| Even though most people today realize that crimes | | | | spray, don't leave them in a drawer somewhere. Too |
| happen, but never prepare for the possibility that | | | | many people believe that the need to use such |
| they themselves will become a crime victim. | | | | products is a long ways off. If they are lucky enough |
| Regardless of your age, appearance, location, or | | | | to have pepper spray in their bag when someone |
| lifestyle, crimes ranging from home invasions to | | | | dangerous approaches them, they have no idea what |
| carjackings to assaults are possibilities that you should | | | | they are doing and waste valuable seconds just |
| prepare for. | | | | figuring out how to use it. You might feel silly |
| Too many people assume that the police will protect | | | | practicing your techniques on a dummy, but this |
| them if they are confronted by a criminal. Truthfully, | | | | experience will pay off. |
| unless there is a police officer in the immediate | | | | 3. Maintain situational awareness. This doesn't mean |
| vicinity, defending yourself is up to you. In this | | | | being paranoid that everyone on the street is out to |
| situation, you are your first line of defense. Here are | | | | get you, but you do need to be aware of your |
| 3 tips for ensuring your safety when it comes to self | | | | surroundings. Be aware of strangers who may be |
| defense: | | | | approaching you, or dark areas where they might be |
| 1. Prepare proactively. Instead of waiting for an | | | | hiding. If you spot something suspicious, grab your |
| attack to happen, do everything you can to prepare | | | | stun gun or pepper spray so that you'll be ready to |
| for the possibility. Enroll in a self defense class, | | | | stave off the threat of violence. |
| purchase pepper spray, and consider what you would | | | | By following these three steps, you'll be well on your |
| do if you were suddenly confronted by an attacker. | | | | way to being able to defend yourself against violent |
| Protect your home with better security devices. | | | | crimes. Always remember that you must rely on |
| Take these steps now, instead of wishing that you | | | | yourself for defense. To put up a strong defense, be |
| had a stun gun or a personal alarm when you need it | | | | proactive, be practiced, and be aware. Take your |
| most. | | | | safety into your own hands by preparing mentally |
| 2. Practice makes perfect. Once you have purchased | | | | and physically for the possibility of needing to defend |
| self defense devices such as a canister of pepper | | | | yourself. |