Ø First and foremost, be aware of your surroundings.
Ø Avoid doing things that are distracting such as talking on your cell phone or wearing headphones when you run or take a walk.
Ø Have your car keys ready when you exit a building to avoid having to rummage through your purse/pockets when you arrive at your vehicle.
Ø Lock your car doors immediately once you get inside the vehicle.
Ø Before parking your vehicle and unlocking the doors, survey the surroundings for anything that may seem suspicious or out of the ordinary.
Ø DON’T be nice. If approached by a stranger asking for help or directions just say “No” and keep walking. Don’t stop or worry about sounding rude. This is a common ruse used by attackers to get you to drop your guard.
Ø If an attacker demands your purse throw it in their direction and turn and run in the opposite direction as fast as you can. This diverts attention from you as the attacker instinctively goes for your belongings allowing you time to escape.
Ø If your hands are tied up from carrying a lot of bags and you feel threatened by an attacker, drop the bags and run! Don’t try to flee with the baggage. Material items can be replaced but your life can’t.
Ø Don’t wear a lot of loose clothing. It can be easily grabbed and easy to pull off.
Ø Maintain a strong and confident air about you when out. Attackers look for victims; those they feel will not put up much of a fight.
Ø Carry pepper spray in your hand when walking or running. It can’t help you in your purse!
Ø If you own a gun, know how to use it. Take a gun-safety course at your local gun club.
Ø If you are on an elevator by yourself and another person gets on by themselves, get off. They won’t know what floor you were going to and it’s better to be safe and wait on the next elevator.
Ø Attackers don’t want a real fight. If you feel threatened it is important to react quickly and decisively. Scream as loud as you can. Yell obscenities as this will draw attention. Make a real scene and be animated. This will surprise the attacker causing them to hesitate giving you the opportunity to run away.
Ø Have a home invasion plan. Your family probably has a fire escape plan, but do you have a plan in the event of a home invasion?
Ø Keep your cell phone by the bed. If a break in occurs and your land line is compromised you can still call 911.
Ø Invest in good locks, doors, and even an alarm system for your home.
Ø NEVER enter your home if you arrive and the door is open and you do not expect anyone to be home. Call the police immediately.
Ø Never indicate the number of people in your household or that you are on vacation or out of town on your voice mail or answering machine. Have your message recorded in a male voice and keep it simple.
