal with violent conflicts and how to protect yourself in a variety of situations.  Having knowledge is always better than not having it. 

Always be aware of your surroundings so that you can avoid potentially violent situations.  If you find yourself being confronted by someone or being attacked take all necessary steps to protect yourself with affective combat skills and tactics, then make lots of noise.   Carry a personal alarm, a device that makes a loud noise when activated to draw attention to yourself.  Always carry a cell phone.  Put 911 on your speed dial so you can call for help quickly and easily. Remember, always take action to protect yourself first, then use alarms and cell phones.  Do not waste time trying to alert others if you are in immediate danger.  After the immediate threat is neutralized activate your personal alarm, yell and scream, call 911, throw rocks at windows, anything that will draw the attention of people nearby.  Yelling “FIRE” is more affective than yelling for help.  Attempt to make it to an area where people will help you and call the police. 

Never travel alone into an area that you are unfamiliar with.  Call ahead and ask someone to meet you to guide you to your destination.  Really, this is important if you can.  Always try to let a family member or close friend know where you are going and when you expect to return.  Call them if you are delayed so they do not worry.

At night stay to main streets and park in public lots where the lighting is good and there are plenty of people around.  Always check your surroundings for suspicious people or circumstances, leave if you are not comfortable.  If you are at a mall or other public location, ask for a security escort if you feel uneasy.

When at a party or out for the night, avoid accepting rides with anyone you do not know well.  Bus fare or the expense of a cab is a small price to pay for personal safety.  Never get into a vehicle with a stranger or someone who has been drinking.  Really this should not even need to be said but unfortunately people do these things.

If you are being followed, go to a public place such as a shopping mall, hospital or police station.  Never go home, you do not want the person to know where you live.  Phone the police immediately if you believe you are being stalked.  If the subject is driving a car try and get the license plate number.  This is the only way the police can identify a car.

Be aware of the problem areas in your community and avoid placing yourself in any situation where your personal safety may be compromised.  Use common sense and listen to your intuition, it is there to protect you.

 You have to take responsibility for your own safety, you are the only one who can.