I recently took a women’s self-defense class through the Sheriff’s Department in my area. Some of the best things I learned in the class were the simplest to do. I want to share some of the tips that I picked up in the course with you because I think it is such vital knowledge. (Disclaimer: Please note that I am not an expert in self-defense. I am simply conveying what I learned. Please consult an expert for questions you may have about self-defense or for instruction in self-defense techniques.)
1. Time of day does not matter. Be aware of your surrounding at all times. Our instructor pointed out that crime can take place at any time of the day. In fact, many crimes take place in broad daylight in crowded areas. Stay aware of who is around you when it is both light and dark out.
2. Resist the urge to carry on cell phone conversations in stores and parking lots. Who has not been guilty of that one at some point? The instructor emphasized that individuals looking to do no good, often go for the distracted person to accost. A person deep in a cell phone conversation is not paying much attention to the surroundings (Hard for us humans to do two things at once).
3. When shopping, even if you have only a few items, take the items out to the car in a cart. The idea here is that the cart can provide a barrier between you and someone approaching you. The cart can put physical space between you and a potential assailant.
4. Do not hit the car door clicker over and over in the middle of the parking lot to help you find your car. Had not thought of this before the instructor mentioned it, but this leaves your car doors unlocked with you not right there at your car.
5. A small flashlight can be a very good thing to carry in your hand in parking lots, parking garages, and various other places. If need be, you can shine the light in somebody’s eyes to temporarily disturb vision or utilize either end of the flashlight as a protective device.
6. Trust your instincts. If you feel something isn’t right, it probably is not. Remove yourself from those surroundings as quickly as possible and seek any help you feel that you need.
Participating in this course certainly made me much more aware of many things regarding personal safety. I hope that these tips help you as well.
Another personal wellness post to definitely check out is:
Great tips! I never thought about #3 before! (coming over from SITS, congrats on your SITS day!)
I had not thought about the use of the shopping cart either until the instructor pointed out.
As a sexual assault survivor, thank you for posting these! they are very important tips to take into account every single day.
I greatly appreciate your thoughts. Means so much.
I agree that these are great tips! I try to be very careful everytime especially when I’m outside. I get scared when hearing stories of people getting mugged and all other stories and then realized, anything can happen so being prepared is a must! Thanks for sharing!
Glad to share if it helps even one person.
I haven’t thought about using the cart as protection either! Thank you for posting this article!
Maria
http://www.musicteachingandparenting.com
Yes, who knew a cart could be so helpful beyond carrying grocies.
This makes perfect sense! My husband tells me these types of things always before I would go places. I have been guilty of the phone thing but I haven’t done that much recently. And since I’ve been expecting for 3 months now…I’m actually in the 2nd trimester, I often don’t go places with just me and my son alone which can be a lot of I’m going to the grocery store to get more than a few things. My husband comes along. Other times, I will go for a few things and leave the guys home so I think the way we’ve been doing it recently allows for me to be even more alert when I’m alone and only getting a few things. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Countdown in Style! Don’t forget to stop by Friday to see if you have been featured. 🙂
I’m paranoid about my surroundings, from cars to kids. I always have an eye out for odd behavior, probably being overly cautious. Love these tips. Pinned and shared! Thanks for sharing and linking up with Countdown in Style! Don’t forget to come back on Friday to see if you were featured!
~~April~~
100lbCountdown.com
The self defense instructor said being aware of your surroundings at all times is key. Sounds like you are being very smart.
I had not thought of the shopping cart! Makes sense! Thanks for sharing these!
The shopping cart tip is easy to follow and really does make sense doesn’t it.
Thank you so much for sharing this post! We all could use a reminder with tips like these. I’m definitely guilty if being distracted and in the phone I the parking lot. I also have used the key fob to find my car, but I like to hit the lock button and watch for the lights to flash or press again to sound the horn. Thanks so much for linking up at Tips and Tricks Tuesday!
Oh my goodness, the things we don’t think about. These safety tips are great, thanks so much for sharing!
I would love to have you hop over and share with us at Tell Me About It Tuesday!
http://www.sweetsillysara.com/2014/02/welcome-to-tell-me-about-it-tuesday-and.html
Thanks so much for stopping by. I have hopped over to Tell Me About It Tuesday!