In light of the news coming out regarding Linda Frickey, victim of fatal carjacking, I wanted to remind the ladies on the board to lock the doors to your vehicle as soon as you get in.
Getting everything situated in the car can wait.
Lock your doors.
This. Being aware of your surroundings and making adjustments to avoid being a victim can help you tremendously.
If you can carry a firearm, please do so. Get some training if you carry.
Some examples i grabbed from my ccw magazine:
Basically be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make eye contact with people. Do not appear timid. GET OFF YOUR DAMN PHONE WHILE WALKING AROUND IN PUBLIC!
Pumping gas - scope out the area while pumping gas. Some people feel the urge to stare at the pump or get on the cell phone. Keep your head up and eyes open. Try not to create blind spots when re entering the vehicle (van/suv).
411 - person approaches you to ask for directions, info, spare change, etc. to distract you. An accomplice can strike at this moment. Dont let strangers approach. Be in control of their distance. Carry a bright pen light to shine in their face and ask "how can I help you?". They will get the idea and leave.
Workplace - with disgruntled employees/customers. When entering and exiting a room, ask yourself "where is my tree?"...meaning ballistic cover. Cover that will shield from firearm or knife threats. Doors are not good since this is concealment from view.
Positioning - imagine yourself at a car dealership waiting for an oil change. Position yourself with the widest field of view. Keep an eye on whats happening in your peripheral.
Phone - Already mentioned this but is very important. Get off the damn phone while walking around in public. You are staring at a screen not paying attention to your surroundings. Easy target.
If no firearm, carry OC spray.
Walking to vehicle in dark parking lot. If possible get security to escort you or have a co-worker walk with you.
The "person approaches to ask for something" thing happened at my house, I was about to put up some stuff and two guys said "He this may sound weird but do you have a shovel?" I said "Nope" and stared at them until they walked away.
I was holding a shovel.
Bought all my girls a HERO2020.
Non lethal, easy to use. Turns an attackers face&eyes into molten lava for a hour.
Thank you for this. I have also been looking at non lethal options to supplement my current setup. Hero2020 is much smaller than a byrna and easier to conceal.
Thanks so much friend.
Wow! Thank you for this! I will buy one.
Seems a bit expensive to learn -$17- for two clicks. I think I will need a lot of practice. I think it might help me to feel safer even if I never use it.
Best advice u/RedWorm 👏
Wow I feel insulted. "Average female temperament". Maybe I'm just not average. I could go for that. When panic sets in for most people, I immediately go level headed and fearless. I've seen grown men panic and so much feel like bitch slapping them. And I say this as A woman.
Same. I had always wondered if presented with a hugely dangerous situation, how would I act? And I'm very pleased that I discovered that I'm fearless and aggressive.
In some ways, I wish that I never learned that lesson, but I am grateful that I know that I can count on myself.
you are not "average". most women freeze. but some women for whatever reason, calm down and focus in times of stress.
consider yourself lucky.
the point is to know yourself. I am pretty calm but a disaster in the physical world.
my daughter is the opposite. we are a great team. I may carry the gun in my purse, but she is the one who will shoot the gun. I am the one who will engage the criminal, she is the one who can pull the trigger.
we are both outliers. work with your strengths for the best strategy.
Sorry, I don't know what to make of this. I'm just a woman. LOL. Seriously though, gross generalizations don't really work in this day and age.
Wow, 20-gauge. That's quite insulting. Don't include me in your generic description of "the average female".
This is probably the only thing that would've made a difference in her case, and certainly the tool most available to all. No weapon can defend against being caught in a surprise attack by 4 people.
Like w hat? Always looking around?
Head on a swivel.
But situational awareness is more than just having your eyes open and that's something conspicuously absent.
Learn to really look. Don't just stare absentmindedly. Don't just scan.
Learn to take in what you're looking at. Body language. Eye behavior. Learn the difference between socially awkward fidgeting and nervousness because they're anxious before doing something bad. Watch their hands. Listen with your ears. So on.
Maybe if i'm in a big city. I wouldn't do most places, seems very paranoid imo. But I guess it's something good to practice.
The idea is that it can happen anywhere.
There has been a.. notable shift in crime in the U.S.
I no longer trust my peers
It's not just most women, it's most people. Too busy multitasking or looking at their phones.