Self Defense Tips: Up Your Personal Safety Quotient With Common Sense

Women who learn and practice a few common sense tactics can significantly reduce the likelihood of attack and increase the efficient of their self defense. Thinking through possible scenarios gives you a serious edge, especially at the beginning of confrontations.

If you find yourself in a parking garage, in a stairwell or possibly an elevator alone with someone with whom you are uncomfortable, consider taking one or more of these actions.

• Look the person in the face – make eye contact.

• Start up a conversation. Make some sort of small talk about the weather or ask for the time of day – anything to let him know you are taking notice of him.

• Check out his clothing, height, hair, eyes, and any distinguishing features like scars or moles.

• Look at his hands and arms; check out his watch, bracelet, or rings.

• Note any tattoos. You may need to describe the location and the art.

• Listen for an accent that might give you an idea as to his national origin or area of the country where he might have grown up.

Why should you bother to do all this? You lose your value as a target when you are able to identify the would-be assailant in a police lineup.

While you take note of as many physical characteristics as you can see, get a good grip on your personal weapon. Pepper spray or a mini stun gun – and knowing how to use it – is the icing on your safety cake.