Self Defense Odds and Ends

I have written and shared several articles about self defense, armed self defense, threat awareness, defensive mindset and other stuff.

This one is a mish-mash of advice and tips that didn’t necessarily fit into any of the other articles, but are still useful bits of information.

Personal Safety While in Public

Dining out? If you have a choice between a table or a booth, choose a table. Booths limit your mobility. Standing up is far more difficult in a booth even if you’re sitting at the outer end. So responding to an emergency could be challenging. And if you carry, trying to draw your weapon is impeded when in a booth.

If you’re going out with friends and someone else is driving, have a backup plan on how to get home in case things change. For instance…
… if you want to leave before they do,
… if they want to go somewhere you aren’t comfortable going,
… if they leave without you,
… if something else happens.

Going out for drinks? Order your own drinks and watch the bartender as he or she pours them. While most bartenders are trustworthy, there are a few who might choose to work with a predator and put something in your drink. And, of course, never leave your drink unattended.

Only accept rides from people you know well. If a friend of a friend offers you a ride, think carefully before accepting. You may have met them, but unless you know them well, don’t get in the car. You don’t know if they’re trustworthy.

If you carry a purse, wear your jacket or coat over it to keep it from being easily targeted. This will, of course, only work with certain purse styles. But it’s a good tip to keep in your self defense toolbox.

Public Restrooms: Let’s face it. Having to use a public restroom is unpleasant. And most of us, if given an opportunity would rather use one that doesn’t get much traffic. But it’s actually safer to use restrooms that are in busy areas. You’re less likely to be attacked in a busy restroom than a secluded one.

Carry a good flashlight. A simple blast of high-powered light can temporarily blind an attacker, giving you time to get away. Use a good, reliable, well-built flashlight. It can also double as a weapon if necessary.

Keep your cell phone in your pocket or somewhere else on your body (except in your hand) whenever possible. If an attack occurs or violence breaks out where you are, you may not have a chance to grab your phone (or purse). Once you’re out of harm’s way you’re going to want to have your phone to call for help.

Child Safety: Choose a password (something easy for your child to remember) and tell him/her to ask for the password if any stranger tells them that you asked them to pick your child up. If the stranger doesn’t know the password, tell them to run and get help.

Alternately, tell your child not to believe any stranger and to go to a trusted person for help.

“Here’s an example of a safety plan that works well with many children (the key words are ‘threat” and ‘escape’);

If mommy ever says ‘threat,’ you get behind me or daddy immediately without asking. And when you get behind me, you grab on to my shirt or jacket and hold on unless I tell you to do something else.

If daddy or I ever say ‘escape,’ you run. If we are in a house or store, we want you to run for the door and get outside.

You’ll need to tailor your child’s key words and directives based on what your family is likely to need.” ~Understanding and Applying Self-Defense Strategies by Tammy Yard-McCracken

Defensive Tips

Pre-set yourself for success. Imagine yourself in a situation where you successfully defeat an attacker. Visualize yourself using tactics and techniques to successfully defend yourself.

By repeatedly visualizing your successful defense, you will “program” your muscles to respond automatically. You will “pre-set” yourself to respond with the same proficiency in real life.

“When you have the opportunity to escape from a situation before it turns bad, do it. If an approaching person gives you the creeps, walk on the other side of the street. If an elevator door opens and the person inside makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, wait for the next elevator. Those actions aren’t cowardly; rather, they’re a smart way to eliminate danger.” ~Black Belt Magazine

Don’t get into fights. There are some people who have to save face because their ego has been bruised. (Someone said something that ticked them off.) They choose to become angry and vindictive. That’s dangerous because they don’t know what the “offender” will do if things escalate.

If your ego gets bruised, you need to ask yourself if the situation is worth going to jail for, going to the hospital for, or dying for. If someone offends you, walk away. No matter how difficult that may be. If someone tries to start a fight with you, walk away.

Any time you can avoid a fight, do it. Don’t fight a mouthy jerk. Don’t be a mouthy jerk. You might just save your life.

If you find yourself in imminent danger of serious harm, do something. Don’t just stand there waiting for the inevitable. Run away if you can. Fight if you must. Strike first. Keep striking. As Colonel Jeff Cooper says, “If you find yourself in a fair fight your tactics suck.”

What’s the best target to choose on an attacker? Whichever one you can reach! It doesn’t matter which target you choose. Just choose one and go for it. Then choose another and another. Until the attacker is incapacitated.

“I’ve often seen people suggesting that we grip our keys, pointing each key between and through our fingers, to use as a sort of “Brass Knuckles” affair for striking an attacker.

I do not believe this would be a realistic or good approach. First of all, it takes time to arrange the keys in such a fashion. Next, you will likely succeed more in hurting your own hand than you will anyone else.

I’m not a fan of this and do not recommend the practice.” ~Jim Davis: Armed-In Plain Sight, When You Can’t Carry.

Speaking of “brass knuckles,” you know those key chains that look like cute cats? They are illegal in some areas. Just because you can buy a weapon online doesn’t mean it’s legal where you live or work. Check the laws in your state and city/town to be sure.

~Shereen

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