| Self defense is more than taking martial arts | | | | next elevator. Do not go into a stairwell - at least |
| classes or buying some sort of weapon - a lot | | | | not alone (they are isolated and therefore |
| more. Even the best martial artists will tell you | | | | dangerous places).o Monitor your body language. |
| that the best self defense is to avoid dangerous | | | | Victims are usually overloaded with bags and |
| situations. Just like the first rule for getting | | | | parcels. They just stroll along instead of walking |
| yourself out of a hole: Stop Digging. Stop before | | | | with head up, body erect, arms swinging.o Wear |
| going deeply into potentially dangerous territory. | | | | clothing that is not easy to grab. Loose jackets or |
| Effective self defense starts with what goes on | | | | outer layers and untied belts are easy to get a |
| between your ears. | | | | grip on.o If you must talk on your cell phone, |
| Women are often easy targets for violent | | | | continually look around. Save test messaging until |
| criminals because women are typically concerned | | | | you are safely locked in your car, home or office. |
| with matters other than safety. Then, expand the | | | | Build habits that will improve your level of safety. |
| field to include men because violent crime targets | | | | Auto pilot that keeps you from locking the keys |
| them as well. Countering the problem starts with | | | | in your car can also keep you out of harm's |
| sound principles of self defense. | | | | way.o Develop an entering and exiting routine that |
| As handy as it is to function on autopilot, and | | | | includes actions that include getting your keys |
| most of us rely it to get to that first cup of | | | | ready and looking around your vehicle.o Get in the |
| coffee, it does not keep us sharp. Think about | | | | habit of locking doors and windows of both your |
| what you are doing - or what you are about to | | | | car and your house.o Routinely lock the doors |
| do. | | | | after getting in the car or entering your home.o |
| Here are some things to keep in mind.o Pay | | | | Work out a routine for arming your home |
| attention. To avoid being the target of a criminal | | | | security system that takes adults, children and |
| you have to know what is happening where you | | | | pets into account.o Make a point of scanning the |
| are. Do you remember where you car is located? | | | | area when you arrive at your home and before |
| Do you know or can you spot potential hiding | | | | getting out of your vehicle. Keep your eyes open |
| places?o Do not walk into dangerous situations. If | | | | while you gather your belongings, get out and |
| it looks like you may be headed into a problem | | | | walk to the door. |
| area, stop. Turn around or back out. Go back to | | | | Keeping yourself and your family safe starts with |
| the building or office. Find someone to walk out to | | | | what goes on in your head. |
| the car with you. Park under a light. Wait for the | | | | |