SELF DEFENSE TIPS

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Beware, the information superhighway travels in both directions.

Siri, Google Home, are listening devices.

Turn the baby monitor off when not ln use. Scanners are common.

Never give sensitive information over a land cordless phone.

NO is very empowering. Does a store really need a phone number for a return. Make one up.

Don't put your home address on your key ring.

Don't use the original key for your house or car, any locksmith can make a copy from the number.

It is never required to give your Social Security Number to anyone without a privacy act statement.

Headings on credit reports are no longer protected, your newest address is available.

Don't give credit card numbers for check identification.

When at the cashier, look up. That’s who can see your pin.

Tear up or better still, shred important information before you throw it in your trash.

Be careful how much information you volunteer to service people.

Don't leave information exposed to valet parkers, mechanics, car wash attendants etc.

Register your car to a post office box.

Inventory devices for location settings.

Use a screen shade on your laptop.

Use air tag detector.

Use a camera detector.

Ask a new date to text you a picture of their DL for safety. Forward it to mom or a friend. 

When going out with someone new, explain your plans to a friend or relative, do it in front of your date. 

Clearly state your limits about the level of intimacy you want in this new relationship. it’s ok to say no at any time. 

Suggest your own ideas about what to do on dates. Meet in public places, and stay in public places, not in someone’s house or room. 

Don’t allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t know or trust. 

End the date early if your date becomes drunk or starts to exhibit erratic behavior. 

If you are planning on going to a party, go with a group of friends. Look for changes in behavior by your date or the group. Arrive together, watch out for each other, and leave together. If your friend has interest in someone and wants to stay, sneak a picture, or pretend you want a selfie. 

Don’t leave your beverage unattended or accept a drink from an open container. If you forget throw it out or pretend to spill it.

Don’t allow yourself to get caught up in drinking games; take no pills under any circumstances even if you have taken the same pills before.

Always have a contact person that will come for you if you need them. 

Get self-defense training.

  He: Haven't I seen you someplace before? 

She: Yes, that's why I don't go there anymore.

He: Can I buy you a drink? 

She: Actually, I’d rather have the money.

He: Is this seat empty? 

She: Yes, and this one will be too if you sit down.

He: where have you been all my life? 

She: hiding from you.

He: What's it like being the most beautiful girl in the bar?

She: What's it like being the biggest liar in the world?

He: go on don't be shy, ask me out. 

She: okay go out.

He: Will you go out with me this Saturday? 

She: Sorry, I'm having a headache this weekend.

He: shall we go see a movie? 

She: I've already seen it.

He: I think I could make you very happy. 

She: why are you leaving?

He: I know how to please a woman. 

She: then please leave me alone.

He: I can tell that you want me.

She: Yes, I want you to leave.

He: I'd go through anything for you. 

She: Let's start with your bank account.

He: Can I have the last dance? 

She: You’ve just had it.

He: Your place or mine? 

She: both, you go to your place, and I'll go to mine.

When walking or running in isolated areas at any time, keep the volume on your ear buds low, or turn the music off so you can hear your surroundings.

Leaving the ear buds in gives you the excuse not have to interact with anyone if they try to start up a conversation.

If you have car trouble and are walking for help, try to walk against the traffic so that you can see what is coming.

If shadowed by a car, run back in the direction from which you came. Only continue in the same direction, if there is help ahead. If you feel threatened, spray mace on the air intake under the wipers at the base of the windshield.

Learn the proper way to spray mace while running.

If followed by a car, go back in the direction from which you came. If you continue in the same direction, make sure there is help ahead. 

Never ever under any circumstances get in someone’s car. Is there a door handle on the inside?

Always order taxis by phone. Uber and Lyft by app so that the driver can be traced.

Pretend to look at your phone but take a picture of the uber driver, Text it to a friend. 

Say Hi, Cathy, getting ready to head out, I know your waiting outside for me, we’re hurrying. This is my Uber driver say hi, Tony.

When you tag your luggage, turn the information on the card upside down, and on the back write “info on other side”. Or use your business address. 

Expensive luggage will attract more attention.

Copy important documents and keep it separated.

Carry one credit card separate and on your person. Punch a hole in it and wear it around your neck.

Stay at reputable hotels.

Use the safe for valuables.

Use all the locks provided. Use a door wedge.

When you leave the room, leave the radio or television on.

Hang the "do not disturb" sign on the door.

Use the peep hole, but tape over it. 

When you travel, consider a portable alarm and a smoke mask. If it will be a long stay, bring a length of rope.

Keep the key on you, if possible, there won't be time to find it in an emergency.

Know where the fire exits are. Count doors, turns and obstructions to your room.

In case of smoke put a cloth in your mouth so your hands are free when crawling under the smoke.

If you don't like what you see in the elevator don't get on.

Stand next to the buttons, back to the wall.

If someone gets on that you don't like, get off.

If you feel you're in a dangerous situation, push every button. every time the door opens is a chance for help and to scream or get away.

Deny the privacy afforded by darkness noise and seclusion.

Avoid going thru parks, trees, and shrubs.

Stop looking at your phone.

Walk on the curbside of the sidewalk or in the center of the road.

Don't use alleys sometimes the long way is the short way.

On the phone, don't argue threaten or discuss. Just hang up, it is imperative that you keep a logbook. 

Don't fall for the traps like ego. greed, help, emergency, or authority.

On the street, don't toy have firm words prepared.

I'm sorry you'll have to excuse me. I have to… 

Unlawful restraint this time to act.

You're being harassed by a car walk the opposite way, don't cross the street.