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Post by lilmermaid on May 29, 2013 7:56:24 GMT -6
Protecting Yourself Be prepared to physically or psychologically protect yourself. A good way to prepare is to think ahead. Here is a list of suggestions to help you do that: • Think through how you usually react to crisis situations. Do you flee, freeze or fight? You can change how you react by practicing a different response, if needed. • Talk to others about ways to handle confrontations and rehearse alternatives. • There is no right or wrong way to react. Every situation is different. The BEST response depends on a combination of factors such as the location, the assailant, presence of weapons, your personal responses, etc. • Always evaluate your resources and options. Continue to assess the situation as it is occurring. If the first strategy is not working, try another. • Do whatever you feel will result in the least amount of harm to yourself! Most crimes are crimes of opportunity. A dangling handbag invites a purse snatcher. An unlocked window invites an intruder. If you eliminate the opportunity, you greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Here’s how:
Out Alone • At night, try to stay on well-lighted streets; avoid doorways, shrubbery, dark shadows near buildings, and other potential hiding places. Carry a flashlight. • While walking or jogging, be aware of your surrounding. Look confident and alert. Make quick eye contact with people around you. It’s best to exercise or run errands with a friend when possible. Always dress so you can walk or run easily to avoid attack. • If you are being followed by a car, change your direction. If followed by a person, turn and look at him. This gives you time to think and lets the person know that you are alert. In either case, get to the nearest public place. • A woman should carry her handbag next to her body with the flap or clasp toward her. A man should carry his wallet in an inside or front pocket. • Don’t leave your purse on the back of the door or on the floor in restrooms, theaters, restaurants, or other public places. Don’t leave your purse open or unattended in a shopping cart. Carry your keys in a coat pocket.
In Your Car • While walking to your car, have your door key ready in your hand as you approach. Before getting into your car, glance into the back seat and floor to check for someone hiding. Get into your vehicle and lock the door immediately before settling yourself or packages. • Look for a well-lighted parking place and lock your car – even if you’re just running into the store for a minute. Never leave your purse, briefcase or gym bag in your car. Place them in the trunk. • If you must leave your key with a parking attendant or service garage, leave only your car key, never the keys to your house. These can be duplicated while you’re gone. • Keep your doors and windows locked and windows rolled up most of the way, especially in heavy traffic, keep your purse out of sight. • If someone tries to break into your car, honk your horn repeatedly and try to drive away if you can. • If you are being followed, don’t drive home immediately. Drive to the nearest 24-hour police or fire station, hospital emergency entrance, all-night restaurant, gas station or other place where there are people. • You should not travel, especially at night, when you know you have car trouble or are low on gas. • If your vehicle does fail, turn on your emergency flashers, raise the hood or hang a handkerchief from your window to attract attention, or use a “call police” sign in the windshield. If someone stops, stay in your vehicle and ask them to call for police assistance. • Don’t leave mail or packages with labels listing your name and home address in view, inside your car. Don’t leave your work ID attached to your purse or briefcase.
At Home • Anyone living alone should use only their first initial and last name in the phone book and on the mailbox. Don’t be tempted to list information about your children or your employment in any directory. • When changing addresses, change your locks, too. Install a deadbolt lock and a high security strike plate as well as a peephole. • Don’t leave keys hidden outside. They’re too easily found. • If you suspect your home has been broken into, immediately call 911 from a neighbor’s home. Don’t go inside and risk confronting the burglar or destroying evidence. • Never allow a stranger into your home to use the phone—even if they claim it is an emergency. Speak to them through your locked door and offer to make the call for them. • Invite a friend or neighbor to visit or converse on the telephone when a repair person is in your home. • Always check the I.D. of any repair people, contractors, sales representatives, police officers or other professionals who wish to come inside your home. • Report unusual, suspicious or obscene phone calls to the police and the phone company. • Instruct children and babysitters not to give out any information about who is home, who is out or for how long. • Always lock your doors, draw your shades at night and leave a few interior and exterior lights on. Timers are also a good idea.
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Post by sarahisis on May 29, 2013 8:03:40 GMT -6
Always a good reminder!!
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Post by ReneeW on May 29, 2013 8:05:23 GMT -6
Great info, Lil!! Thanks!
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