Next time you're out shopping or driving or just walking around the neighborhood, take a good look at what others around you are doing. Most people today spend their time looking down... looking down at their phones. Texting, looking at pictures or videos or calling someone, not paying attention to what's going around them at all.
I've seen groups of teen girls (and boys) walking together, but not even talking to each other, just giggling and texting! Yes, there may be safety in a group, but not when everyone has their heads down, not paying attention to where they are or who else is around. Self-defense is the last thing on their minds.
I remember being taught to keep my head up and notice my surroundings when walking, especially at night or when alone in case danger was lurking. "Walk in the middle of the street or sidewalk, keep away from alleys and gangways, walk fast and confidently, walk with a friend, and keep your keys in your hand with a pointed end out in case you're attacked"-these were some of the things I was taught growing up in a big city.
These simple instructions can keep you safe no matter where you go, whether you're young or old, male or female, living in an urban, suburban or rural area.
Sure, you can still keep in touch with your friends and family via your cell phone, but maybe every now and then, look up and check out what's going on around you. Maybe someone has been watching or following you, maybe someone is out to grab your phone or purse, or worse.
Keep something sharp in your hand, like a self-defense keychain, just in case. It could save your life. Think about other, ordinary, everyday objects that may be used to fight off an attacker-a pen, sharp fingernails, a large ring, a knife, a monkey fist keychain (a cord covered 1"steel ball), pepper spray or a loud personal panic alarm. There are plenty of other non-lethal self-defense products on the market to use. Check them out to see what you would be comfortable using if necessary.
Maybe you live in a "good" neighborhood or shop at a large, safe shopping mall. Don't be fooled. Criminals attack everywhere and any time. Just watch the news. Cell phones and wallets are the most common items stolen from victims. Perhaps you should keep one of your older style cell phones with you and give that one up if robbed. Just don't be caught talking on the latest cell phone and try to fool the thief with the old one. Keep the new one out of sight until it's safe to use it.
Lock your car as soon as you get inside. Carjacking still happens no matter what the neighborhood. Again, the best defense is to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions so you don't become the next victim.
Don't go it alone... talk with your friends about safety and self-defense. Find a way to make it fun & cool.
Christine is the owner of Platinum Security Products, "Providing Peace of Mind in a Crazy World." She helps people feel safer by providing non-lethal self-defense products that are easy to use.
Offering non-lethal self-defense & security products for home, car, and business such as the strongest pepper spray available, discount pepper spray, best stun guns for women, small home safes, Phazzers, wireless home security, kubaton mini batons, affordable stun guns, personal alarms, small hidden cameras, fighting/military DVD's, and more.
By Christine Howatt
