Personal Safety Tips
By Laura Spanheimer
- Body language is very important. To appear confident keep your head
up, swing your arms, and stand straight up. You are far less likely to be
attacked if you do not look vulnerable.
- As soon as you get into your car, lock your doors and leave.
When you are in a parking lot or parking garage: look around you, look in
your car, look under your car, and in the back seat. You never know where
an assailant may be hiding.
- Always take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stand near the front
of the elevator and be ready to get off. Do not get into the elevator if
there is a strange person already in there.
- If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, RUN!
The predator will only hit a running target 4 in 100 times.
- Always keep your distance when walking past strangers on the street or
in dark areas. Never walk alone if possible.
- Avoid car breakdowns by keeping your car in good working order.
If your car breaks down: have a cell phone to call for help, and lock your
doors. If you do not have a cell phone, walk to safety. Do not stay in
your car because this makes you a prime target.
- Always have a blanket, a pair of warm clothes, and a flashlight in
your car for emergencies.
- The eyes are the most vulnerable part of the body. Poke the predator
there, with a key if possible, if you have an opportunity.
- If someone is chasing you, yell "Fire!" not "Help!" People do not
want to get involved when people yell for help.