Principles of Personal Safety

PERSONAL AWARENESS -- IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY!

Some helpful things to remember

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it. DO!
   
   

   Be Aware and Suspicious
   Avoid Routine
   Be Methodical
   Have Good Communications
   Use Common Sense and Initiative
   Be Flexible

2. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you… chances are that he is more interested in your money or credit cards. THEN RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3. Alternatively have a second wallet/purse containing small denomination notes and fake credit cards like those in mail shots - tossing that away before making your escape.
4. If you are ever thrown into the boot of a car: kick out the rear taillights, stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won’t see you but everybody else will.
5. Many women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working etc. and just sit (doing their cheque book or making a list etc.) DO NOT DO THIS! The predator will be watching you and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head and kidnap, rob or worse. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
6. A few notes about getting into your car in a car park or parking garage.

   a. Be Aware: Look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor and in the back seat.

   b. If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.

   c. Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of the vehicle and the passenger side. If a male is sitting in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall or work and get an escort to walk you back out.

   d. If there is a flyer or something under your rear wiper do not get out to remove or inspect it, a car thief could have placed it there to entice you out so that he can take the car - with the keys so thoughtfully placed in the ignition!

7. Always take the lift (elevator) instead of the stairs (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot).

8. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely will not be a vital organ. RUN.

9. Women are always trying to be sympathetic. STOP IT! It may get you raped or killed. Ted Bundy the serial killer was a good looking, well educated man who always played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane or a limp and often asked “for help” to get into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

Tim McGill - Security Specialist

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