A woman's work is never done
when it comes to safety.
Study the following tips and Stay Alert and Vigilant . . . Everywhere!
Stay alert!
Predators depend on surprise. Get in the habit of always walking with your head up and eyes alert. Frequently scan the street ahead and to each side. Check over your shoulder, too. Listen for unusual noises. Never wander along looking at the ground.
Walk tall and stare at people
Send out the message that you are confident. Walk purposefully. Make direct eye contact. Your direct look says, “I know where you are and what you are doing.” Predators prefer unaware, confused, or fearful prey.
Obey your instincts.
Your instincts are the product of a million year’s worth of practice at staying alive. Don’t ignore them. If anything gives you a funny feeling, seek a populated area at once.
Big numbers are safe
Two people walking together cut their chance of being attacked by 63%. For three or more, the chances drop by 90%. Avoid walking or jogging alone.
Jog with your ears, too.
Never walk or jog wearing a radio, iPod or CD player. These devices make it impossible to hear an attacker approaching from behind.
High heels are dangerous.
They announce that you are unable to run or fight. Carry sneakers or stretch shoes in your purse, and put them on before going outside. This will save your feet, and may save your life.
Stay with the light.
Avoid dark streets, alleys, vacant land, and parking lots. Badly lit short cuts are never worth it. Even if it means feeling uncomfortable or frightened for a bit longer, stay on the well-lit path. Keep your distance from dark bushes or doorways where an attacker might hide.
Show that you’re packing heat.
Buy a personal safety device like mace, pepper spray or a personal alarm. Carry it with you in your purse. (It is useless if you’ve left it in the car.) Should someone approach, stare directly at them as you put your hand inside your purse. Your message is, “I see you and I’m ready.” If the situation requires, use the device at once. Do not wave it around while you make warning threats. Just do it.
Plan what to yell.
If you are attacked, yelling “Help!” by itself is not the best response. Scream at the top of your lungs something like, “Call 911! Attacker has white shirt, blue pants....” Describe the attacker’s hair, race, size, and other distinguishing features. This denies the attacker his sense of anonymity and will make him uncomfortable. He may even break off and run. Keep yelling. Scream the information as loudly as possible. Visualize this strategy over and over until it has become second nature.
Doors are meant to be locked.
Some sexual predators target victims for many days, waiting for an "open" opportunity. They may test doors and windows regularly. Should you forget to turn a lock just once, that’s all it takes.
Do not be fooled.
Many victims have been tricked into letting their attacker inside their homes. An uninvited man on your doorstep is a clear danger signal, no matter how convincing his story may be. Do not open the door, even if you have a chain. If he claims to be in trouble, offer to call 911 or a towing service.
Stump the stalker.
When you drive, check your rear view mirror frequently. Look several cars back. You’ve watched TV. You know the drill. If a vehicle seems to be following, make successive turns to force them to reveal themselves by following you in a circle. If you are being followed, drive at a normal pace to a police station. Meanwhile, if you have a cell phone, call 911 with details about where you are, your car, and the following vehicle.
Call 911 immediately...
If you see suspicious activity, contact the authorities at once. By being staying alert and vigilant, you protect yourself and others.
