Holiday Safety Tips To Know When Leaving The Malls
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Courtesy of www.selfdefensewithanattitude.com
This article was written back in April 2008 but I thought it was worth bringing back for the holiday shopping season. With all the excitement and holiday festivities it is easy to become unconscious to what is going on around us. The criminal perpetrator is looking for that one person who is not paying attention to either steal their purse or wallet, rip off their holiday packages, or violently attack them. Staying alert and aware this holiday season will help you maintain your overall safety - whether shopping, at home, or wherever you are.
Have you noticed how unconscious some people are (especially women - and young women) when they leave the shopping mall or even the grocery store? This holiday season - like none other - we should be especially observant and aware of all the people we come into contact with - especially at the malls, shopping center, and the parking lot areas with our holiday packages in hand.
Here are some quick safety tips for staying aware, alert, and safe when leaving the shopping mall and making your way out into the big parking lot areas where criminal types can hangout and just wait for their victims. I have highlighted in red additional information that a friend reader, Larry Kaminer, passed on to me. Thanks Larry. Please pass this information on to other women.
7-Safety Tips To Know When Leaving The Shopping Mall
1. Ladies don’t be talking away on your cell phone not paying attention to what’s around you. If you have your cell phone, ipod or mp3 player hooked to your head, you’re not really paying attention to what’s going on around you. And that really is important, especially if you are going to your car way in the middle of the parking area by yourself. This is exactly the type of person the predator is looking to attack. Be fully aware and totally alert as you walk to your car.
2. Have your keys in your hand and ready as you walk to the car. Be prepared to use your keys as a weapon if you are assaulted or attacked. A great secondary weapon would be to carry pepper spray in your hand slightly concealed. You should definitely know how to use the pepper spray. Don’t wait until the last minute to learn how to use it. The last thing you want to do is spray yourself. Prior practice is highly recommended. Also as you are approaching your car take a look UNDER your vehicle when you are still about 40 feet away. Carry a flashlight at night (or a personal alarm with a flashlight) and use it to briefly illuminate the underside of the car upon approaching. If there is someone underneath the car, he might not have the strength of hold onto your leg or ankle from such an awkward position. However, if he slices one of your achilles tendons before you realize he is there…now you can’t walk.
3. If you have a newer car, you can probably unlock your car from quite a distance away. Wait until you are fairly close to your car before unlocking the door and then only unlock your side. If you press the button more than once it may unlock all doors. You don’t want a criminal following you or hiding on the other side of your car jumping in. Double check in the back seat to make sure no one is there. Once inside your car, immediately lock all doors.
4. Before getting into your car (especially at night), check to make sure there is not someone hiding inside. Get a personal alarm with a flashlight built in so you can easily check your car at night. Some people are not in the habit of locking their car doors – they should get into the habit – and it makes it easier for the predator to get inside your car and be waiting to attack whomever owns the car. Always lock your car doors when getting in or getting out.
5. Don’t leave your valuables unattended. This is a great time for the criminal to rip off your packages or your purse. If you’re trying to get a baby strapped into the seat, look around to see who is nearby. If it looks okay, get your child strapped in and then put your valuables in the backseat or trunk. Always be looking around and monitoring the situation. You don’t want somebody seeing you bend all the way into the trunk or backseat putting in your bags and actually push you into the car. This happens because these creeps are opportunistic!
6. If you’re going to be shopping for awhile be sure to wear comfortable shoes…and that’s not high heels. If you are attacked as you head to your car, you may not be able to get away quickly if you have on 3” high heels. Nix the heels for some comfortable shows. Think safety first.
7. And lastly, avoid parking near large vehicles or shrubbery or up close to a building – especially if you are by yourself. If you are walking out to your car alone late at night to an unlit area covered with shrubs, you may become a target for some predator looking for an easy prey. If you can’t find a parking spot and have to park there, come back before it gets too dark and move the car closer to the entrance. Or you could have the mall security walk you to your car. When returning to your vehicle, be leery of large vans or utility type vans with sliding doors parked right next - almost too close - to your drivers side of your car. If your gut tells you this doesn’t feel right, go back into the mall and have security escort you out to your car. If you decide to get in without security, do so from the passenger side but make sure you lock doors immediately upon entering and exit the parking lot right away.
There you have it - simple little Safety Tips for holiday mall shopping that can keep you safe…and alive!!
Always Remember..Stay Aware..Stay Alert..Stay Alive!!
