Woman Safety Tips

By: Woman2Woman - We care

      As some of you may have read on our fitness page, I am trying to slowly ramp up my exercise program since I injured my knee in December.  Many times I ride my bike with my family on the trails behind our house.  It amazes me how many women I see jogging alone with ear pods in their ears.  That scares the crap out of me – not only am I worried that they will step in front of me without knowing, but they are also in danger of someone grabbing them or causing them harm.  Not only have I experienced being followed and grabbed at by strangers, but many other women I know have also been flashed, followed, groped and even grabbed throughout my life. 
      I took a course approximately 10 years ago from a retired detective on the physical vulnerability of women in many situations.  The stories he told about harm that has come to women by their not being aware of events around them were horrifying.  Women tend to multi-task, they talk on their phones while walking to their cars.  They put children in car seats while not being aware of what is going on behind them, they walk in front of vehicles and turn their heads to their children, etc..  I observe this not only because of what I have experienced and read, but I also read reports on distraction and accidents in my career.  I am going to list some very important safety tips for women that I have learned through reading, experiencing and attending seminars.  We want you and your family to be safe.
1.       Be aware.  Be aware of yourself, your surroundings and others around you.  Criminals rely on the element of surprise.
2.       Listen to your intuition.  If you are in a place or situation that doesn’t feel right – turn around and leave.
3.       Do not run with loud music in your ears.
4.       Do not go on hidden trails alone – take an exercise buddy – it will be more fun too!
5.       Try not to park in between large vehicles if you are in a smaller vehicle, especially panel vans where you cannot see if there is anyone inside.
6.       Try to get all the way into the car and shut the door if putting young ones in the car seat.  If you cannot, make sure no one is behind you and continually be aware.
7.       Before getting out of your vehicle, take a look in the mirrors and through the windows – be aware of who is around you.
8.       While walking to car from store, do not talk on your cell phone.  Hold your kids by the hand, and be very aware of your surroundings, vehicles and those around you.  Calls can wait.
9.       When you get into your car, lock all your doors and windows before starting.  Do not start rifling through your purse or making calls without being secure in your car. 
10.   If you go into a store and you cannot see any employees in the area, do not bang on a counter and say hello, turn around and leave. You can go back later.
11.   If someone grabs you, scream, kick, claw, hit – do not go with them. 
12.   Don’t give strangers your address via internet or on the phone.
13.   There are safety mobile apps like SOS that call for help when you shake the phone – try them!

     Here’s some other websites you can review for women safety tips.  Stay safe – we care!
http://www.kevincoffey.com/women_safety/women_safety_tips_from_a_woman_cop.htm
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/advice/a4364/safety-tips-every-woman-should-know/