Are you aware of your surroundings? Today we will discuss vulnerability, and shed some light on many ways we leave ourselves vulnerable several times a day. So let’s get down to it.
Here we will discuss tips and various ways you can protect yourself from a possible threat. Half the battle is knowing.
1. Avoid distractions when walking to and from your vehicle. Most people do not realize this is one of our most vulnerable times. Especially at night or in cold weather. Stay off of your cell phone, take out your earbuds. Our hearing is almost as important as our vision.
2. When you step out onto the sidewalk, take a look around. Take mental notes of who is coming? Who is around? Look for any characteristics that may seem off or out of place. Generally people walk with a purpose. I.e. heading to the store, walking to the bus stop, walking to the gym. If someone looks unmotivated and just kind of hanging around headed in no real direction, this may be a good time to take a mental note and watch their behavior.
3. Always go with your gut feeling, it is there for a reason and is generally NEVER wrong. If something does not feel right, and your brain starts producing adrenaline. Your body is telling you to get to safety. Don’t ever second guess your instincts, as they are our god given security systems.
4. ALWAYS have your keys out and ready! I cannot stress this enough, and how important it is. The less time we spend fumbling in our purses or pants pockets for keys, the less time we are left vulnerable to outside threats. When you arrive at your car you want to immediately get in, lock your doors and get that engine running. Don’t play with the radio, plug your phone into the charger, check your hair or make-up. Get your vehicle secured and in motion as quickly and safely as possible. The rest can wait.
5. I see this one all too often. When we get home and park we have a bad habit of hanging out in our vehicle. Whether it’s talking on the phone, listening to our favorite song or getting things from the back seat. These are all vulnerable times. We leave ourselves exposed too potential attacks. I generally drive up and down the block and take mental notes of who is around, and who is heading in my general direction. After parking I immediately exit my vehicle and have my keys in my hand ready to enter my front door. Again you do not want to be fumbling for keys while standing at the front door. You want to minimize your exposure.
6. Parking in your home garage. This can be especially dangerous. Why you may ask? Because garage doors take time to open and close. I strongly recommend backing your vehicle into your garage, this allows your attention to remain on what’s in front of you coming from the outside. Never shut your vehicle off or unlock your doors until the garage door has safely closed. If someone were to come in before the door closes you can put the car in drive and pull straight out too safety!
I hope this helps some of you out there. And remember, a few simple precautions can make a world of difference! stay safe. Brought to you by your friends at On Site Police.
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