how to protect yourself from being mugged/raped!

[Bhaisahab]

a new email from the helpful security people at my office has some tips. now, normally i don't share office stuff on the web, but this is worth a see coz it's alternately dumb and funny. (please excuse the bad english. that's not their strong point.)

the memo goes:

In today's scenario Self-defense Technique is an area of concern. Here are few tips which one can exhibit while being away from home.

SECURITY TIPS ON STREET SAFETY

1. Don't carry more money or valuables than you can afford to lose.

2. Don't make any sudden moves - your attacker is probably as nervous as you are.

3. If you hear rapidly approaching footsteps behind you, flatten yourself against a building if you think you are the intended victim.
(but what do i say if the jogger behind me asks what the hell i'm doing sticking to a wall??)

4. Don't play games if you are followed on a deserted street. Walk briskly to other people for necessary help.
(hey! i can't stop my hopscotch just coz some creep's following me... can i?)

5. If you must carry large amounts of money, don't keep it all in one place. Money belts or certain items of women's lingerie are good alternative places for carrying cash.
(call me what you will, but that turned me on...)

6. Be aware of your surroundings, keep your eyes open, and remain alert throughout your entire trip.
(we indians are notorious for walking with our eyes closed.. no kidding)

7. When you are walking on the street and encounter a fire, brawl, or other incident, resist the impulse to be a spectator, and shield yourself from the action.
(is it ok if i go and help?)


ah, well.

[Lostmessage]

1. How about stopping dead in front of them if they don't have a weapon

6. Be aware of your surroundings, keep your eyes open, and remain alert throughout your entire trip.
(we indians are notorious for walking with our eyes closed.. no kidding)


George Bush said that the world is flat so you might fall off if you walk with your eyes closed.

[La_Serpiente]

2. If they had a gun, I would give them any possesions that I had

If they had maybe a pocket knife or something, I would beat the crap out of them.

[Bhaisahab]

3. box cutters?

;)

[radwriter0555]

4. How about don't be stupid and ALLOW yourself to be in a situation that

puts you in a the position of becoming a victim.

Make wise choices.

Random violence is extremely rare. Granted in crappy places like NYC where the people are like too many rats on top of each other, crime is almost just endemic...

Just make wise choices.

[forgethell]

5. Carry a gun

scream like hell,

don't let them get close,


Don't respond friendly to them if they address you

Run like hell

Carry a gun

[noonwitch]

6. Seriously, greet people you are passing, if it is an uncrowded area

Say hi or whatever.

I've always said if someone broke into my house and had a gun, they can take whatever they want. If they don't have a gun, well, I'm up for the fight. That's the other purpose they make Lousiville sluggers for, and there's one under my bed.

[private_ryan]

9. same here

you better come with a gun....and have it ready. Otherwise, you will wish you got hit by a baseball bat :)

[geniph]

7. Some of it's common sense,

some is luck, and some is preparation.

In the commonsense arena, avoid situations which are likely to be hazardous. Try not to be alone in ill-lit, deserted areas. Don't attract attention when you're riding public transportation or going into bad areas - practice being invisible. Never sit in your car with the doors unlocked. Never flash large amounts of cash/credit cards in public. Keep your hands free as much as possible, and don't keep your valuables in a bag that's easily grabbed from you. Never walk anywhere without knowing whether there's someone behind you. If you're uncomfortable about someone walking behind you, cross the street, go into a store, or walk in the street. Don't walk too near dark areas where attackers may be able to ambush you; if a sidewalk is really occluded, walk in the street.

Not much you can do about luck. Sometimes lunatics will fixate on someone for no apparent purpose. Try not to become a target of opportunity for a predator or a nut.

In the preparation arena - learn to defuse a potentially explosive situation. Learn basic self-defense (getting out of various holds, etc.). Learn how to yell - I mean really YELL, it's amazing how many women can't - "GET AWAY FROM ME! DON'T TOUCH ME!" Never be afraid to create a scene. Also under preparation - if you do become a target, it's usually better to sacrifice a few bucks to a mugger than a few teeth, or your life. If you're a small person, then remember that physics are against you - you may have great martial-arts training, but so might your attacker, and if your attacker's twice your size, then sheer mass wins. Learn when to hand over the wallet. And don't keep anything worthwhile in it.

[TXlib]

10. Keep a dummy wallet

no credit cards or other stuff, with $10, or $20 or so to keep the mugger happy. All your important stuff is tucked away somewhere safer.

If you get mugged, don't just hand over the dummy wallet - throw it, and run the other way. Most likely, the mugger just wants money, and will go for the wallet, relieved that you turned tail and ran. If your attacker intended you harm, then this is your best bet, anyway. Don't let him take you to Crime Scene #2.

I seem to remember the best thing to yell is "FIRE!", but if your attacker is armed with a gun, perhaps this would not be wise... :)

Other than that, "I don't know you! Get away from me!" is another recommended yell, especially for children.

[HEyHEY]

8. Mug them first

:-)

[TXlib]

11. #3? WTF?!

How will flattening yourself against a building help?

I don't get it...

[HEyHEY]

12. helping the mugger

By already forcing yourself against a wall....it saves time

[meti57b]

13. LOL, yeah .... office memos are so often funny, aren't they.

especially with comments like yours!! Thanks, enjoyed that.

[patdem]

14. #7...resist the impulse to be a specatator...resist the impulse to do

NOTHING...wow...is that a NATURAL impulse or a neuvo impulse? The 'fight or flight impulse' is somewhere in the brain stem...is this neuvo spectator 'impulse in the 'reality tv' part of the brain?' ..shield yourself from the action...I guess fire resistant jammys will do for the fire..but a brawl...maybe 'quick put on a pair of glasses, since NO ONE hits a guy with glasses??'...just a guess??? as good as any suggested in this post..

Thanks for the laugh!! :bounce:

Edited to do the 'impulse thing'

[DrWeird]

15. #8

By placing bits of seaweed and coral strategically upon your shell you can conceal yourself in the background and out wit any potential predators.