Staying Safe

So many good tips from our speaker last week, Byron Walls. I don't know about any of you, but as soon as my hubby walked in the door after a long day at work, I felt compelled to tell him just how "unsafe" our house was, as well as how I MUST buy some pepper spray that attaches to my keychain. ;) A bit dramatic, yes, but Byron really got me thinking on how I can do a few simple things to make not only myself safer, but my family. Here's a few notes I jotted down incase you missed the meeting or didn't get a chance to write them down.

* Put a dog bowl (a BIG dog bowl) in your backyard even if you don't own a dog. It will make the intruder think twice about trying to enter your home. You can even get creative and put a name on the bowl.
* Put alarm stickers on every window that's accessible to an intruder. This makes them think you have an alarm system, even if you don't.
* Purchase door stop alarms for windows and sliding glass doors. 

Here is a link to one I found on Amazon for regular doors. Also good to take with you while traveling.

http://www.amazon.com/GE-50246-Smart-Home Alarm/dp/B0000YNR4M/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_1

*When walking to your car be aware of your surroundings. Have your keys in hand. DO NOT rummage through your purse as you are walking to your car. You make yourself an easy target.
* Before you enter your car, make sure no one is in the back seat(s)
*If you happen to break down on the freeway at night, stay in your car and call someone for help. If you do not have access to a phone, just stay in your car. If someone approaches, do not open your door, simply ask them to call the police. Best option is to be carrying a reflective "Call Police" sign at all time in your vehicle. Put this up in your back window and wait for the cops to show up. Another tip is to sit in the passenger side seat. Makes a person with bad intentions think that maybe there was another person in the car who left to get help, that person could be returning at any point.
*Always give criminal what they are asking for, unless they say get in the car. In that case, run! If they ask for your purse, throw it as far as you can and run.
* If you are ever in a rape situation, talk to him. Make it personal. If you can, try & get as close to him as possible. Run your fingers through his hair, then push your thumbs into his eyes as hard as you can. This is your best chance at getting away.

Most recommended weapon is CS/Pepper spray. (OMEGA is a great brand) Get one that shoots a jet-stream at least 8-10 feet. Byron recommends this as the best weapon of choice, because you will not hesitate to use it the same way you might with a gun. 

If you have any questions for Byron or would like to purchase any of the items he had check out his website:

http://www.californiacrimefight.com/byronbio.htm