Self Defense Tips For Protecting You And Your Family!

When it comes to staying safe, it's important to stay sharp. Knowledge is the best defense. Here are some great practical tips to consider when being out in this crazy world we now live in.

Be sure to let these all soak in and always put them into practice. Remember the basic rules; There are strength in numbers and sound is your friend. They may just help save your life!

When Walking

• Never walk alone. Most attackers will be discouraged if you have someone else walking with you.

• Stay in well-lit areas. Avoid dark, deserted areas

• Avoid shortcuts through parks, vacant lots and other deserted places

• If you have a purse, keep it close to you, not dangling. Never set it down unattended

• If a driver stops to ask you directions, keep a fair amount of distance between you and the vehicle. If you're too close to the car, you could be pulled inside or forced in by gunpoint

• If you're being followed by someone, cross the street and keep looking behind you. This may discourage the follower. Walk towards a well-lit home, business or a group of people

• If you're being followed by someone in a car, quickly turn around and walk in the opposite direction. If possible, get the license number, seek a safe location and call the police

• If you are using your cell phone, always keep your head up, look around and be alert. Cell phones can be distracting and it only takes an attacker a few seconds to blindside you

• When returning home, have your key ready to open your door without delay

• Leave your outside light on. You may also want to consider adding some motion-activated lights so you can easily see when you return home

When at Home

• Consider installing a peephole so you can see who is at your door. Always ask for identification before opening your door for anyone you don't know. Strangers should not be allowed in your home

• Don't leave sticky notes on your door saying you're not at home

• Use your last name and first initial only on your door, mail box and in the phone book

• The average predator will watch you 6-12 times before committing their crime. Be aware of strange vehicles and who is in your personal space

• Consider buying a dog dish and putting it by the front door. Even if you don't own a dog, the idea of a dog inside could work as a deterrent

• Replace the locks when you move into a new house or apartment. You don't know who has keys to the old one.

• Remember, the best lock in the world is no good if it's not ever used. Lock your doors and windows.

• Keep your shades closed to avoid a view into your living space

• Make sure your home is well-lit; even if you're not at home. Light acts as a theft-deterrent

• Never allow service workers into your home when you're not there. It's better to have more than one person at home when work is being done

• Get to know your neighbors, especially the person who's usually home during the day. They serve as your eyes while you're away.

• Consider purchasing timers for the television and lamps in your home and set them to turn on and off at different times on different days, if someone is staking-out your place, it gives the impression someone is home

• If you're away for an extended period of time, have someone you know take care of things at your home. Have them collect your mail and newspapers

• Something most people don't think about these days is social sharing. Be careful on what personal information you're sharing on the internet. Avoid sharing your daily agenda with people, disclosing where you are going and when you will be arriving. All a predator needs is your name to determine just about everything about you