Personal Safety Smarts

A criminal or sexual predator is looking for a vulnerable person who is walking alone, typically at night. Beyond this, most attackers do not plan their crime in any detail. They wish to do the deed and quickly flea undetected.

You can reduce your chance of injury or trauma by observing the following:

1. Be aware of your surroundings. Play "what if...?" How close is a populated area where you can feel safe? How close is a telephone? Public telephones are becoming a vanishing breed. This is the time to carry a cell phone. You should have your local police number on a quick dial. Dialing 911 does not work on many cell phones.

2. Carry a defensive device, whether its pepper spray or a stun gun or other device. Know the product you have and how to use it. Read the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Trust your instincts. Research shows that crime victims were aware that "something was wrong" just before an attack.

4. Over half of all assaults are committed by someone known to the victim. Take notice if an acquaintance is paying unwanted attention to you.

5. Don't wear headphones in higher risk areas. You must be aware of your surroundings.

Auto/Travel

1. Keep your car in good repair. Perform the recommended maintenance schedule. You don't want to be in a position of being alone in a disabled vehicle.

2. Again, this is the time to carry a cell phone. It can literally save your life in an emergency.

3. If you are traveling overnight, make sure you leave an itinerary with family or friends. Include your expected route and choice of hotel/motel. 4. Plan your trip carefully. Use and carry a map or internet map planner and familiarize yourself with the route.

5. Carry an emergency auto kit including flashlight, flares, first aid kit, jumpers, etc. If you do not know how to change a tire, why not learn? It's not difficult and it can get you going quickly if you have a blowout.

On Campus

1. Stick to well lighted areas at night. Know your campus security providers and where they patrol.

2. Dorm security is getting better but is not fool proof. Keep your dorm room locked, especially when alone.

3. Let a friend know if you are going off campus, where you are going and when you plan to return.

4. Do not walk or jog alone.

5. It's best to leave your headphones at the dorm. You must be aware of your surroundings.

About the author: Eugene Brenner is an authority on personal safety products such as pepper spray, stun guns, Taser, personal alarms, diversion safes and home surveillance.

He is webmaster at www.pepperspray-stungun-info.com and www.my-defense-products.com