Yikes! My computer has been out of commission for almost a week. I’ll take this opportunity to post safety information that I have saved. This is different than my usual blogs about family health and nutrition. It’s not about picky eaters, either. It’s about safety (which of course is ultimately your health).

Years ago, I attended a seminar on safety. The following tips have much of the information that was presented. Although these tips came to me in an email  transmission and I have no idea who originally sent or compiled the information. We all need a reminder now and again on how to keep ourselves and our children safe. I added the last safety tip, it’s mine. If you ever walk alone, you’ll want to take a few precautions.

Zach defends himself from an imaginary threat. Could you defend yourself from a real threat?

Think ahead to be safe:

1. The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you…and run in the opposite direction. Chances are he’s more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for your wallet/purse.

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won’t see you, but everybody else will. This may save you life.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.) DON’T DO THIS! A predator may be watching you, and this Is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, And tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your air bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat he will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body In a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot or parking garage:
A.) Be aware: Look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle, and the passenger side… If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, preferably in a zig-zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP…it may get you raped or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked for help into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9) I live in the country. I love to walk outside and usually take a 2.3 mile walk. One day, I was attacked by two large dogs. At that time my husband was with me, but it got me thinking, “What would I have done if I were alone?” I’m not afraid of dogs. In fact, I love dogs, and I never thought a dog would come after me. Now, before I leave the house for a walk, often by myself, I take a few things with me.  I keep a spare house key on a keyring with pepper spray. The pepper spray might be very uncomfortable for a dog or person who might want to harm me, but it won’t do any permanent damage. My name and contact phone numbers are taped on it. That way, if I’m injured along the way, anyone helping me will know who I am and who they can call. That goes into one pocket. In the other pocket, I put my cell phone. Next to my keyring by the front door, I keep a whistle on a chain which I place around my neck as I leave the house. I hope I never have an opportunity to use any of these for self-defense or an emergency. Although, I’m prepared if I need to defend myself or call for help.

Wow, I really needed this safety update for myself. It’s easy to forget about our personal safety. We all need a reminder to be aware of our surroundings and how to defend ourselves. Forward this link on to someone you care about: a sister, a friend, your cousin, or post this link on your Facebook page: http://www.babybites.info/2009/02/05/safety-tips/

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