| Kidnapping is a very real threat, wherever you may | | | | someone knows where you're going and who you're |
| be in the world or whatever city you may live in. It's | | | | meeting. Leave word with a family member or friend |
| not just a problem in third world or politically unstable | | | | where you're headed and if possible, give the name |
| countries. Each year, tens of thousands of adults and | | | | of the person you're about to meet and other details |
| children go missing due to kidnapping, the reason for | | | | you might know. |
| which may not always be related to money. To | | | | Meet them in a crowded place or somewhere other |
| protect yourself and your family, here are tips on | | | | people can see you. Heavy human traffic is a major |
| how to prevent kidnappers from victimizing you: | | | | deterrent for kidnappers and may just save your life. |
| Find alternative routes | | | | Tell your child to never talk to strangers |
| If you think there is a threat, find other streets or | | | | Train your children to avoid strangers, even if they |
| highways you can use when driving from home to | | | | seem friendly and offer gifts. If a stranger asks for |
| work and back. Kidnappers rely on your routine to | | | | help, tell your child to refuse and to call the attention |
| track you down and then look for a time when | | | | of an adult immediately. If a gift is being offered, tell |
| you're most vulnerable to an attack. | | | | them not to accept anything. |
| Do not accept lifts offered by strangers | | | | Arm yourself with self-defense weapons |
| Once you get into a stranger's car, you are at their | | | | Other than a gun, there are weapons and gadgets |
| mercy. They could either incapacitate you or hold you | | | | you can carry with you that are very effective for |
| hostage and you might not have an opportunity to | | | | preventing kidnapping. Pepper sprays, for example, |
| defend yourself. | | | | are very effective for stopping an attacker and |
| Do not leave your doors open | | | | giving you sufficient time to incapacitate him/her and |
| Kidnappers don't always snatch their victims off the | | | | escape. |
| streets. They can sometimes begin the attack right in | | | | A stun gun is also a very important self-defense |
| your own home. To prevent kidnapping in your own | | | | weapon to bring to help prevent a kidnapping. A stun |
| property, close your doors and gates and install locks | | | | gun is capable of bringing a sufficient bolt of |
| or alarms. The more secured you are inside, the | | | | electricity to shock an attacker, rendering him/her |
| more difficult you will be to abduct. | | | | helpless for a few precious minutes so you have time |
| Let someone know where you are | | | | to run away. |
| If you must meet a new acquaintance, make sure | | | | |