Unconscious Self Defense

What we see every day, year in and year out, becomes invisible. The things we take for granted will always be there don’t usually catch our attention until and unless they aren’t there. That’s how self defense gets undermined. A starting point is to think through your everyday routines with an eye toward safety.

Begin with how you leave your residence.

• If you are in a house, do you go directly into the garage or do you have to leave the house and make your way to the driveway or carport?

• Look around for potential hiding places such as dense bushes or a huge dumpster. While you may not control where the waste containers are located, you can trim your foliage and ask the neighbors to do the same.

Think through the path you take from your vehicle to the workplace.

• Have you been parking in a dimly lit, underground garage? Are there other options?

• Do you have to take an elevator that has no video camera inside it?

• Avoid being alone in places where you could not get help quickly.

When running errands, don’t let being in a hurry compromise your safety.

• Be sure to put your cash away before leaving the building.

• Have your keys, plus pepper spray or stun gun, in hand.

• Keep your head up and look around. Stay alert.

One of the most dangerous parts of the day is when you are returning to your home – after work or at night. You are tired and want nothing more than to get inside to relax.

• Do not relax until you are safely inside, with the door locked.

• Look around as you reach your parking space.

• Scan the area before you get out of the car.

• If anything is “off” stay in your locked car and call for support or drive away and get help.