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3 Steps To Protecting Yourself
The stereotypical crime model, where devious acts are contained inside urban areas, are proven to be false once again as crime is on the rise, even in safe “suburban” areas. As a self-defense instructor, I’ve realized that a wide range of citizens are taking more responsibility for their own safety. They range from using simple safety tips to educating the whole family on self-defense.
I teach my clients that there are two main types of “self-defense” training, one proactive and the other reactive. Proactive ranges from home alarm systems, to taking precautions when out and about for a night on the town. Reactive are more specific techniques to deal with threatening and violent altercations. Although proactive measures are easy to do, they seldom eliminate the one to four minutes an assailant would have to commit the crime. For example, a home alarm may still allow a criminal to assault one or more family members before help arrives.
That is why learning reactive skills, such as how to personally protect yourself and/or your family, is just as much of a necessity. Educating yourself on what to do in a real life attack or threatening situation may seem like it is proactive, but it is actually reactive, because using these skills would happen after the fact. The best strategy is to use both measures, proactive and reactive, to create a safer environment for yourself and family. For the adult or head of the household, here are three proactive and three reactive measures which can be implemented fairly quickly in most peoples’ lives.
Proactive Measures
- Create the habit of being aware. Criminals love stalking those who are in their own little world. Therefore, start to look around more, as you go through your day. Your goal is not to become paranoid, but to start realizing the safety details and opportunities in your average day. This would include walking with a purpose wherever you are at, and never looking like you are lost. Keep your head up, and look at people as you pass them. Criminals like (and need) to get into your personal space in order to assault you, so if you take that away from them, you fail their “likely target test”. Don’t get tied up while talking on your cell phone, or take short cuts through rarely traveled alleyways or office staircases. Many of these points may seem like common sense; however, we easily get caught up in our own agenda and ignore the obvious.
- Invest in alarms. Car alarms and home alarms are a good layer to have for added protection. Do you know that most car alarms have panic buttons you can use even if you feel someone is following you? Have you tried yours out? Most car alarms also activate the locks after you get in or start up your car, which is a great habit to automatically have done for you. Home alarms are a good investment as well, especially if you can add motion lights.
- Travel smart. I train several executives who travel multiple times throughout the week, even those who travel out of the country for business into “higher risk” areas of the world. Therefore, whether you are the frequent business traveler, or family planner taking all four kids on a cruise, you must plan. Another article could be written on just on this one point, but here are some things to keep in mind. First, travel light. The less you have, the easier it is to travel from point A to point B, and it gives you less to keep an eye on. Next, note your emergency contacts, exits when in new environments, and routes to your points of interests. This is just another level of “being aware” as noted earlier. Lastly, attempt not to be the lone traveler. Although it is not always feasible, traveling with a business or family companion when in a new location makes you a harder target. If you do have to travel alone, making a temporary contact with hotel staff or conference acquaintance is a smart move.
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If you want to learn 9 of the best self-defense moves, go to http://www.InstaSelfDefense.com
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