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Blogs by Zada Connaway
Fighting back, stay prepared 5/9/2008 3:56:20 AM
Thoughts on personal safety The biggest thing to remember is that you CAN fight back. Check your local laws and find out if mace or pepper spray are legal forms of self defense. Take a self-defense class. There are many available, and are often low cost.
If you are ever accosted, whether they are successful or not, report it to the police. And do it immediately. The sooner the authorities know about it, the sooner they can get the person responsible. And remember as much about the individual and his actions as you possibly can. Even a little thing can be of help to the police. Height, weight, age, skin tone, eye and hair color, clothing, a peculiar gait, and facial hair are all important identifiers.
Were they on foot or in a car? Did you get a license plate number from their vehicle? Which way did they go? Be as aware of everything as you can. It might be helpful to write down anything you remember while you wait for the police, especially if a phone is not readily available.
Another good thing to think about is what valuables do you carry in your purse or wallet that could you carry somewhere else? Do you have a small wallet you could conceal on your person? One that is big enough to carry your identification, credit cards and money, perhaps? Pockets are a good idea, too, for carrying your money if you can conceal the bulge in some fashion.
Coin purses are very good for hiding valuables on your person, and the old trick of concealing “mad money” in your bra is still a good idea for the ladies.
My grandmother always pinned her paper money to an undergarment, and she carried her purse over her arm, but away from doorways and buildings. Keeping it toward the road meant that anyone lurking in a doorway would have to cross more sidewalk to grab her purse. A little less accessible when on the walkways in town.
