1. Pepper Spray:
Pepper Spray allows you to defend yourself against attackers of any size. It provides you with a very effective means of quickly neutralizing an attacker giving you ample time to escape. Its effects are devastating to the attacker but are temporary and short lived, usually lasting about 20 minutes or so. These defensive sprays come in a wide variety of styles and many are even concealed in every day items such as cell phones and lipstick cases. Pepper Spray is legal in all 50 states however some states and cities do have some restrictions so it’s always best to check with your local authorities.
2. Improving your safety while walking on city streets:
Try and have someone with you while walking city streets. There is safety in numbers and attacks are less likely to occur if you are with other people. iPods or other devices that use headphones should not be used when walking. Criminals look for easy targets and not only are the headphones a good sign that you are not paying attention to what’s going on around you, but the devices they are attached to can also be a tempting target of thieves. If you are confronted by someone looking to cause you harm, yell, scream and attract as much attention to yourself as possible. The unwanted attention may be enough to scare away your attacker.
3. Improving your safety while using a taxi other public transportation:
Always use a licensed taxi or car service. Avoid the “Town Cars” that often cruise the streets looking to solicit rides. This practice is common at airports and other public transportation terminals and is unlawful in many states and cities. Many public taxi companies have the operator’s license posted in the rear of the cab for your inspection. Look for it and compare the photo to the driver.
4. Personal alarms equal personal safety:
As I have said many times over, if you are approached by an attacker make as much noise as you can. But what if you are grabbed from behind and the attacker covers your mouth? Personal Alarms are very inexpensive devices that you carry in a pocket, on your belt, or even in your hand and when you pull a small pin it activates an ear piercing siren sure to scare away even the most determined of criminals. Some personal alarms even have built in strobe lights that will temporarily blind and disorient an attacker. Many of these devices can be easily adapted to act as door and window guards as well.
5. Improving your safety while alone at work:
Do you have a job that requires you to meet other people at different locations? Real Estate Sales People for example often meet perspective buyers at different properties. It may be better to meet someplace public like a diner or coffee shop first. You can obtain identification and other personal details there rather than at the property. Always leave word with a co-worker of your meeting plans, including location, times and names of customers. This information will be crucial to an investigation should something unexpected happen to you. Always have some type of defensive spray with you when dealing with clients you are not familiar with.
6. Improving your safety when riding a bicycle:
In most states bicycles are required to follow all the rules of the road. You must travel with the flow of traffic and stop at red lights and stop signs. Avoid riding on sidewalks as this can be hazardous to both you and the pedestrians walking. Try and stay on well traveled roads and avoid alleys and other shortcuts. These places are prime locations for attackers to hide and wait for a potential victim to walk or pedal by. Wear the required safety helmets and other protective gear. A fall from a bicycle can lead to some very serious injuries, even at very low speeds.
7. Improving your safety when living with a roommate:
When looking to find someone to share a house or apartment with newspaper ads or online services can be very helpful. Be sure and not list any specific address of the place you want to share. List only your first name and a way for interested persons to contact you. It is a good idea as always to meet potential roommates in a public location. Be guided by your first impressions of a person. If you get a really bad feeling its better to part ways at this point then allow the situation to progress and have to deal with the mess later on. Before settling on a roommate, ask for references and CHECK THEM OUT! Many private investigation companies and security firms offer a background check service. Spending a few dollars now to know that the person you are about to live with is who they say they are can be money well spent.
8. Improving your safety on the Internet:
Be aware of what information you are sharing on websites. Do not provide your full name, address, and telephone number unless you are 100% sure of who you are giving it to. Do not follow links in unknown e mails. There are many scams out there and your e mail inbox is likely flooded with offers that sound really tempting. Common sense should prevail but often times we experience a moment of weakness and will open an attachment or follow a link and it ends in disaster.
9. Improving your safety while handling cash:
If part of your job includes carrying large amounts of cash you need to be extra careful. Often criminals will watch a particular store for weeks or even months before deciding to commit a crime against an employee. Always let someone know you are leaving for the bank. If at all possible travel in pairs, this way one person can make the deposit while the other remains vigilant to any form of attack. Do not carry the cash receipts in the bag provided by the bank. Place it inside a second bag to make it look less like a bag of cash. Always do a visual check of the bank property while approaching. Look for any strange vehicles or people lurking by ATM’s or night depositories. If you have a bad feeling about someone or something, trust your instincts and leave immediately. Call the local police and wait for help. Its far better to have called the police and have it turn out to be nothing then to walk into a potentially deadly situation.
10. Improving your safety on a first date:
If you find yourself answering online dating service ads you need to be extremely careful. ALWAYS arrange meetings in public places. Never allow yourself to be trapped in a private location arranged by a stranger. Make sure a close friend or relative knows where you will be meeting and at what time. These meetings are best arranged in the daytime as opposed to in the evening or later at night. Pepper Spray is a must in this situation. One of the disguised models, such as a spray hidden in a lipstick case would be perfect. A personal alarm would also be recommended.