Most of us will say that we remember the “good old days”. The days when we didn’t lock the doors, the days when the windows were open, the front door greeted everyone with a latch screen and the only reason that we locked the car doors was so that we could play with the lock pulling it up and pushing it down. We remember when going to the mall alone was therapeutic–a time for us to just clear our mind.
These days are so different, and we have had to take so many precautions that our mothers’ never thought about. We all know about the precautions in the house–a lot of us have ring doorbells, security cameras, security systems and more to protect us while we are in our homes, and to protect the things we have in our homes while we are away. But what about while we are out, what kind of precautions do we as “women of a certain age” take to remain safe.
A law enforcement officer told me some simple things to do that can enhance our safety while we are out:
- Always try to take someone with you–not a child that you have to constantly watch–you will not be attentive to the things around you.
- If you go with someone else have your purse inside next to them–they will have to go between both of you to grab your purse.
- Only take the card(s) that you need and if possible put them in an easily accessible place on your person–an inside pocket that zips, etc.
- Keep your windows rolled up at traffic lights–they can grab you at the light.
- Carry bags/purses in your nondominant arm–you fight better with your dominant arm.
- Don’t stop for gas at night, but if you must and you feel someone staring at you, don’t drop your eyes, look them straight in the eyes–they will then know you have seen them and can identify them.
- Don’t get in the car with anyone. Fight until you can’t fight any more–your chances are much if you don’t get in the car.
- If you are accosted, and can get away run and scream like your life depends on it–it does.
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers at parties, in bars, etc.–we’ve heard this all our lives.
- Don’t stop when someone points and tells you that you have a car problem–drive to a well lighted area, call 911 on your phone while you are looking for a place to pull over.
- Use major highways when possible–they are better traveled. They have signage and are well lit.
There are many other things that we could do to try and stay safe such as carrying pepper spray, taking self-defense courses and even taking a concealed weapons course.
Share some of your precautions that you take so that we can assist each other in staying safe. Remember “thisisyourbestyear”—take extra precautions when you are out and about like your life depends on it, it does. Don’t forget to share the precautions you take.