Personal Safety
Every day it seems as though photos and messages flash
across social media about someone going missing, oft-times it is a heart
wrenching plea by families and friends, desperately seeking assistance in locating their loved
ones, especially, but not limited to, children and females. Far too often the
media bring reports of persons who are horrifically killed, of the remains of
bodies or of how many days, months or years someone has been missing. What are
we to do in this situation? How are persons to conduct themselves with any
semblance of normalcy in an environment where there is so much disregard for
life? How can we protect ourselves and
our loved ones? Can we carry mace, pepper-spray or ‘tazers’ for personal
protection? No, it is still illegal.
In the current environment personal safety is paramount and
simple tips can save a life, be it yours or a loved one.
(DISCLAIMER: Situations may differ and the following are
suggestions and not absolute solutions but may assist in personal protection.
The author of this blog is not accountable for improper use of the suggested
tips.)
1. Always
inform someone responsible beforehand of intended destinations and times or if
there is a change to that plan.
2. If
using public transport always record the vehicles’ registration number and text
it and/or call (so all in the vehicle can ‘overhear’ you giving the information
to) a designated person as soon as or before entering the vehicle.
3. Always
be aware of your surroundings. Look
around, always be mindful of where you are and who are around you, the time of
day/night and lighting conditions. Be aware and avoid dark, lonely areas or
areas that can provide hiding places for attackers.
4. If
attacked, shout, scream draw attention to yourself and the attackers. (forget
shame or pride think of survival) If in
a lonely place, run to an area with people, shouting and screaming as you go.
5. If
someone tries to grab you or force you into a vehicle or secluded place, put up
a fight immediately and shout for help. Draw attention! Fight and run! Try to
escape as quickly as possible. (If you are scared of any weapon the attacker
may threaten you with just think of what can happen if he/they get you alone or
carries you to a place suiting their intent, think of all the persons who are
still missing, mutilated or dead) A moving/running target is more difficult to
hit.
6. Ladies
the old adage of there being a razor to a battleship in your bags should be
capitalized now! Hair spray or spray perfume can cause discomfort when applied
to the eyes. Spray into attackers’ eyes and run screaming for help.
7. If
the attacker is close or grabs you, a nail file or hat-pin can make excellent
weapons as well as leave marks for the legal authorities to look for. Gouging
or scratching the face, cheeks, eyes, neck or any soft skinned areas of the
body can create enough of a chance for you to disengage from the attacker and
run screaming for help. A good dig can cause enough of a wound that may draw
attention to the assailant and require medical thus giving the authorities a
better chance of identifying the attacker later on.
8. If
an attacker asks you for your purse or wallet, do not hand it to them, throw it
on the ground (obviously you are scared and trembling so it fell from your
hands) and when they go for it run away screaming for help.
Points to note:
a. Anything can be used as a weapon
b. Try
to escape as soon as possible
c. Shout,
scream for help and draw attention to the attackers
d. Put
up a fight to disengage and run away while screaming for help
If you think these tips are helpful please feel free to
share and add any others that may help. Comments are encouraged and welcomed.
