The Basics of Self Defense

The following are important points for surviving on the streets today. These apply to men, women and children of all ages. Most are common sense, others are not as obvious.

1. When in trouble, never yell HELP! Instead yell FIRE!!!! Sadly in our day and age, nobody wants to get involved. If you yell help, chances are no one will come. If you yell FIRE, you will get a response. Curiosity makes people want to go and see a FIRE.

2. Walk with your head up! Look at what is around you. Look at people without ‘staring’ at them. Take in information about the people and things in your surroundings (escape routs, other people etc.) When you look down at the ground, you look like a VICTIM. The kind a true PREDATOR wants.

3. Try not to go out alone, especially at night. There is safety in numbers.

4. Don’t always go to the same places at the same times. Variety is the spice of life, and the basis of safety. Don’t show the world a pattern to make you predictable. (Break and Enters happen this way most often).

5. Stay in well-lit areas, avoiding alleys, hallways and dark corridors.

6. If walking down the sidewalk of a street, don’t walk close to the buildings. Stay far enough out that you can see someone peaking around a corner!

7. Always plan ahead. Know your route before you go out.

8. When walking to your car have your keys in your hands, ready to open the door and get in. Walk to the car in such a way as to see what is around it, or underneath it.

9. Once in the car DO NOT linger. Start the car and drive away. Take notice of other people and cars in your area. Is someone following you? Also LOCK YOUR DOORS. Do this immediately upon entering your car.

10. If you are being followed don’t go home. Head for a police station or some public places were you would be safe till proper action can be taken.

11. If you arrive at home and feel that someone has been or is in your house or apartment, do not enter. Call the police at once. Better to be safe than sorry. You don’t want to surprise an intruder.

12. At an ATM be very cautious. Try to use one that is indoors, preferably well-lit and high traffic like a grocery store. Whether using a high traffic ATM or one alone on the street in a quiet area, always scan the area before getting out of your car for shady looking individuals, hanging around. If one or more is present, move on!