safety, 101

I went to a luncheon last week, and the speaker was from a group called Crime Stop USA (http://www.crimestopusa.net/). The guy had a surprisingly entertaining presentation (for a rather heavy subject), full of very useful, very basic things to remember to keep yourself and your family safe.

The overall thing to remember is that assailants are looking for a quick, easy target. Here are some tips on making yourself appear much too difficult, or at least the most undesirable victim:

• When walking from a store to the car, have your keys in one hand, and your bags in the other. Look like you're "on a mission" for that car and nothing is going to stop you. This puts out a much different vibe than if you're struggling with bags, digging through your purse for the keys, and simultaneously yacking on the cell phone.
• If you are a woman living alone (or even if you don't), keep a pair of large-sized, dirty boots on your porch. Or a big dog bowl that says "Killer" or "Butch" on the side!
• If you do find yourself in a kid-knapped or rape situation, the best thing you can do is talk - tell your assailant about yourself, about your family, about your kids, what you did last weekend, frustrations at work, your favorite vacation. In these situations, the motivator for the assailant is all about power and control - you are an object. Un-objectify yourself, become as human as possible to them. They probably won't immediately go away, but it may save your life.

I walked away with keychain device filled with the most powerful, reliable Chemical Defense Spray made that is legal and non-lethal - a combination of pepper spray, tear gas, and an ultraviolet dye that allows the police to more easily identify the individual. You can order one over the phone: 888-577-SAFE (7233)

These guys are comedians who do safety awareness presentations all over the country - it was very good and I would recommend them for any group.